6 Best Curling Irons for Short Hair – What to Look for in 2024

People usually think having short hair is super low maintenance. What’s the big deal when less hair = less hair care, right? Sadly, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Back in my short hair days, I have woken up some mornings to find my hair looking like an attempt to house a family of baby pigeons on my head.  On a more serious note, short hairstyles can be time-consuming to style, especially when you don’t have the right tool for the job. Often, people neglect to purchase hot hairstyling tools because they can’t tell which ones will cater to their needs. Finding the best curling iron for short hair can be tough, not to mention the fashion industry tends to go in favor of longer, arguably more “feminine” hairstyles. Thus, it’s no wonder people usually lack the courage to cut their hair short, let alone buy styling tools for it. 

Regardless, many women are bold enough to rock a short haircut. People with short hair are usually more confident, and sometimes, short hairstyles are an opportunity to reinvent yourself. Just think about Coco Chanel’s famous saying: “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” This short-haired fashion designer knew what she was talking about. So if you’re thinking about making this drastic and brave change, let me introduce you to the top six curling irons for short hair! Whether you’re completely new to this style or you’ve been rocking it short for years, there’s a little something for everyone on this list. If you’ve been wondering what the best curling iron is for short hair, check out the review below!

Best Curling Irons for Short Hair at a Glance

1. Top Pick – Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold 1-Inch Curling Iron/Wand
2. Best Curling Iron for Short, Fine Hair – InfinitiPro By Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron
3. Best Curling Iron for Short, Thin Hair – Remington CI9538 Pro 1″–1.5″ Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand
4. Best Curling Iron for Short, Thick Hair – Chi 1” Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin and Curl 
5. Best Curling Iron for Short-Hair Beach Waves – Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron 
6. Most Affordable Curling Iron for Short Hair – Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron

Best Curling Irons for Short Hair: Full Reviews

In this review, I have selected six extremely affordable curling irons for short hair. All you need to do is determine your hair type, and find the best curling iron for short hair accordingly!

1. Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold 1-Inch Curling Iron/Wand – Top Pick

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• 24K GOLD BARREL: This versatile gold curling iron and wand is the tool of choice for professional stylists. Barrel helps you create defined curls.
• LONG-LASTING: Go for the gold for gorgeous curls and waves. Heats up quickly and holds heat evenly. That means faster styling and locked-in results.
• VERSATILE STYLING: Whether you choose to use as a traditional curling iron or wrap hair around the barrel to use as a wand.

$49.99 −$25.00 $24.99

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Have you ever seen a gold-plated curling iron? The more I learned about this tool, the more I realized it can be so great for short hair! Gold is an amazing heat conductor, creating unsurpassed heat distribution across the barrel of the curling iron. Create beachy and romantic curls with ease, and have them last the whole day with the Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold 1-inch Curling Iron. This amazing curling wand has four adjustable heat settings that reach up to 430°F, perfect for all hair types. The separate on and off switch allows for the rheostat to memorize your personal individual heat setting, so you don’t have to toggle the device and can get to styling your hair faster and with minimal fuss. 

The heavy-duty long-life rheostat heating element will provide extra longevity to your heat-based styling tool especially if you plan on using it every day. We recommend the universal 1-inch barrel version of this curling iron, but you can choose from one of the eight sizes provided by the brand depending on your personal taste. The unique pulse technology of this curling iron for short hair maintains consistent temperature, and careful – it gets HOT! Worry not though as the soft touch handle will provide you with a comfortable grip, so you don’t have to worry about burning yourself!

2. InfinitiPro By Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron – Best Curling Iron for Short, Fine Hair

• Create silky, defined curls with the Infinitipro By Conair Tourmaline Ceramic 1 inch curling iron
• Nano technology reduces frizz for healthy looking, shiny hair; Bonus protective heat shield included
• 400 F high heat for long lasting results with even heat, eliminating hot spots for less damage

$35.88

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As far as fine hair is concerned, this is definitely the go-to tool for fabulous curls. The 1-inch ceramic tourmaline barrel works amazingly on short hairstyles, and the nano tourmaline technology will eliminate frizz, while at the same time containing the natural moisture of your hair. The same technology also ensures even heat distribution and eliminates hot spots across your device. It heats up to 400°F, which is also why we have placed it in the “best curling iron for short, fine hair” category. A 400-degree heat isn’t as damaging for the hair and won’t add unnecessary heat to already thin and easy-to-curl hair.

Thin and straight hair typically doesn’t need much heat to change its shape, but it is extremely elastic and tends to quickly revert back to its natural shape. I recommend using hair spray if you’re planning on maintaining your curls for a couple of days. If you have found that you often leave your hot styling tools on and tend to be forgetful, the InfinitiPro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron has an automatic shutoff feature, so it’s less stressful for you! If you have fine and damaged hair, this is also a great choice for you as tourmaline is the ultimate material for sensitive locks. Likewise, if you’d like to browse more curlers that won’t damage your hair, check out our article listing the best hot styling tools for damaged hair!

3. Remington CI9538 Pro 1″–1.5″ Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand – Best Curling Iron for Short, Thin Hair

• The wide conical barrel ranges from 1” to 1½” so you can quickly create gorgeous tousled waves
• The barrel is infused with real crushed pearls that help to create smooth, frizz defying waves. This combined with a ceramic coating for less damage...
• The ceramic coating delivers even, consistent heat for fast, healthy styling

$24.99

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re aiming for the perfectly imperfect tousled waves but you have thin hair, don’t worry. With the Remington CI9538 Pro 1”–1.5” Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand, you’re guaranteed with fabulous curls. The messy curl isn’t achieved with just any old curling iron. The unique cylindrical shape of the curler is the secret behind the messy look. Your curls will also have more volume due to this specific barrel shape. The barrel of this amazing curling iron for short thin hair is ceramic, infused with pearls, creating smooth, lustrous waves. The added volume is perfect for anyone with thin hair!

If your hair is thin due to heat damage or simply because it has been treated, you can choose between the ten available settings on this device to find the perfect temperature for your hair type. The curler also comes with a heat-protective glove and a salon-length swivel cord, so you can feel like a pro from the comfort of your home!

4. CHI 1” Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin and Curl – Curling Iron for Short, Thick Hair

• Ceramic Material: Made from durable ceramic material for long-lasting use.
• Multicolor Options: Available in a variety of fun colors to match your style.
• Fine Hair Compatibility: Suitable for fine hair types for beautiful curls.

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It’s no secret that the CHI Spin and Curl products have been a favorite of mine ever since I first discovered them in my Best Rotating Curling Irons review. The CHI 1-inch Volcanic Lava Ceramic Pro Spin and Curl will literally do the curling for you – all you have to do is trap a 1-inch strand of hair in the curling chamber, and press the directional button. It only takes a few seconds to craft a beautifully bouncy curl, and it’s one of the best hair curling tools I know. It is more expensive than other products on this list, but CHI is a well-known and trusted brand that customers vouch for. It’s also an automatic curler – what’s not to like!

Another reason I have chosen this to be the best curling iron for short, thick hair is the efficiency of the curling chamber – it keeps heat from escaping, which is the ideal condition for curling especially thick and coarse hair. It also reaches up to 410°F, more than enough to create your desired hairstyle. This is a relatively new curling tool and professional curling iron, so don’t be put off by the price. It’s definitely worth buying!

5. Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron – Best Curling Iron for Short-Hair Beach Waves

Rotate your way to perfect waves with the Beachwaver S1! With the Beachwaver S1, you can create three different styles including defined curls, loose beachy waves and glam waves. This ceramic, rotating curling iron provides easy, quality waves in minutes!

 

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What better tool to create voluminous beachy waves than the Beachwaver Co. S1 Rotating Curling Iron? If you’ve got long mermaid hair, the Beachwaver Co. S1 rotating curling iron is perfect for you! Its specialty is long hair, and it’s designed to create stunning curls regardless of the hair type. A rotating iron is an automatic curling iron, which means it essentially curls round its own shaft, saving you the fiddly job of curling your hair around the shaft. It’s also safer and less likely for you to burn yourself. Ceramic is a universal material and won’t damage your hair as much as titanium would. In fact, it will add even more shine to your lovely tresses! 

The device also has a digital display showing your current temperature, allowing you to adjust your desired heat with the + and – buttons. The Beachwaver Co. S1 can not only create beach waves; it’s also great for glamorous waves and defined curls. Have the freedom to experiment with this amazing rotating curling iron! If you’re into rotating curling irons and want to view more options, check out my review on the best rotating curling irons.

6. Conair Double Ceramic 1-Inch Curling Iron – Most Affordable Curling Iron for Short Hair

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• Ceramic Curling Iron: Designed to create beautiful, classic curls, this 1 inch curling iron features higher ceramic content for even heat and...
• Versatile Function: This curling iron boasts 30 heat settings with instant heat up to 375 degree F and Turbo Heat boost for difficult to style spots,...
• Easy Operation: This double ceramic curling iron offers the best in heat and damage protection and anti frizz control; It features recessed buttons to...

$19.99 −$4.50 $15.49

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Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This ultra-affordable curling iron for short hair is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to overspend on a hairstyling tool. It’s also developed by the trusted Conair Hair Care – a brand that’s been around for over 60 years. Conair develops some of the best curling irons for short hair, but they’ve also made innovative appliances, such as high-quality hair dryers, hot rollers, and other hair accessories. Their devices are usually perfect for all hair types, but since this specific curling iron by Conair can only reach 375°F, I’d personally recommend it to people with normal or thin hair.

As far as hair curling tools are concerned, Conair will always be a good choice. This curling iron will create gorgeous long-lasting styles and beautiful classic curls. It has 30 adjustable heat settings, the most on this list, and it doesn’t shy away from other useful features like instant heat up and auto shutoff. There really isn’t much you’ll be missing out on. This is one of the best ceramic curling irons, and with such a tiny price tag, it’s a bargain!

Best Curling Iron for Short Hair – Buyer’s Guide

People often wonder, “What are the expected features of a good curling iron?” Another common question I run into is, “How do you choose the best curling iron for short hair?” I have answered this question so many times, so I decided to make it easy for you and highlighted the most important features of curling irons for short hair. I’m sure that if you follow my advice, you’ll be able to choose a great hairstyling tool, and who knows, maybe you’ll feel confident enough to give people advice on the subject! The most important features of a good curling iron are the following:

• Ceramic and tourmaline – The two materials, combined, work wonders for your hair. If you want to avoid heat damage, make sure your styler uses one or a combination of these materials
• Maximum heat – This, of course, depends on your individual hair type and texture, but typically, you don’t want to exceed a maximum of 400–410°F, even if you have coarse hair.
• Styler shape – Depending on the type of curl you want, you should keep an eye on the shape of the barrel. If you want voluminous waves, look for a cone-shaped curling iron. If you’re looking for springy curls, spiral-shaped barrels are perfect for you (and we even have an article listing the best spiral curling irons which you can check out now)
• Curling wand vs curling iron – Curling wands tend not to have a clamp to hold your hair, which does have its benefits. You can create various styles with it. While that’s all good, curling irons with clamps give you more stability when curling and a lesser chance of burning  

Best Curling Irons for Short Hair

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Conair Instant Heat 3/4-Inch Curling Iron, ¾-inch barrel produces tight curls –...	$16.99 $10.97	Buy on Amazon
2		Conair Instant Heat 1-Inch Curling Iron, 1-inch barrel produces classic curls – for...	$16.99 $11.99	Buy on Amazon
3		Wavytalk 3/10" Small Flat Iron, Pencil Flat Iron for Short Hair, Pixie Cut and Bangs,...	$24.99 $21.99	Buy on Amazon
4		Mini Curling Iron, Curling Iron for Short Hair 1 Inch, Ceramic Dual Barrel Small...	$20.99	Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API