15 Best Curling Irons For Short Hair That You Must Try In 2024

It is easy to achieve bouncy curls in no time with these curling irons for short hair.

Reviewed by Yvey Valcin, Hairstylist Yvey Valcin Yvey ValcinHairstylist insta_icon
Written by Kirtana Divakar, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Kirtana Divakar MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Edited by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Fact-checked by Swathi E, MA (English Literature) Swathi E MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on
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If you are blessed with natural curls, don’t take them for granted because most of us are dying to sport a bouncy curly hair look. And those with short hair might even think that achieving well-defined, voluminous curls is not for them. But thankfully, we have fished out some of the best curling irons for short hair that can help you get tight curls even with short-length hair. So whether you are a newbie or someone who has been rocking the short hairstyle for years, check out these amazing curling irons curated carefully after analyzing features and reviews. They are ideal for everyday use and are worth investing in to get salon-quality results. Keep scrolling!

Top Picks

The 15 Best Curling Irons For Short Hair You Can Get your Hands On

Chi Spin N Curl

Get stylish, tighter curls with the Chi Spin N Curl, made with innovative technology. It has a 1-inch ceramic barrel that rotates to draw hair into the chamber to create perfect curls. The curler is ideal for shoulder-length hair and has dual buttons which control the direction of the curls. Its convenient features include an LCD that displays the customized timer and pre-set temperature setting. The desired temperature is 370°F at the lowest and 410°F at the highest. The timer can be adjusted by pressing the M button and selecting the + or – buttons. It is also equipped with safety features like auto shut off, auto temperature lock at 410°F, and beep alert once the curl is set.

Pros

  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Excellent temperature control
  • Heats up in seconds
  • Digital display
  • Auto shut-off feature
  • Ceramic barrel
  • Dual voltage
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • None

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 4,852 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.


Conair InfinitiPro Curling Wand For Short Hair

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4.3

If you are looking for an affordable curling iron without compromising on the quality, then the InfinitiPro Curling Wand is the one. The 1-inch curling iron is perfect for creating silky and defined curls with ease. It heats up to 400°F and has 5 LED temperature settings. This curling iron for short, fine hair comes with an auto-off feature and a protective heat shield which helps in damage prevention. The ceramic coat barrel instantly heats up within 30 seconds and the nanotechnology paves the way to shiny locks by reducing frizz.

Pros

  • Reduces frizz
  • Budget-friendly
  • 5 LED heat settings
  • Auto-off technology
  • Adjustable heat settings
  • No hot spots
  • Fast heat-up

Cons

  • May find it slightly hard to use with minus gloves

protip_icon Pro Tip
Leave out the last inch of the hair while curling to offer your hair a natural, bouncy look.

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 16,704 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.


DAN Technology Travel Curling Iron

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3.9
DAN Technology Mini Titanium Curling Iron Image: Dan Technology

This compact-size curling iron from DAN technology is only 10 inches, which is easy-to-store and travel-friendly. It is equipped with a nano titanium plate + PTC heater, which lets it heat quickly up to 430°F within 15 seconds and thus reduces styling time. It gives even heat distribution, reducing the chance of heat damage and giving you the most natural-looking curls and voluminous waves with minimal effort. The tangle-free 5.9-feet long swivel cord enhances your hairstyling experience. It is lightweight and has a dual voltage option that can be used in the US and European states alike.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Travel-friendly
  • Fast heating
  • Anti-scald tip

Cons

  • No temperature control
Chi Spin N Curl
Conair InfinitiPro Curling Wand For Short Hair
DAN Technology Travel Curling Iron
Material Ceramic Ceramic Titanium
Hair Type All All All
Shape Barrel Barrel Round
Dimensions 15.25 x 6 x 3.5 inches 5.98 x 2.56 x 15.24 inches 9.8 x 1 x 1 inches
Weight 1.7 Pounds. 1 Pounds 7.84 Ounces.
Color- Turquise-
Rating
Reviews4,85216,704-
Price$73.74$26.99$22.99

Kiss InstaWave Automatic Curler

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4.1

With the Kiss InstaWave Automatic Curler, you will get your hands on one of the best curling irons for short fine hair. The automatic hair curler comes with 2 heat settings that can heat up to 420°F. The hair curler detangles hair to create the perfect head-turner curls and waves. Crafted with an auto shut-off feature, the styling hair tool shuts off after 90 minutes when not in use. The ceramic ion technology offers healthier shinier locks and is ideal for short, medium, and long hair. Check this YouTube review video featuring a tester’s experience of using this product.

Pros

  • Curl direction control makes it easy to create inner and outer facing curls
  • Heat control — high, medium, and low
  • Tangle-free
  • Suitable for long, medium, and short hair

Cons

  • It can take a while to get used to using this iron on very short hair

protip_icon Caution
Unplug the curler immediately after use to prevent accidental burns. Let it cool down before storing.

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 2,895 great reviews on Amazon.


Hot Tools Professional Extra-Long Barrel Spring Curling Iron

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4.4
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1/2 in) 1/2 Inch Image: Hot Tools

Create beautiful and long-lasting curls with the Hot Tools curling iron. The curling iron comes in a sleek modern design with a golden barrel. Crafted with 10 variable heat settings, one can create large bouncy curls or loose waves with its powerful spring clamp. It performs better than the traditional curling iron. The ⅝ inches barrel size is perfect for short hair to achieve small, tight curls and gives professional-grade results. It is designed with a tangle-free cord and extra-long cool tip to make styling easy and comfortable.

Pros

  • 10 adjustable heat settings
  • Reasonably priced
  • Ideal for short hair
  • Tangle-free cord
  • Easy to use
  • Designed with a foldable safety stand

Cons

  • May weigh hair down slightly

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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 20,198 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.


Herstyler Baby Curl Hot Pink Teflon Wand

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4.3
Herstyler Baby Curl Hot Pink Teflon Wand Image: Herstyler

With the Herstyler curling iron, you will be able to create tight curls that will last you all day. The half-inch curling iron heats up and provides the perfect temperature of 400°F and is ideal for all hair types. The 360° swivel cord prevents tangling and knots and the negative ion technology prevents frizz. Thanks to the clipless Teflon barrel, you will now be able to achieve shine without any hair breakage. The dual voltage curling wand makes for the perfect styling tool while traveling.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Quick heating
  • Attractive color
  • Dual voltage
  • Eliminates frizz

Cons

  • Does not feature multiple heat settings

protip_icon Quick Tip
Do not wrap the cord around the curler while storing it. The wire connection will loosen and damage gradually. Instead, arrange the wire similar to how it came in the package and store it securely in a cool, dry place.


CHOPSTICK Styler Hero Curling Wand Iron For Short Hair

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4.3
CHOPSTICK STYLER Heroine Professional Curling Wand, 3/8 Super Skinny Rectangular Ceramic Barrel for Tight, Natural, Ringlet Long Lasting Chopstick Curls - Curler for Long & Short Hair Image: Chopstick Styler

Creating those classic curls is easy when you have the best curling iron for short hair by your side. Crafted with a 6¼ inch long barrel, the curling wand is ideal for short and long hair. The negative ions of the titanium coating give smooth and shiny curls. It also has five variable settings to select the best temperature for your hair type. The barrel makes it easy to style your hair to achieve the desired curls. It includes a heat protection glove and has an auto shut-off feature. According to reviewers on Amazon, the curls created with this flat iron last for days.

Pros

  • 5 digital temperature control
  • Auto shut-off function
  • Ideal for short and long hair
  • Easy to use
  • 360° rotating cord

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

protip_icon Quick Tip
Brush your hair with a wide-toothed comb after curling it with this tool to separate the curls and achieve voluminous hair.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 2,911 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.


Here is another fantastic styling product that is worth a mention. This mini hair straightener from Triviiix allows you to set the precise temperature anywhere between 122°F to 450°F based on your hair thickness and texture. It comes with a digital LCD panel for accuracy and the pencil flat iron makes it ideal to style short hair. Treviiix is formulated with ionic technology that offers fast heating within a time of 15 seconds that helps you save time and electricity. Suitable for shorter hair, the dual voltage styling tool is designed with floating plates to adjust to any angle and avoid snagging and breakage. Also, it delivers professional-grade results just every time!

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • Floating plates avoid hair breakage
  • Digital LCD panel provides accuracy
  • Perfect for short hair
  • Energy efficient
  • 60-minute auto shut-off function

Cons

  • The plates may heat up too fast making it difficult to hold for a long period of time


ghd Curve Classic Curl Iron

Next on our list of the best curling irons for short hair is the Curve Classic Curl Iron. This curling iron is crafted with a one-inch medium barrel that works even on short hair to effortlessly transform your look. Designed with a built-in safety stand and ergonomic handle, the curling iron provides flexible and safe styling. The curling iron offers the right temperature at 365°F and the ultra zone technology works in creating gorgeous and defined curls. The curling iron heats up within 25 seconds, maintains a consistent temperature, and also features an automatic sleep mode that gets activated after 30 minutes.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design
  • Quick heating
  • Easy to operate
  • Ideal for short hair
  • Auto sleep mode

Cons

  • Slightly expensive


Xtava 5-in-1 Satin Wave Curling Iron and Wand Set

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4.4

If you are looking for a curling iron with endless possibilities, then you might want to consider the 5-in-1 curling iron set from Xtava. This set includes 5 tapered clipless, interchangeable barrels of different iron sizes and a clamp. The ceramic coating works towards achieving shinier and healthier looking hair that seals in moisture and protects cuticles. This, in turn, controls frizz and hair static. It comes with 9 accurate temperature settings with a digital LCD display. The heat setting ranges from 250°F to 410°F and is ideal for all hair types and hair lengths. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video detailing a reviewer’s experience of testing the tool.

Pros

  • Offers the flexibility of using 5 different curling wands
  • Includes a heat resistant glove
  • Temperature ranges from 250°F-410°F
  • No cool tip maximizes the curling surface area
  • Ideal for every hair type and length
  • Digital LCD display

Cons

  • May not be safe to use without the heat-resistant gloves


BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl Curling Iron

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4.4
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl Curling Iron Image: Babylisspro

The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conicurl is truly one of the best curling irons for short hair available in the market today. The curling iron is crafted with nano titanium technology and features a tapered barrel for easy and precise styling. This hair styling tool is ideal to create curls and beachy waves for every hair type. The barrel provides an even distribution of heat and prevents any hot spots. The curler creates longer-lasting curls due to the ceramic coating and titanium barrel body.

Pros

  • Tangle-free swivel
  • 50 heat settings
  • Works on all hair types
  • Eliminates hot spots

Cons

  • Slightly expensive


MiroPure Curling Iron

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4.1
Curling Iron 1 1/2-inch Dual Voltage Instant Heat with Extra-Smooth Tourmaline Ceramic Coating Image: Miropure

If you’re looking for a travel-friendly curling iron, try the MiroPure Curling Iron that comes with dual voltage, ideal for worldwide use. The 1.5-inch barrel offers you long-lasting curls, and its tourmaline ceramic surface reduces frizz, eliminating static and giving you smooth and healthy-looking hair. The iron heats up in just 30 seconds while providing 410°F as the highest temperature. It has a non-slip grip and an extra long cool-tip for safe use.

Pros

  • Auto shut-off
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Long-lasting results
  • One control button design
  • Instant heating
  • LCD Display

Cons

  • Might get too hot to hold


Wavytalk Bubble Wand Curling Iron

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4.1
Wavytalk Bubble Wand Curling Iron Image: Wavytalk

The Wavytalk Bubble curling iron features a one-of-a-kind, spiral bubble-shaped barrel, which works effortlessly with different hair textures and gives incredible, confidence-boosting results. The tourmaline ceramic-coated barrel helps you create anything from natural, bouncy curls to vintage waves. It imparts a lovely shine to your mane by reducing frizz, sealing in moisture, and protecting the cuticle. On top of that, it comes with nine heat levels or temperature settings ranging from 260°F to 420°F and an LCD display to help you monitor the heat so you can adjust the temperature as per your need. This curling iron is powered with PTC heat technology which allows it to heat up quickly. This bubble curling iron comes with a dual-voltage facility, an anti-scald tip, and protective gloves to keep all your styling woes at bay. Besides that, it features a tangle-free, 360° swivel cord and a 60-min automatic shut-off mechanism for a safe curling experience.

Pros

  • Dual Voltage
  • 60 min auto shut
  • 360 °swivel cord
  • Safety stand
  • Anti-scald tip
  • Variable heat settings
  • Heats up quickly

Cons

  • None.


SalonTech Spinstyle PRO Automatic Rotating Curling Iron

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4.3
SalonTech Spinstyle PRO Automatic Rotating Curling Iron Image: Salon Tech

The Spinstyle Rotating Curling Iron by SalonTech is perfect for creating anything from ringlets to beach waves and loose curls. The device has a 0.75-inch barrel, which is perfect for styling short and medium length hair. It features a patented curl dial technology that allows you to create curls quite seamlessly. The diamond dust coating on the surface of the ceramic barrel lets you create frizz-free curls by providing consistent heating. The curling iron can be heated to temperatures ranging from 250-450° F. According to Amazon reviewers, the product is lightweight and works well for fine and thin hair.

Pros

  • Heats up in 60 seconds
  • Adjustable temperature setting control dial
  • Automatic curling technology
  • Easy operation
  • Automatic shut-off feature
  • Ideal for all hair types

Cons

  • Not compatible with all plug outlets


Le Angelique 1 inch Curling Wand

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4.3
Le Angelique 1 inch Curling Wand Image: Le Angelique

Le Angelique features a ceramic curling iron wand that lets you create long/short curls and beach waves instantly. The curling wand heats up to a temperature of 450°F in a short time allowing you to style your locks in no time. The curling wand has a 6-inch long barrel that is suitable for most hair lengths. It also comes with an 8-ft long power cord and easy-grip handle. Moreover, the swivel cord aids ease of movement while curling.

Pros

  • Non-stick heating barrel
  • Tangle-proof power cord
  • Includes a safety on/off switch
  • Includes a pair of heat-protective gloves and hair clips
  • 110-240V dual voltage compatible

Cons

  • Temperature cannot be adjusted
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

With the sudden influx of hair curlers, it can be hard to choose one that won’t be disappointing. Here are a few factors that will help you make the right decision:

Buying Guide: Best Curling Iron for Short Hair

With the sudden influx of hair curlers, it can be hard to choose one that won’t be disappointing. Here are a few factors that will help you make the right decision:

  • Material: Curling irons that are made out of ceramic, titanium, and tourmaline technologies are great for your hair as they are not just gentle, but imparts a healthy look to your hair. Titanium offers quick heating whereas ceranium adds shine while keeping frizz at bay. Tourmaline emits numerous ions while curling. It is a great choice for those who have damaged hair and lends a smooth and shiny look to your mane.
  • Heat Setting: Certain hair types curl under low temperatures whereas heat resistant hairs require higher temperatures. Unless you are sure if your hair is heat resistant or not, it is best to go for a curler with variable heat settings and one that is ideal for your hair type.
  • Size of the curling iron: Curling irons come in different sizes. If your hair is short, it is best to get one with a barrel size of 3/8 to 1 inch. You can go with a curler with a built-in holder for easy handling.
    • Start by applying a dermatologist-tested heat protectant to your hair.
    • Next, tie or clip the upper section of your hair so you are left with only a thin layer of hair underneath.
    • Start by holding the curling wand away from your face and do small sections at a time. Slowly release another section of your hair and continue doing the same.
    • Finally, remove the clip or scrunchie to curl the remaining section of your hair.

    Here are a few tips that you can try out to get perfect curls:

    • Allow some time for your curls to cool
    • Make sure you start curling from the roots
    • Ensure that your hair is dry before you start curling
    • Hold the curling iron in a vertical position for loose curls
    • Hold the hair curler diagonally for medium curls
    • Holding the curling iron horizontally creates tight and bouncy curls

    Here are a few mistakes that people make while curling short hair that even professional hairstylists agree with:

    • Not using the right size barrel
    • Buying a curling wand that is not ideal for short hair
    • Changing the direction while curling
    • Not curling the hair in small sections

    Infographic: Factors To Consider Before Buying A Curling Iron

    Those with short hair may believe that obtaining well-defined curls is impossible! However, that is not true. No matter the length of your tresses, choosing the appropriate curling iron may solve most of your styling-related problems and give you the desired hairstyles. This infographic will take you through the factors to consider when choosing a curler to get lustrous-looking hair. Take a look!

    Factors To Consider Before Buying Curling Iron

    Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

    The Bottom Line

    Curly hair looks magnificently beautiful. But, if you don’t have such hair, you can still achieve it with the help of curling irons. However, curling is comparatively easier for people with long and medium-sized hair, but not so much for people with short hair. But, fret not! You can still get beautiful curls with curling irons designed especially for you. The Chi Spin N Curl features LCD displays and a pre-set temperature setting, and the Conair InfinitiPro Curling Wand has an auto-off feature and a protective heat shield perfect for fine hair. Opt for Ghd Curve Classic Curl Iron for a built-in safety stand and an ergonomic design. Curling irons with 3/4 inch and 5/8 inch barrels offer great flexibility in defining curls. So it would be best to invest if you want curls in your short hair. However, avoid curling irons with no temperature settings as you can’t achieve various styling with those. Side with professional-grade curling irons that have received multiple positive reviews and have been praised by hairstylists.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What size curling iron is good for short hair?

    For short hair, it is best to go for a curling iron with 3/8 to 1-inch of barrel size as this would ensure that all your is curled perfectly.

    Is a curling iron or wand better for short hair?

    Both curling iron and wand can be used for short hair. While a curling iron gives tight polished curls, wands are used to create the natural beach waves look.

    Can you use a long hair curling iron for short hair?

    No, a curling iron that is ideal for long hair may not give the best results for short hair. However, there are curling irons that are suitable for all hair lengths.

    Is it okay to use hairspray before using the curling iron?

    Yes, applying a hairspray may help the curls to set better and stay longer without losing its shape and bounce.

    Can you use a rotating curling iron for short hair?

    Yes. Rotating curling irons feature a patented curl dial technology that helps achieve seamless gorgeous curls. Hence, they are perfect for creating ringlets, beach waves, and loose curls for short hair. The curling iron features a 0.75-inch barrel size, ideal for styling short and medium hair lengths.

    How do you make your super short hair look longer without extensions?

    Here are a few tricks that might help your short hair look long without hair extensions.

    Why Trust StyleCraze?

    The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a hair care enthusiast who loves to experiment with the latest hair styling products. According to her, salon-styled hair is an achievable dream with the right products like curling iron. She shares tips for choosing the best irons for short hair in her buying guide and explains how to consider material and heat setting parameters for a better experience. After conducting extensive research and reviewing numerous online reviews, she compiled this top products list.

    • Straightening your hair with a hair straightener will help your hair look longer.
    • Braiding your hair can make the hair appear longer.



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Yvey Valcin
Yvey ValcinHairstylist
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.

Read full bio of Yvey Valcin
Kirtana Divakar
Kirtana DivakarCommerce Writer
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.

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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Swathi E
Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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