Best Curling Irons for Short Hair

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Curling irons are a must-have for achieving stunning hairstyles, and they come in various sizes and styles to cater to different hair types. For those with short hair, the right curling iron can make all the difference in creating volume, texture, and well-defined curls. Short hair often requires specialized tools, with smaller barrel sizes that provide better control and precision, ensuring that delicate strands are styled without damage. When selecting a curling iron for short hair, factors like barrel size, heat settings, and material are crucial to achieving the desired look while minimizing heat damage. We researched and tested numerous curling irons to identify the best options specifically designed for short hair.

  • Conair Double Ceramic Curler

    10

    We recommend this curling iron for its versatility and effectiveness on short hair at an affordable price.

    10

    We recommend this curling iron for its versatility and effectiveness on short hair at an affordable price.

    Pros

    • Heats up quickly
    • 30 heat settings
    • Dual voltage for travel

    Cons

    • Buttons may be accidentally pressed
    • Barrel length shorter than some models
    • Screws can catch hair

    We’ve tried many curling irons, and this Conair model stands out for short hair. It heats up fast, reaching 375°F in no time. We love the 30 heat settings, which let us find the perfect temperature for our hair type.

    The 1-inch barrel works great for creating classic curls on short locks. We found it easy to wrap even shorter pieces around the iron. The ceramic coating helped our curls last longer with less frizz compared to other irons we’ve used.

    One thing we noticed is the cool tip, which made styling safer and more comfortable. The auto-off feature gave us peace of mind on busy mornings when we might forget to unplug. We also liked being able to take it on trips thanks to its dual voltage. The included pouch was handy for packing.

  • CHI Ceramic 1″ Curler

    9.7

    We think this CHI curler is a solid choice for short-haired folks looking for smooth, shiny curls.

    9.7

    We think this CHI curler is a solid choice for short-haired folks looking for smooth, shiny curls.

    Pros

    • Many heat settings
    • Fast heat-up
    • Smooth ceramic barrel

    Cons

    • Button placement can be tricky
    • Barrel may be too long for very short hair
    • Learning curve for beginners

    We tested the CHI Ceramic 1″ Curling Iron on our short hair, and it left us impressed. The ceramic barrel heated up quickly and gave us silky, frizz-free curls. We liked that we could adjust the heat to suit our hair type.

    The curler felt good in our hands, though we did accidentally hit the power button a few times while styling. It took us a bit of practice to get the hang of wrapping short strands around the barrel. But once we did, our curls lasted all day.

    We found this iron works well for both tight ringlets and loose waves. The ceramic coating helped our hair glide smoothly, cutting down on snags and damage. While it might be a bit much for pixie cuts, we think it’s great for bob-length hair and longer.

  • Conair OhSoKind Fine Hair Curler

    9.5

    We think this gentle curling iron is a solid choice for those with fine hair seeking smooth, shiny curls without damage.

    9.5

    We think this gentle curling iron is a solid choice for those with fine hair seeking smooth, shiny curls without damage.

    Pros

    • Five heat settings for fine hair protection
    • Soft silicone clip prevents breakage
    • Quick heat-up and easy to use

    Cons

    • May not work as well on thicker hair types
    • Hot tip can be tricky to handle
    • Some users report friction with textured hair

    The Conair OhSoKind curling iron impressed us with its thoughtful design for fine hair. We found the five heat settings really useful, letting us dial in the perfect temperature without frying our delicate strands. The lowest setting starts at a gentle 266°F, which we appreciated for extra-fine hair.

    What really stood out was the silicone clip. It gripped our hair firmly without snagging or causing breakage. This meant less frustration and fewer do-overs during styling. The 1-inch barrel created classic curls that held up well throughout the day.

    We liked how quickly it heated up and how simple it was to use. The blue and white design is pretty cute too. While it worked great on our fine hair, we’re not sure it would be powerful enough for thicker hair types. Also, be careful of the hot tip – it can be tricky to avoid when curling near the scalp. All in all, we think this curler offers good value for fine-haired folks looking for gentle styling.

  • FARERY Mini Curling Iron

    9.4

    We think this compact curling iron is a great choice for travelers with short hair who want quick, shiny curls on the go.

    9.4

    We think this compact curling iron is a great choice for travelers with short hair who want quick, shiny curls on the go.

    Pros

    • Compact and lightweight for easy packing
    • Dual voltage for worldwide use
    • Three heat settings for different hair types

    Cons

    • Small barrel may limit curl size options
    • Might be too slim for very thick hair
    • Cool tip could be longer for safer handling

    This little powerhouse surprised us with its performance. At just 8.78 inches long and weighing only 0.37 pounds, it easily fit in our carry-on without taking up much space. We loved how quickly it heated up, letting us style our hair in no time.

    The 1/2 inch barrel worked well for our short hair, creating tight curls and adding volume near the roots. We found the ceramic coating with keratin and argan oil left our curls looking smooth and shiny. The three heat settings (320°F, 356°F, and 392°F) gave us options for different styling needs.

    We appreciate the safety features, like the anti-scald design and the stand to protect surfaces. The 6.5-foot swivel cord made styling easy without tangling. While it worked great for our short to medium hair, those with longer or thicker hair might find the slim barrel limiting. Overall, we think this FARERY mini curling iron is a solid choice for travelers or anyone looking for a compact styling tool.

  • ELLA BELLA 1″ Ceramic Curler

    9.3

    We think this curling iron is a great choice for short-haired folks looking for versatile styling options.

    9.3

    We think this curling iron is a great choice for short-haired folks looking for versatile styling options.

    Pros

    • Quick heat-up and adjustable temperature
    • Comes with useful accessories
    • Smooth glide through hair

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic models
    • Learning curve for beginners
    • Clamp may be tight for some users

    When we tried the ELLA BELLA curling iron, we were impressed by how fast it heated up. The digital display made it easy to pick the right temperature for our hair type. We liked that we could go as low as 180°F or crank it up to 410°F for stubborn strands.

    The ceramic barrel glided through our hair smoothly. We didn’t notice any snagging or pulling, which can be a problem with cheaper irons. Our curls came out looking shiny and felt soft to touch. The iron did a good job of holding the style all day.

    We appreciated the extras that came with this curler. The heat-resistant glove was handy for avoiding burns, and the carry case made it perfect for travel. The auto-shutoff gave us peace of mind on busy mornings when we might forget to turn it off. While it took some practice to get the hang of it, we found this iron to be a solid pick for creating various looks with short hair.

  • Conair 3/4-Inch Curling Iron

    9.1

    We think this curling iron is a great choice for short-haired folks seeking tight curls on a budget.

    9.1

    We think this curling iron is a great choice for short-haired folks seeking tight curls on a budget.

    Pros

    • Heats up fast
    • 25 heat settings
    • Dual voltage for travel

    Cons

    • Short barrel
    • Basic design
    • Cord could be longer

    We’ve been using this Conair curling iron for a while now, and it’s become our go-to for styling short hair. The 3/4-inch barrel is perfect for creating tight curls that last. We love how quickly it heats up – in just 60 seconds, we’re ready to start styling.

    The 25 heat settings are a nice touch. We can dial in the right temperature for our hair type, which helps prevent damage. The turbo heat button is handy for stubborn sections that need extra oomph.

    One thing we noticed is the barrel is on the shorter side. It works well for short hair, but those with longer locks might find it a bit tricky to use. The design is pretty basic, but it gets the job done without any fuss.

    We appreciate the dual voltage feature for travel. It’s nice to know we can use this iron anywhere in the world. The auto-off function gives us peace of mind if we forget to unplug it.

    The cord could be longer, but it’s not a deal-breaker. We’ve found the non-slip handle comfortable to hold, even during longer styling sessions. All in all, this Conair curling iron offers good value for money, especially for those with short hair looking for tight curls.

  • TYMO ROVY Beach Waver

    9

    We think the TYMO ROVY Beach Waver is a great pick for those seeking quick, long-lasting waves with minimal effort.

    9

    We think the TYMO ROVY Beach Waver is a great pick for those seeking quick, long-lasting waves with minimal effort.

    Pros

    • Easy to use with fast heating
    • Safe design prevents burns
    • Creates voluminous, durable waves

    Cons

    • Slightly heavy
    • May cause burning smell
    • Learning curve for best results

    When we tried the TYMO ROVY Beach Waver, we were impressed by how quickly it heated up. In just 30 seconds, it was ready to go. The 1.25-inch barrel made nice, big waves that looked natural and beachy.

    We really liked the safety features. The full-wrap design kept our fingers and neck safe from burns. This made us feel more at ease while styling, especially since we could focus on getting the perfect waves without worrying about accidents.

    The waves we made lasted all day, which was a big plus. We found that the negative ion technology helped keep our hair smooth and frizz-free. The ceramic coating seemed to protect our hair from damage, too. While it took a bit of practice to get the hang of it, we think it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to add some wavy texture to their short hair.

  • HOT TOOLS Gold Curling Iron

    8.7

    We think this 24K gold curling iron is a great choice for most people looking to create long-lasting curls and waves.

    8.7

    We think this 24K gold curling iron is a great choice for most people looking to create long-lasting curls and waves.

    Pros

    • Heats up quickly and maintains even temperature
    • Works well on all hair types
    • Comfortable to use with swivel cord

    Cons

    • Can get very hot, so care is needed
    • Some may find the barrel length awkward at first
    • A bit pricier than basic models

    We tested this HOT TOOLS curling iron and were impressed by how fast it heated up. Within moments, it was ready to use. The 24K gold barrel distributed heat evenly, which helped us create consistent curls from root to tip.

    The variable heat settings are a nice touch. We could dial in the right temperature for different hair types. Fine hair worked well at lower temps, while thick hair benefited from higher heat. The iron reaches up to 430°F, so it can handle even the most stubborn locks.

    We like the 8-foot swivel cord. It gave us plenty of room to move around as we styled. The foldaway safety stand is handy for setting the iron down between uses. Just be careful – this tool gets very hot!

  • UOTJCNR Auto Curler

    8.7

    We think this automatic curling iron is a great choice for those seeking easy, quick styling for short hair.

    8.7

    We think this automatic curling iron is a great choice for those seeking easy, quick styling for short hair.

    Pros

    • Rotating barrel for effortless curling
    • Adjustable heat settings
    • Fast heat-up time

    Cons

    • Learning curve for first-time users
    • May be too large for very short hair
    • Higher price point than manual curlers

    We tried out the UOTJCNR Auto Curler and were impressed by how simple it was to use. The rotating barrel did most of the work for us, creating nice curls with just the press of a button. It’s a real time-saver for busy mornings.

    The adjustable heat settings are a big plus. We could pick the right temp for our hair type, which helped prevent damage. The curler heats up fast too – we were ready to style in about 30 seconds.

    One thing to note: it took us a few tries to get the hang of using an auto curler. The barrel is on the larger side at 1.1 inches, so it might not be ideal for very short styles. But for shoulder-length hair, it worked great. The curls looked smooth and lasted all day.

  • INFINITIPRO Rose Gold Curler

    8.6

    We think this curling iron is a great choice for those with short hair seeking easy, long-lasting curls.

    8.6

    We think this curling iron is a great choice for those with short hair seeking easy, long-lasting curls.

    Pros

    • Heats up fast
    • Creates shiny, frizz-free curls
    • Works on all hair types

    Cons

    • Can get very hot
    • Small cool tip
    • May need a heat glove

    The INFINITIPRO Rose Gold Curler surprised us with its quick heat-up time. In just 30 seconds, it was ready to use. This is super handy when we’re in a rush to style our hair.

    We found the 1-inch titanium barrel perfect for short hair. It made curls that looked smooth and shiny. The iron got rid of frizz, which is always a plus. We liked how our curls stayed put all day without using tons of hairspray.

    The curler has 30 heat settings. This let us pick the right temp for our hair type. But be careful – it can get very hot! We suggest starting low and working your way up. The cool tip is a bit small, so you might want to use a heat glove to avoid burns. All in all, we think this curling iron is a solid pick for short-haired folks who want easy, lasting curls.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a curling iron for short hair, there are a few key things to consider:

Barrel Size

We recommend a smaller barrel size for shorter hair:

  • 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch: Ideal for tight curls
  • 1 inch: Good for loose waves

Smaller barrels give more control and help curls last longer on short styles.

Heat Settings

Look for adjustable heat settings. Short hair often needs less heat to curl effectively. A range of 250°F to 400°F gives you options.

Material

Ceramic and tourmaline barrels distribute heat evenly and reduce frizz. They’re gentler on hair than metal barrels.

Clamp vs. Clipless

Both work well for short hair. Clamps make curling easier for beginners. Clipless wands create more natural-looking waves.

Extra Features

These can be helpful:

  • Auto shut-off for safety
  • Cool tip for easier handling
  • Swivel cord to prevent tangles

We suggest choosing a lightweight iron. It’ll be easier to maneuver around short hair.

Remember to use a heat protectant product before curling. This helps prevent damage to your hair.