Style
Between heat damage and the risk of burning your scalp, if you have short, thin hair, you may think curl irons aren't an option. But if you know what to look for, you can find the best curling irons for short, fine hair — irons that'll give you all the bounce you want with minimal damage.
The first aspect to consider when buying a curling iron for short hair is the barrel size. Although there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to barrels, typically smaller barrels will be better suited to shorter hair. Smaller barrels will not only be able to get closer to the scalp but they will also help create more defined curls.
Although many irons boast temperatures above 400 degrees Fahrenheit, fine hair doesn't require a high heat and can be more susceptible to heat damage. When looking for a curling iron, it's important to look for those that have a low-temperature setting. The best curling irons will also have features like ionic, tourmaline, or ceramic technology that promise to leave hair smooth and shiny.
Not sure where to start? These five curling irons offer narrow barrels, low heat settings, and a variety of other features that make them perfect for short, fine hair.
1
A Budget-Friendly Curling Iron With A Narrow Tapered Barrel
Herstyler Baby Curls Mini Curling Iron, $17, Amazon
This mini curling iron has a tapered barrel that goes from 9 to 18 mm, allowing you to get a range of curl sizes without getting too close to your scalp. Its tourmaline barrel heats up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so one pass through your fine hair will be more than enough to keep the curls lasting all day.
2
A Curling Iron With A Seriously Small Barrel
KIPOZI Pro Curling Iron, $20, Amazon
The tiny 1/3-inch barrel on this ceramic, rotating curling iron makes it ideal for creating tight ringlets and retro styles. It heats up in 60 seconds and has six temperature settings starting at 260-degrees Fahrenheit.
3
A 0.5 to 1-Inch Tapered Curling Wand With Hundreds Of 5-Star Reviews
Xtava Twirl Curling Wand, $28, Amazon
This ceramic- and tourmaline-coated curling iron wand tapers from a half inch to a full inch, offering versatility in curl size. It also has a digital temperature setting that starts at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it comes with a heat resistant glove to protect your fingers and an automatic shut-off feature.
4
An Investment-Worthy Curling Iron With A Super-Low Heat Setting
PARWIN PRO 1-Inch Curling Iron, $50, Amazon
Featuring a rotating barrel, ceramic tourmaline infused components, and a temperature setting that starts at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, this iron is worth the investment. A one-inch barrel is at the larger end of irons that will work with short hair, but it is super versatile and depending on how you use it, it can create polished curls, beach-y waves, or a messy rock 'n' roll-look.
5
This Small Curling Iron That Has Detangling Bristles
Helen of Troy Brush Curling Iron, $18, Amazon
This curling iron has a bristled barrel that's only 0.5 inches wide, so you can brush, style, and curl all at the same time. Its multi-functionality will save time, and its bristles make it easy to curl short hair without burning your scalp.
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