Skip to content
Plate & Curl
Menu

Buying guide

Best curling wands and stylers for hair extensions

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1: air curls, 3 heat settings

    Coanda airflow wraps hair on its own, so there is no hand wrapping to learn.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    ghd Chronos Curve Classic Tong: fixed 185°C, 26 mm

    The listing states it is suitable for short and long hair alike.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    Dyson Airwrap i.d.: under 150°C, two barrel types

    The 40 mm long barrel is listed as a hair waver for loose, bouncy waves.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Extensions do not grow back, so the heat you put through them matters. Many extension suppliers give a maximum temperature for their hair, and the safest plan is to pick a curler that stays at or below that figure. None of the listings in this guide mention extensions directly, so we compare the facts that matter instead: the stated maximum heat, whether the heat can be turned down, barrel size and tool type. Air stylers such as the Dyson Airwrap keep heat under 150°C and wrap hair with airflow, without a hot clamp pressing on bonds or clips. Fixed-heat ghd tongs run at 185°C. Check your extension maker's heat limit, then use this comparison to find a tool that fits it.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Shark

Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1: air curls, 3 heat settings

A dryer that twists into an air styler, which Shark pitches at any hair type and any skill set. Two auto-wrap curlers pull hair round and set it in seconds, with a styling guide in the box.

In its favour

  • Coanda airflow wraps hair on its own, so there is no hand wrapping to learn.
  • The listing says it suits any skill set, and a styling guide is included.
  • It also dries and smooths, so one tool covers the whole routine.

Good to know

  • Curler sizes are not stated in the listing.
  • The 2-year guarantee applies only after registering with Shark, per the listing.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer, Stone, HD446SLUK

No. 2 · ghd

ghd Chronos Curve Classic Tong: fixed 185°C, 26 mm

ghd's classic 26 mm tong, which the listing says suits all hair lengths, short and long. It has a cool tip, built-in safety stand and styling glove.

In its favour

  • The listing states it is suitable for short and long hair alike.
  • A 26 mm barrel is small enough to curl a bob but still gives soft waves.
  • The cool tip, safety stand and included styling glove help when working near the head.

Good to know

  • Heat is fixed at 185°C, with no lower setting listed.
  • Amazon lists 776 g, heavier than older ghd tongs.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: ghd Chronos Curve Hair Curler Tong, 185 Degrees Optimium Styling Tempe...

No. 3 · Dyson

Dyson Airwrap i.d.: under 150°C, two barrel types

A Bluetooth Airwrap with six attachments, including a conical barrel and a 40 mm long barrel for loose waves. The i.d. curl sequence sets heat, airflow and timing at a button press.

In its favour

  • The 40 mm long barrel is listed as a hair waver for loose, bouncy waves.
  • Stored wrap, style and cold shot times let you repeat the same waves each day.
  • Intelligent heat control keeps temperatures under 150°C, per the listing.

Good to know

  • The app features need a phone and the MyDyson app to get the most from it.
  • It is listed for straight and wavy hair rather than curly or coily hair.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Dyson Airwrap i.d. Hair Styler & Hair Dryer Straight/Wavy - Ceramic Ap...

No. 4 · Dyson

Dyson Airwrap Origin: under 150°C, 40 mm barrel

The original Airwrap with one 40 mm barrel that wraps in both directions. The listing mentions soft, unstructured mermaid waves for longer lengths and keeps heat under 150°C.

In its favour

  • A bi-directional 40 mm barrel styles both sides without swapping attachments.
  • Dyson states heat stays under 150°C, below the 185°C of the ghd curlers here.
  • The Fast dryer and Anti-snag loop brush handle drying and smoothing too.

Good to know

  • There is no conical barrel, so tighter sections for contrast are harder.
  • Only three attachments are included, fewer than newer Airwrap models.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Dyson Airwrap Origin Hair Styler & Dryer – Curls & Waves - Prussian Bl...

No. 5 · BaByliss

BaByliss 9000 cordless tong: 180°C maximum

A cordless tong with a 25 mm ceramic barrel and lithium-ion battery. The listing gives a three-hour charge for 40 minutes at maximum heat, enough for a short cut.

In its favour

  • A 25 mm barrel suits bobs and short layers.
  • No cable means easier angles at the back of a short cut.
  • A charge level indicator, sleep mode and auto shut-off are listed.

Good to know

  • Charging takes three hours, so it needs planning before use.
  • Amazon lists 1.62 kg, which likely includes packaging and makes the in-hand weight unclear.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: BaByliss 9000 Cordless Curling Tong - High Heat, Cordless Ease

More buying guides: Curling wands and tongs

Plate and Curl chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.