# Best curling wands and tongs: premium picks Source: https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-curling-wands Publisher: Plate and Curl. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://plateandcurl.co.uk/how-we-pick Barrel size decides the curl more than anything else. A thin barrel of around 14 mm makes tight, defined curls, 25 to 26 mm gives classic curls, 32 mm makes soft, bouncy curls and 38 to 40 mm suits loose waves on long hair. Shape matters next. A tong has a clamp that holds the ends, which is easier for beginners. A wand has no clamp, and a conical wand tapers for a more natural curl. Air stylers wrap hair using airflow rather than a hot barrel. This guide compares premium tongs, wands and one air styler on type, barrel size in millimetres, temperature and weight, using only the figures stated in each listing. ## Products ### 1. ghd Chronos Curve Hair Curler Tong, 185 Degrees Optimium Styling Temperature, Long Lasting Frizz Free Curls Type: Tong; Barrel: 26 mm; Heat: 185°C; Short hair in listing: Yes, all lengths 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. ### 2. ghd Chronos Curve Hair Curler Wand, Long Lasting Frizz Free Curls Type: Wand; Barrel: 38 mm; Heat: 185°C; Listed for: Long and very long hair ghd's largest curling barrel, at 38 mm, made for long-lasting loose curls. The listing says it is ideal for long and very long hair and uses curl-responsive technology. In its favour: - A 38 mm barrel is the size most suited to open, loose waves on long hair. - ghd states a 65% bigger barrel than its standard curlers for faster styling. - The anodised coating is stated to leave hair up to 50% smoother and shinier. Good to know: - The listing names long and very long hair, so it is too big for short cuts. - Temperature is fixed at 185°C with no lower setting listed. ### 3. ghd Chronos Curve Hair Curler Wand, Long Lasting Frizz Free Curls Type: Conical wand; Barrel: 28 to 23 mm; Heat: 185°C; Listed for: Curly and wavy styles A tapered wand that the listing says creates frizz-free beach curls. It comes with a ghd detangling comb and heat-resistant bag, and holds 185°C across the barrel. In its favour: - The listing names beach curls directly as the result this wand is built for. - A barrel that tapers from 28 to 23 mm gives varied, natural-looking waves. - A detangling comb and heat-resistant bag are included. Good to know: - Amazon lists 1.16 kg, which may include the bag and comb rather than the wand alone. - No adjustable heat is listed, so fine hair gets the same 185°C as thick hair. ### 4. Dyson Airwrap Origin Hair Styler & Dryer – Curls & Waves - Prussian Blue Type: Air multi-styler; Barrel: 40 mm; Heat: Under 150°C; Listed for: Coily, curly, straight, wavy 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. ### 5. ghd Curve Hair Curler Wand, Lasting Healthy Looking Curls, Auto Sleep Mode Type: Wand; Barrel: 14 mm; Heat: 185°C; Short hair in listing: Not stated A 14 mm wand for tight, defined curls. The thin barrel lets short sections wrap more than once, and PTC heaters are stated to curl from 3 seconds. In its favour: - A 14 mm barrel is the smallest here, giving curls on hair too short for wider barrels. - PTC heater technology is stated to heat fast and curl from 3 seconds. - A cool tip, styling glove and 30 minute sleep mode are listed. Good to know: - Wands have no clamp, so short ends near the scalp take practice. - The listing does not mention short hair directly. ### 6. BaByliss 9000 Cordless Curling Tong - High Heat, Cordless Ease Type: Cordless tong; Barrel: 25 mm; Heat: 180°C max; Short hair in listing: Not stated 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. ### 7. ghd Chronos Curve Hair Curler Tong, 185 Degrees Optimium Styling Temperature, Long Lasting Frizz Free Curls Type: Tong; Barrel: 32 mm; Heat: 185°C; Listed for: Medium to longer hair A 32 mm clamp tong for voluminous curls. Loosened with fingers, its curls drop into soft waves, and the listing says it is ideal for medium to longer hair. In its favour: - The clamp holds the ends in place, which is easier than wrapping a wand by hand. - Curl-responsive technology is stated to style 3x faster with frizz-free results. - A 32 mm barrel is large enough for bouncy curls that relax into waves. Good to know: - Clamped ends look more polished than the undone ends of a wand wave. - The listing does not state cable length or sleep mode. ### 8. ghd Curve® Curl Tongs, For Lasting Healthy-Looking Curls, With Ultra-Zone Technology And Optimum Styling Temp 185ºC, Protective Cool Tip, Auto Sleep Mode Type: Tong; Barrel: 32 mm; Heat: 185°C; Short hair in listing: Yes, including shorter hair A 32 mm soft curl tong that the listing says suits all hair lengths including shorter hair. On a short cut it gives body and a flick rather than a full curl. In its favour: - The listing names shorter hair, unusual for a 32 mm barrel. - At 363 g it is light and easy to angle near the scalp. - A protective cool tip and styling glove are included. Good to know: - A 32 mm barrel cannot make tight curls on very short hair. - It lacks the curl-responsive technology of ghd's newer Chronos Curve tongs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.