Best Curling Iron in Australia: Picks by Barrel Size and Hair Type

The best curling iron for most Australians is a 25mm barrel, which creates defined curls on short to long hair. Choose a 32mm barrel for loose, beachy waves, a 38mm barrel for bouncy, blowout-style volume on long hair, and a 19mm to 25mm barrel for short hair or tighter curls.

That's the quick answer. Below, we cover what to look for, our pick for every barrel size and hair type, and how to get curls that actually last. You can also browse the full curling irons range to compare every option.

Ready to find your barrel? Let's get into it.

What to Look For in a Curling Iron

Barrel size decides the curl you get, and the rest comes down to heat and material. Here's what matters most:

• Barrel size: smaller barrels make tighter curls, larger barrels make looser waves and body. Use the guide below to match the size to your look.
• Barrel material: ceramic heats evenly and helps smooth the cuticle, tourmaline adds extra shine and frizz control, and titanium heats up fast and suits thick or coarse hair.
• Adjustable temperature: a digital display and variable heat let you keep fine, coloured or damaged hair on a lower setting and only turn it up for thick hair.
• Clamp or wand: a clamp holds the ends for you, which is easier for beginners. A clipless wand gives more natural, undone waves but takes a little practice.
• Safety features: look for a cool tip, a heat-resistant stand and a swivel cord, especially if you style in a hurry.

As a general guide to barrel size:

• 16mm to 19mm: tight, springy curls, and the easiest size for short hair.
• 25mm: defined, classic curls that suit almost every length.
• 32mm: loose, beachy waves on medium to long hair.
• 38mm and up: big, bouncy volume and soft bends on long hair.

Get the barrel right and the brand matters a lot less.

Quick Comparison: Best Curling Iron by Barrel Size

The Best Curling Iron for Every Barrel Size and Hair Type

Silver Bullet Fastlane Gold Ceramic 25mm Curling Iron

Best for: defined curls on most hair lengths

If you only buy one curling iron, make it a 25mm. It's big enough for shoulder-length and longer hair but small enough to hold a curl in shorter cuts. According to Silver Bullet, it heats up instantly, the ionic ceramic barrel helps smooth the cuticle for longer-lasting curls, and variable heat settings with a digital display suit all hair types. It also comes with a heat-protective stand. Shop Silver Bullet Fastlane Gold Ceramic 25mm Curling Iron.

Silver Bullet Fastlane Titanium 32mm Curling Iron Rose Gold

Best for: loose, beachy waves

A 32mm barrel is the sweet spot for relaxed, beachy waves on medium to long hair. Silver Bullet says the titanium barrel heats up fast and helps keep hair shiny, with a digital temperature range from 80°C for fine hair and extensions up to 220°C for coarse hair. An extra-long swivel cord makes the back of your head easier to reach. Shop Silver Bullet Fastlane Titanium 32mm Curling Iron Rose Gold.

Silver Bullet Fastlane Gold Ceramic 38mm Curling Iron

Best for: big, bouncy waves on long hair

Long hair can drop a small curl within hours, and a larger barrel gives soft bends and volume that look like a fresh blowout. Silver Bullet designed this 38mm iron for large, bouncy waves, with the same ionic ceramic barrel, variable heat and digital display as the rest of the Fastlane Gold range. Pin each curl while it cools for extra hold. Shop Silver Bullet Fastlane Gold Ceramic 38mm Curling Iron.

Muk Curl Stick Black

Best for: short hair and switching between looks

Short hair needs a slimmer barrel, and this kit gives you three: a 19–25mm conical barrel, a 25mm straight barrel and a wedge barrel for waves, all finished in titanium. Muk recommends 120°C to 150°C for fine or delicate hair, 170°C to 190°C for medium to thick hair and up to 210°C for coarse hair. Use it on dry hair only. Shop Muk Curl Stick Black.

CLOUD NINE The Curling Wand

Best for: fine, delicate or colour-treated hair

Fine hair curls easily and damages easily, so lower heat is the priority. This 25mm wand runs from 125°C to 175°C, which CLOUD NINE says lets you style at the safest temperature that works for your hair. The ceramic barrel is infused with sericite and tourmaline to help lock in moisture, and the swivel cord turns 360° both ways. Shop CLOUD NINE The Curling Wand.

H2D Black X5 Professional Curling Wand

Best for: trying lots of curl styles with one tool

If you like to change your look, five interchangeable heads give you everything from tight curls to loose waves in one tool. According to H2D, the tourmaline barrel creates smooth, glossy curls, far infrared heats the hair from the inside out, and the digital temperature control goes up to 230°C. Keep that top setting for thick, coarse hair only. Shop H2D Black X5 Professional Curling Wand.

Silver Bullet City Chic 19mm - 32mm Large Ceramic Conical Curling Iron

Best for: natural curls that are looser at the root

A conical barrel tapers from 32mm down to 19mm, so curls come out fuller at the root and tighter at the ends, which looks more natural. There's no clamp, so it takes a little practice. Silver Bullet says the ionic ceramic barrel heats up instantly and the cool tips help protect your fingers. Shop Silver Bullet City Chic 19mm - 32mm Large Ceramic Conical Curling Iron.

How to Curl Your Hair With a Curling Iron

• Step 1: Start with clean, completely dry hair. Curling irons are designed for dry hair, and second-day hair often holds a curl better than freshly washed hair.
• Step 2: Apply heat protectant. Mist a heat protectant such as Evo Icon Welder Heat Protection Spray 200ml through your lengths and let it dry before you start.
• Step 3: Set the right temperature. Start low for fine or coloured hair and only go higher for thick or coarse hair.
• Step 4: Section your hair. Clip up the top layer and work from the bottom in sections about 2–3cm wide.
• Step 5: Wrap away from your face. Wrap each section around the barrel, hold for around 5 to 10 seconds, then release. Alternate directions at the back for a more natural finish.
• Step 6: Let curls cool before touching. Hair sets as it cools, so wait a few minutes, then shake out or brush through with your fingers and finish with hairspray.

Not sure which protectant suits your hair? Our heat protectant guide breaks it down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Curling Iron Is Best for Beachy Waves?

A 32mm barrel is best for beachy waves on medium to long hair. Wrap larger sections, leave the last few centimetres of each section out of the barrel, and brush the curls out once they cool for a softer, undone finish.

What's the Difference Between a Curling Iron and a Curling Wand?

A curling iron has a clamp that holds the ends of your hair, which makes it easier to control and better for polished curls. A curling wand has no clamp, so you wrap the hair around the barrel yourself, which gives looser, more natural-looking waves.

What Temperature Should I Use on a Curling Iron?

Use the lowest setting that holds a curl in your hair. As a guide, Muk recommends around 120°C to 150°C for fine or damaged hair, 170°C to 190°C for medium to thick hair and up to 210°C for coarse hair. Always use a heat protectant.

How Do I Make My Curls Last Longer?

Let each curl cool completely before touching it, and pin larger curls in place while they set. Start on dry, product-free hair, use a light hairspray to finish, and avoid brushing curls out until they're fully cool.

Can You Curl Short Hair With a Curling Iron?

Yes. Use a smaller barrel, around 19mm to 25mm, so the hair can wrap at least once around it. A conical barrel or a kit with interchangeable barrels, like the Muk Curl Stick Black, gives you the most control on short hair.

Can I Get Curls Without Heat?

Yes. A heatless curling set lets you set curls overnight with no hot tools at all. The Oz Essentials Hair Heatless Curling Set is a gentle option for fine or damaged hair, or for the days between heat styling.

How Do I Get Fine Hair to Hold a Curl?

Start with completely dry hair, keep the heat on a lower setting and let each curl cool fully before you touch it. Second-day hair often holds a curl better than freshly washed hair, and pinning curls while they set helps them last. Finish with a light hairspray once they're cool.

Is an Automatic Hair Curler Worth It?

It can be, if you find wrapping hair around a barrel tricky. Automatic curlers do the wrapping for you, which makes them beginner-friendly, but you usually get less control over curl size and direction. If you're comfortable with a clamp, a 25mm iron like the Silver Bullet Fastlane Gold Ceramic 25mm Curling Iron covers most looks.

The Bottom Line

Pick your barrel first: 25mm for classic curls, 32mm for beachy waves, 38mm for volume on long hair and 19mm to 25mm for short hair. Then choose the lowest heat that works for your hair and never skip heat protectant.

Shop the full curling irons range at Oz Hair and Beauty, or if you'd rather use the tool you already own, read our guide to curling your hair with a straightener.

Now… which curl are you going for first?