Create curls that last with these 6 curling wands for fine hair

If you've got fine hair, then you've definitely experienced the struggle of trying to curl fiddly, fine hair. 

For those not in the know, fine hair does not like to hold a curl, which is why such a task requires a special set of tricks and an even more impressive hair tool. 

How to curl fine hair

First things first, you'll need to find a curling iron with a smaller barrel size (around 25mm or less), to create tight curls. Although, a 25mm barrel is the sweet spot for fine hair because larger barrels create loose curls that tend to fall quickly, conical wands are also a great option for fine hair.

Ceramic wands and air stylers are also gentler on thin hair that can't withstand a lot of heat. Ceramic wands evenly distribute heat, while air stylers tend to use much lower temperatures than traditional heat styling hair tools. A curling wand is much better for fine hair than curling tongs as they are less likely to expose the hair to heat for longer than necessary and they also don't leave tong marks on the hair. However, in saying that, we still wouldn't recommend leaving your hair on the barrel of a curling wand for any longer than 10 seconds at a time. 

Curling the hair vertically in five centimetre sections (and saving the top half of the hair for last) is the best technique for curling fine hair because it ensures that the length of the hair, and not just the bottom, gets curled. Curling the bottom of the hair only can weigh it down and increase the likelihood that your curls will fall.

Now that you know how to curl fine hair, it's time to select your secret weapon of choice. Ahead, you'll find BEAUTYcrew's top recommendations for the best curling wand for fine hair...

2024's Top 3 Best Curling Wands For Fine Hair

Cloud Nine The Curling Wand, $199 (usually $249), Cloud Nine
Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System Malibu Pink, $399.99, Shark
ghd Curve® Creative Curl Wand, $216 (usually $280), Shaver Shop

Cloud Nine The Curling Wand
from $199 (usually $249) at Cloud Nine

Cloud Nine's curling wand boasts a 25mm ceramic curling barrel (literally perfect for fine hair), which helps to create a tight curl, as well as leaving hair with a smooth and shiny finish. 

Key features:

25mm ceramic curling barrel
Customisable temp. (125 to 175°c)
Reaches max temp. in 1 minute
Hibernation Mode automatically turns off tool after 30 minutes
Comes with a heat protective glove
Protective kickstand
Heat resistant style case
1 year warranty

Available at:

• $199 (usually $249) from Cloud Nine
• $249 from Adore Beauty
• $249 from Shaver Shop

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System Malibu Pink
from $399.99 at Shark

Not only is this air styler equipped with two curling barrels, but it also comes with an oval brush attachment, paddle brush attachment and a hair dryer attachment. So not only can you curl thin, fine hair with this heat-regulated tool, but you can also nail a killer blowout too. 

Key features:

Comes with 2 curling wands, 1 oval brush, 1 paddle brush and 1 hair dryer attachment
Lightweight, powerful, fast drying and no heat damage
4 Temperature settings (low, medium, high heat and one cool shot)
3 Airflow settings
2 year warranty

Available at:

• $399.99 from Shark
• $399.99 from MYER
• $399.99 from The Good Guys

ghd Curve® Creative Curl Wand
from $216 (usually $280) at Shaver Shop

This curler utilises advanced technology which recognises when a section of hair has been wrapped around the barrel and adapts to ensure the curling wand remains the correct styling temperature at all times. Plus, the protective cool tip is safe to hold while your curl your hair.

Key features:

185°C temperature 
Heat regulation technology ensures even heat distribution
Protective cool tip
Automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes
Built-in safety stand
2 year warranty

Available at:

• $216 (usually $280) from Shaver Shop
• $270 from Look Fantastic
• $280 from Adore Beauty

Silver Bullet Fastlane Large Ceramic Conical Curling Iron Gold 19mm - 32mm
from $71.36 (usually $89.95) at Oz Hair & Beauty

The conical wand (32mm - 19mm) on this hair curler allows you to customise the size of your curls based on your desired style. Plus, with 25 variable heat settings, you can choose the temperature that's right for your hair type and minimise the risk of potential heat damage.

Key features:

32mm - 19mm conical ceramic barrel
25 variable heat settings
Safety cool tip and easy grip, heat-resistant handle
Heat protective mat
2 year warranty

Available at:

• $71.36 (usually $89.95) from Oz Hair & Beauty
• $79 from Harvey Norman
• $79 from Bing Lee

BaBylissPRO Ceramic Black Conical Wand 19-32mm
from $93.46 (usually $114.95) at Oz Hair & Beauty

This Ceramic Conical Curling Wand has a 32-19mm sized barrel that allows you to create curls of different sizes. The ceramic technology also promotes even heat distribution, reduces hair damage and leaves hair looking shiny and smooth.

Key features:

Ceramic conical curling wand 32-19mm
25 temperature settings
Cool tip
Comes with a heat-resistant glove
1 year warranty

Available at:

• $93.46 (usually $114.95) from Oz Hair & Beauty
• $99 (usually $114) from David Jones
• $103.45 (usually $114.95) from Adore Beauty

Mermade Hair Aircurl
from $99 at The Iconic

This hair curler utilises air styling technology to simultaneously dry and curl hair with minimal heat damage. The 32mm ceramic barrel is a slightly large size and perfect if you prefer voluminous curls.

Key feature:

360º airflow for faster drying.
32mm ceramic barrel 
3 heat settings
Iconic technology reduces static and frizz 
Can be used on damp or dry hair 
Slip grip handle and cool tip
Clamp - better control to create curls
Detachable design

Available at:

• $99 from The Iconic
• $99 from Adore Beauty
• $99 from MYER

Prefer a blow out over curls? Here are 9 hot brushes to help you master the hot girl blowout.

Main image credit: Getty