Learn our picks for the best curling iron that won’t damage hair.

Find ceramic options and affordable options for all budgets.

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Since titanium is a lightweight metal, it heats more quickly and evenly, says Barbuto.

This means you get to hold your hair on the iron for less time for the same style.

Stylists recommend titanium irons for thicker hair types, since they distribute heat faster.

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co-founder and master stylist at IGK Soho

Its also extra long, which is helpful for those who have hair past their shoulders.

Beware: it gets HOT very quickly.

It comes with a little stand so ensure you use it or youll burn your counter like I did!

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I have medium length, thick hair, which usually holds curls for like an hour.

I put a little hairspray and my curls will hold fairly well, even for a few days!

BaBylisss techy irons have been favorites among stylists for years.

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However, this product has changed all that.

What reviewers are saying:It glides so beautifully!

Also, the tip of the iron shape makes it so easy two work the clamp and loosen curls.

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co-founder and master stylist at IGK Soho

Its one of the few curling devices on the market that doesnt use anactualiron to get the job done.

The price tag is undoubtedly hefty, but you cant beat the safety it gives strands.

What reviewers are saying:Amazing!

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My hair is much healthier now than other hair tools which overheats and dries my hair out.

Its a one-stop shop for everything you need, without a doubt worth the splurge.

The only hair tool I use now!

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The iron has five heat controls controlled by a microchip to keep temperatures from fluctuating.

The barrel is ceramic which is more gentle on the hair keeping hair shiny, she adds.

What reviewers are saying:This is hands down the most versatile curling iron I have ever owned.

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It smoothes my flyaways, adds volume, and creates beautifully long lasting curls and waves.

Since getting this lightweight curling iron, I do not need to travel with several styling tools anymore.

It heats up very quickly and it is very easy to use.

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What reviewers are saying:Works great, heats up quick, perfect size.

This interchangeable iron has ceramic attachments to ensure the hair is protected.

What reviewers are saying:Such a great multi-use tool.

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Easy to switch out and to adjust the temperature.

Its one of those must have tools.

Can pack easily if traveling and the carrying case makes it so much easier to store.

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Leaves hair beautiful every time.

For those who need more heat this ceramic coated titanium iron is the way to go.

Titanium gets hotter which some textures need, but this barrel is then coated in ceramic keeping hair shiny.

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What reviewers are saying:One of my favorite curling irons.

I have a few I swap out between but always go back to this one.

I use it as a wand and hold the clamp open and wrap my hair around the barrel.

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I have long thick hair and it usually takes me 10-20 minutes.

Are curling irons bad for hair?

In a word, yes.

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Our strands are primarily composed of a protein called keratin, which is held together by hydrogen bonds.

When the cuticle is compromised, the hair becomes more susceptible to breakage, split ends, and frizz.

Repeated exposure to high temperatures can result in cumulative damage, leaving hair looking dull and lifeless.

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How do I keep my curling iron from damaging my hair?

Heat protectant is a must, saysPerlei Salon.

Many people dont realize how much heat damage your hair takes with hot tools.

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Using a heat protector will not only help keep your hair healthy, but it will prevent breakage.

confirm your hair is completely dry with zero dampness, saysGlamsquad Creative Director Giovanni Vaccaro.

This will protect your hair follicle, as hair is most vulnerable and prone to damage when wet.

Stylists suggest wrapping your hair, counting for five to seven seconds, then moving onto the next section.

That said, there are definitely irons that are less damaging to your hair than others.

Dont go cheap on your blow dryer, flat iron or curling iron, advises Brown.

Here, the stylist-approved picks for the best curling irons that wont damage hair.

Having the ability to turn down the heat will help avoid hair breakage long term.

Ceramic and tourmaline plates

Gibson recommends looking for irons made with either ceramic or tourmaline plates.

With that in mind, confirm you swap out your hot tools every few years.

For one that really works, look for silicones (like dimethicone and cyclomethicone) in your product.

Final takeaway

Sois there a curling iron that doesnt damage hair?

Sadly, no.The bottom line is that no curling iron can be completely damage-free, confirms Gibson.

But theres still hope yet.

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