The 9 Best Curling Irons for Short Hair That Add Bounce and Lift

Best Overall

NuMe Curling Wand

View on Numehair.com

Temperature Range: Up to 410 degrees | Barrel Size: 1/2, 1 inch

This oddly shaped, pearl-inspired wand from NuMe has already become somewhat of a legend in the curling wand world. And while it works beautifully on hair of any length, it's especially great for those with a shorter chop. Made with tourmaline, the unique pearl shape claims to encourage bouncy texture and full-bodied waves and curls. It's also designed for every kind of texture, from ultra-thick to baby-fine. The only thing we don't love about it is there's only one temperature setting.

Best Budget

Hot Tools Gold Curling Iron

$25 at Amazon $35 at Target $25 at Walmart

Temperature Range: Up to 430 degrees | Barrel Size: 3/4, 1 1/2, 1, 1 1/4 inch

Okay, we're just going to say it: This curling iron from Hot Tools might just be one of the most popular, effective, and budget-friendly curling irons of all time—especially if you have short hair. The 24K surface creates long-lasting and ultra-defined curly hair looks, while innovative pulse technology (which claims to get hot and stay hot without a moment's hesitation) may chop styling time by 50%. Reviewers have noted it can snag hair so we suggest sectioning hair into smaller, more manageable pieces while styling.

Best for Soft Waves

Conair Curling Iron

$15 at Amazon

Temperature Range: Not specified, although there are 25 heat settings | Barrel Size: ½, ¾, 1 inch

You might think a larger curling iron barrel is only suited for longer hair, but that would be awfully limiting, wouldn't it? Larger barrels can do wonders on curly hair—they add lift and volume and create soft waves any mermaid would envy. This bargain-buy heats up quickly (in just about 30 seconds) and evenly. It comes in several different sizes, and while we love the larger one for the aforementioned reasons, there's a half-inch option that's perfect for creating tighter curls on shorter strands. There are a whopping 25 heat settings, although the temperatures aren’t specified; your best bet is to check online for info as to which range is best for your hair type and texture.

Best Titanium

Foxybae Rose Gold Curling Wand

$90 at Amazon

Temperature Range: Up to 450 degrees | Barrel Size: 3/4, 1 ¼ inch

Sleek, rose-gold packaging aside (but seriously, who wouldn't want to display this on their vanity?), this one-inch wand by Foxybae consistently receives five-star reviews and is applauded for its habit of potentially inducing impeccable shine and hold—sans spray, thanks to the titanium barrel. It heats up super fast and has adjustable heat settings to fit your hair texture. However, while it heats up to 450 degrees, some reviewers said it doesn't hold curls as well as some other curling irons.

Best for Damaged Hair

Sultra The Bombshell Rod Curling Iron

$73 at Amazon $99 at Verishop.com

Temperature Range: Up to 375 degrees | Barrel Size: 1 inch

This cult-favorite one-inch wand is great for any hair length (take it from someone who's had them all) but is especially handy for short hair. It also may be one of the least damaging in the bunch. Featuring the brand's exclusive Advanced Care Ceramic technology (which claims to simultaneously repair the hair as you style), it's safe for color-treated, dry, and yes, even damaged strands. Also—it's fast. We just wish we could adjust the temperature as that would help protect more damage-prone locks.

Best Tapered Wand

ghd Tapered Curling Wand

$178 at Amazon $209 at Sephora $209 at Ulta

Temperature Range: Up to 365 degrees | Barrel Size: 1 inch

According to the brand's helpful product comparison guide, this is one of the best Ghd curling irons for short hair, and if the stellar reviews have anything to say about it, they're not lying to us. Ever so slightly tapered at the end, the wand boasts cutting-edge tri-zone technology that claims to ensure an even and consistent temperature for healthier, longer-lasting results. There's even a preset button that keeps the temp at 365 degrees (the optimal temp to hold a curl without damaging the hair shaft) Yes, this one's an investment. But if our personal stash of Ghd tools (some of which have lasted us for five years and beyond) gives us a hint, it's a worthy one.

Best Rotating Rod

Drybar The 3-Day Bender Curling Iron

$149 at Amazon $149 at Sephora $149 at Ulta

Temperature Range: Up to 440 degrees | Barrel Size: 1.25 inches

Rotating curling irons are ideal for curling newbies (or people who don't curl their hair often) who may have trouble curling the manual way. Aesthetically, Drybar's signature bright yellow iron is a winner, but so is its amazing technology and curl payoff for those with shorter strands. Great for all hair types—from tightly coiled curls to pin-straight, this iron boasts a rotating clamp in addition to dual ceramic plates, infrared heating technology, and a handy digital temperature reader. Not only do we love how easy the design makes curling, but the tech may actually cut your styling time in half. The only downside we came across is some reviewers noticed the curl clamp can let hair slip out.

Best for Beach Waves

Beachwaver Co. Rotating Curling Iron

$149 at Amazon $149 at Ulta View on Beachwaver.com

Temperature Range: Up to 410 degrees | Barrel Size: 1 inch

The Beachwaver Co. has been making waves within the industry (literal and metaphoric) for a while now, and for good reason. Case in point: It's a rotating curling iron that has two different speeds (fast or slow, take your pick), boasts ceramic technology that may decrease damage, and allows you to create every iteration of curl for your short hair—from intricate and defined to loose and beachy.

We love the soft, tousled look for short hair, especially in the summertime, and this tool helps you achieve it (almost) effortlessly. However, since it's designed to be gentler on hair, the curls may not last as long as some other options on this list. We suggest using a texturizing spray to keep them going strong for longer.

Best Cone-Shaped Rod

Paul Mitchell Neuro Angle Rod Curling Iron

$147 at Amazon View on Paulmitchell.com

Temperature Range: Up to 450 degrees | Size: 1 inch

Full disclosure: When this curling wand first came across our desks, we were skeptical. Would an angling iron actually prove useful? Or would it just be a liability (aka lead to more ear, neck, and chin burns)? Thankfully, it proved not to be the latter. With four different rod positions, this universally flattering one-inch wand allows you to easily position the rod without distressing your biceps, shoulders, or neck in the process. Plus, it heats up to 450 degrees in record time—we're talking just a matter of seconds, folks.