A hair curler is any heated tool that sets hair into a curl or wave by wrapping or clamping it around a hot barrel, breaking the hydrogen bonds that hold the hair’s current shape and letting them reform as it cools. The cooling part matters more than most people realise: hair sets as it cools, not while it is hot, which is why curls dropped an hour later are usually a cooling problem rather than a heat problem.
The category splits into formats that produce genuinely different results. A curling iron or tong has a spring clamp that grips the hair while you wrap, which is the easiest to learn but can leave a crease. A curling wand is clamp-free, giving a smoother curl with no crease, but you hold the section yourself and need a heat-resistant glove. A tapered or conical wand narrows along its length so one tool makes several curl sizes. An automatic curler rotates the barrel and does the wrapping for you. A waver clamps hair between waved plates to make continuous S-bend beach waves rather than spirals. Multi-barrel sets swap barrels on one handle, and heatless curlers set damp hair overnight with no heat at all.
Barrel diameter is the number that decides the look, and it is simpler than the marketing suggests: roughly 13 to 19mm gives tight ringlets, around 25mm gives a classic curl, and 32mm and above gives loose waves and volume. On temperature, fine or coloured hair generally belongs around 150 to 170 degrees and only coarse hair needs to go high — note that two tools here settle on a fixed 185 degrees as the sensible middle. One practical point for New Zealand buyers: Australia and New Zealand share the same Type I plug and 230V supply, so Australian-market tools work here with no adapter or transformer.
This guide compares nine hair curlers available in New Zealand across automatic, wand, waver, multi-barrel and heatless formats, and across tight ringlets through to loose beach waves.
Hair curler comparison
| Product | Best for | Type | Barrel size | Temperature | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TYMO CurlPro Plus Automatic Curling Iron | Best Overall | Automatic rotating | 25mm | Not stated | Dual voltage |
| ghd Creative Curl Wand | Best Premium | Tapered wand, clamp-free | 28-23mm tapered | Fixed 185°C | AU plug |
| TYMO ROVY Deep Waver | Best for Beach Waves | Deep waver / crimper | 25mm (1.25 in) | Not stated | Dual voltage |
| BESTOPE PRO 6-in-1 Curling Wand Set | Best Multi-Barrel Set | Interchangeable wand set | 6 barrels, 9-32mm | 150-210°C | 100-240V |
| Bed Head Twirl Junkie Digital Curling Wand | Best for Tight Curls | Clamp-free wand | 1 inch | 10 digital settings | Dual voltage |
| Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Styling Iron | Best for Loose Curls with Body | Clamp-free spiral wand | 1 inch | Fixed, single switch | Dual voltage |
| Remington Botanicals Curling Wand | Best Conical Wand | Conical clipless wand | 13-25mm conical | Botanicare 185°C option | Not stated |
| Remington 3-in-1 Multistyler Curl and Wave | Best Budget Multi-Barrel | Interchangeable 3-barrel set | 19mm, 13-25mm, 32mm | 160-220°C, 3 settings | Not stated |
| Sylona Heatless Curlers Set | Best Heatless Option | Heatless rods | 2 sizes: 1.5in and 0.5in | No heat | Not applicable |
1. TYMO CurlPro Plus Automatic Curling Iron – Best Overall
An automatic curler removes the part people actually struggle with: the wrapping. You clamp a section, press a button, and the barrel rotates and curls it for you, with a built-in timer signalling when the curl is done. That makes this the pick for anyone who has never got on with a manual wand. The barrel is longer than standard, aimed specifically at long or thick hair, and dual PTC heaters bring it up to temperature faster. TYMO rates the curls at up to 72 hours of hold, and there is a 360-degree anti-scald design plus anti-tangle protection, which matters more on a rotating tool than a static one.
Pros
- Automatic rotation does the wrapping for you, so no technique is required
- Built-in timer tells you when each curl is ready
- Longer barrel designed for long or thick hair rather than shoulder-length
- Dual PTC heaters for faster, more even heat-up
- 360-degree anti-scald and anti-tangle design, the two real risks with a rotating barrel
- Over 10,000 ratings behind it
Cons
- Automatic curlers are bulkier and heavier in the hand than a simple wand
- A single 25mm barrel means one curl size, unlike the interchangeable sets here
- The 72-hour hold claim is the manufacturer’s own and depends heavily on hair type
Key specs: Automatic rotating curling iron, 25mm ceramic barrel. Dual PTC heating. 600 million negative ions, T-GLOSS tourmaline ceramic coating. Built-in timer. Anti-scald and anti-tangle. Dual voltage.
2. ghd Creative Curl Wand – Best Premium
The tapered barrel is what separates this from a straight wand: because it narrows from 28mm to 23mm, each curl varies slightly in diameter down its length, which is what stops a set of curls looking uniform and set. ghd targets beachy, free-form waves with natural movement rather than defined ringlets. Ultra-zone technology monitors heat across the barrel to hold 185 degrees, the temperature ghd has standardised on across its range as the point that styles effectively without unnecessary damage, and the brand quotes 5 to 8 seconds per section with hold up to 24 hours.
Pros
- Tapered 28-23mm barrel produces varied, natural-looking curls rather than uniform ringlets
- Ultra-zone heat monitoring holds a consistent 185°C across the barrel
- Quoted at 5-8 seconds per section, the fastest here
- Clamp-free, so no crease or clamp mark in the curl
- Supplied with an AU plug, which fits New Zealand sockets directly
Cons
- Fixed 185°C with no adjustment, so very coarse hair cannot be turned up
- Clamp-free wands require a heat glove and some practice to use safely
- The most expensive pick in this guide
Key specs: Clamp-free tapered wand, 28-23mm barrel. Ultra-zone technology at a fixed 185°C. Quoted 5-8 seconds per section. AU plug.
3. TYMO ROVY Deep Waver – Best for Beach Waves
A waver is a different tool from a curler and produces a different result: instead of wrapping hair round a barrel, you clamp it between waved plates, which creates the continuous S-bend pattern of a beach wave rather than a spiral curl. That makes it by far the easiest way to get that particular look, and with nearly 15,000 ratings it is the most reviewed product in this guide. The full-wrap insulation means no exposed barrel, so there is nothing hot to catch fingers or neck, and four PTC heating elements bring it up to temperature in around 30 seconds.
Pros
- Produces genuine beach waves in one clamp, with no wrapping technique to learn
- Nearly 15,000 ratings, the most-reviewed product here
- Full-wrap insulation means no exposed hot barrel, the safest design in this guide
- Four PTC heating elements reach temperature in about 30 seconds
- 1.25 inch plates give a larger, looser wave pattern
Cons
- Only makes waves, not spiral curls or ringlets, so it is a one-trick tool
- Clamping leaves a more uniform, repeated pattern than a wand does
- Working through long hair section by section takes longer than an automatic curler
Key specs: Deep waver with ceramic tourmaline barrel, 25mm (1.25 inch). Four PTC heating elements, around 30 seconds to heat. 40 million negative ions. Full-wrap insulation. Dual voltage.
4. BESTOPE PRO 6-in-1 Curling Wand Set – Best Multi-Barrel Set
Barrel diameter decides curl size, so a set with six of them covers every look in this guide from one handle: 0.4 inch and 0.75 inch straight barrels for tight ringlets, two tapered barrels for varied natural curls, and 1 inch and 1.25 inch for loose waves. The barrels are two inches longer than standard, which genuinely helps at the back of the head on long hair. Temperature is adjustable between 150 and 210 degrees, it runs on 100-240V for travel, and it includes a heat-resistant glove and two styling clips.
Pros
- Six interchangeable barrels from 9 to 32mm cover tight ringlets through to loose waves
- Barrels two inches longer than standard, which helps on long hair and at the back
- Adjustable 150-210°C rather than a single fixed temperature
- 100-240V dual voltage with a 60-minute auto shut-off
- Includes a heat-resistant glove and two clips, which clamp-free wands need
Cons
- Swapping barrels mid-style means handling a hot component, even with the quick-install system
- Six barrels is a lot to store and easy to lose
- Tops out at 210°C, lower than the 220-230°C of some single-barrel tools
Key specs: Six interchangeable ceramic barrels: 0.4in, 0.75in, 0.35-0.75in tapered, 0.75-1in tapered, 1in, 1.25in. 150-210°C. PTC heating. 100-240V. 2.4m swivel cord. 60-minute auto shut-off. Glove and two clips included.
5. Bed Head Twirl Junkie Digital Curling Wand – Best for Tight Curls
Ten digital temperature settings is the most granular control in this guide, and that is the reason to choose it: fine hair can be styled well below the maximum while coarse hair gets the full range, on the same tool. Bed Head aims it at tight curls and waves via a clamp-free 1 inch barrel with shine-plated coating for fast heat. It is lightweight with universal dual voltage, has an auto shut-off, and importantly includes the heat-protective glove, which a clamp-free wand genuinely needs rather than nice-to-have.
Pros
- Ten digital temperature settings, the most precise control in this guide
- Clamp-free, so no crease line across the curl
- Heat-protective glove included, which clamp-free styling requires
- Lightweight with universal dual voltage for travel
- Over 5,600 ratings
Cons
- The top of its range is high enough to damage fine hair if used carelessly
- Clamp-free wands have a learning curve compared with a tong or an automatic curler
- One fixed barrel size, so curl diameter cannot be varied
Key specs: Clamp-free digital curling wand, 1 inch barrel. 10 temperature settings. Shine master plated technology. Universal dual voltage. Auto shut-off. Heat-protective glove included.
6. Bed Head Curlipops Spiral Styling Iron – Best for Loose Curls with Body
The simplest tool here, deliberately. There is one switch, it heats to a single temperature, and the clamp-free spiral barrel produces springy loose curls with body and no clamp marks or creases. Tourmaline ceramic keeps the barrel evenly heated and helps hair retain its own moisture, and holding a steady temperature rather than cycling up and down is itself a way of reducing heat damage. If the appeal of ten digital settings is lost on you, this removes the decision entirely. A heat-protective glove is included.
Pros
- One switch and one temperature, with nothing to configure
- Clamp-free spiral barrel leaves no clamp marks or creases
- Tourmaline ceramic holds an even temperature, which reduces heat damage
- Very lightweight with universal dual voltage
- Heat-protective glove included
Cons
- No temperature adjustment at all, so fine hair cannot be dialled down
- Fewest ratings of the Bed Head tools here
- One barrel size, suited to loose curls rather than tight ringlets
Key specs: Clamp-free spiral styling iron, 1 inch tourmaline ceramic barrel. Single fixed temperature. Universal dual voltage. Heat-protective glove included.
7. Remington Botanicals Curling Wand – Best Conical Wand
A conical barrel tapering from 25mm down to 13mm lets one wand produce both loose waves and tight curls depending where along the barrel you wrap, which is the most useful single-tool compromise short of buying a set. The ceramic coating is infused with aloe vera, jojoba and rose extract, and there is a dedicated Botanicare setting that styles at a lower 185 degrees to reduce damage, which is the same temperature the ghd here fixes on. It reaches styling heat in 30 seconds and shuts off automatically after 60 minutes.
Pros
- 13-25mm conical barrel gives a range of curl sizes from one wand
- Botanicare setting styles at a lower 185°C to reduce heat damage
- Ceramic coating infused with aloe vera, jojoba and rose extract
- Ready in 30 seconds
- 60-minute automatic shut-off
Cons
- Only 33 ratings, so there is limited real-world feedback
- Clipless design needs a heat glove, which is not listed as included
- No stated dual voltage, so it is a home tool rather than a travel one
Key specs: Clipless conical curling wand, 13-25mm barrel. Advanced ceramic coating with aloe vera, jojoba and rose extract. Botanicare 185°C setting. 30-second heat-up. 60-minute auto shut-off.
8. Remington 3-in-1 Multistyler Curl and Wave – Best Budget Multi-Barrel
Three barrels covering three genuinely distinct jobs, at the lowest price of any multi-barrel option here. The 19mm tong with clip handles tight, textured curls or defining natural curl; the 13-25mm clipless conical wand does undone beach waves; and the 32mm wide tong with clip produces loose, voluminous curls. All three are tourmaline ceramic with ionic technology, and there are three heat settings from 160 to 220 degrees. For someone who does not yet know which curl they want, this is the cheapest way to find out.
Pros
- Three barrels covering tight curls, beach waves and loose volume
- Cheapest multi-barrel option in this guide
- Mix of clipped tongs and a clipless wand, so you can use whichever technique suits you
- Tourmaline ceramic with ionic technology across all three barrels
- Reaches 220°C, higher than the BESTOPE set
Cons
- Only three heat settings rather than a continuous range
- Swapping barrels means handling hot components
- No stated dual voltage or auto shut-off
Key specs: Three interchangeable tourmaline ceramic barrels: 19mm tong with clip, 13-25mm clipless conical wand, 32mm wide tong with clip. Three heat settings, 160-220°C. Ionic technology.
9. Sylona Heatless Curlers Set – Best Heatless Option
Every other tool in this guide works by applying heat to the hair, and heat is cumulatively damaging. This one works overnight instead: dampen the hair, wrap it around soft rods, secure with the scrunchies and clips, sleep in the supplied bonnet, and unwrap in the morning. It is the only option here that carries no heat-damage risk at all, which makes it the sensible choice for frequent styling, for fine or already-damaged hair, or simply for anyone who would rather not add a daily heat cycle. Two rod sizes cover voluminous waves through to tighter curls.
Pros
- No heat at all, so no cumulative heat damage
- Two rod sizes, 1.5 inch and 0.5 inch, for waves or tighter curls
- Complete kit: rods, sleeping bonnet, four scrunchies, two clips, storage bag and spray bottle
- By far the cheapest option in this guide
- Nothing to plug in, so it travels anywhere with no voltage concerns
Cons
- Takes a full night rather than minutes, so it cannot be a same-morning decision
- Results are less predictable and less defined than a heated tool
- Sleeping in rods is not comfortable for everyone
- Only 24 ratings
Key specs: Heatless curling rod set, 11 pieces. Two rod sizes, 1.5 inch and 0.5 inch. Includes sleeping bonnet, four scrunchies, two clips, storage bag and spray bottle. No heat, no power required.
How to choose a hair curler in NZ
Decide what the curl should look like before you look at any product. Tight ringlets need a narrow barrel around 13 to 19mm. A classic, defined curl wants roughly 25mm. Loose, brushed-out waves need 32mm or more. Beach waves are a different shape entirely and a waver does them far better than any barrel. Buying a 32mm wand and hoping for ringlets is the most common mistake in this category, and no amount of technique fixes it.
Then pick the format that matches your patience. Clamp-free wands give the cleanest curl with no crease, but you hold hot hair in a gloved hand and it takes practice. A clamped tong is more forgiving and faster to learn. An automatic curler removes the technique entirely, at the cost of a bulkier tool and a single curl size. If you genuinely do not know what suits you, a multi-barrel set is the cheapest way to find out without buying three tools.
Take temperature control seriously, and be wary of a tool that only offers maximum. Fine, coloured or fragile hair should sit well below the top of the range, and the tools here that fix at 185 degrees are making a deliberate choice rather than cutting a feature. Always use heat protectant on dry hair. Curling damp hair with a heated barrel boils the moisture inside the shaft, which does more damage than the heat itself, and the only tool here designed for damp hair is the heatless set.
Finally, check what is in the box and how the curl is finished. A clamp-free wand needs a heat-resistant glove, and not every one includes it. Let each curl cool completely before touching it, because hair sets as it cools, and pinning curls to the head while they cool is the single biggest improvement most people can make to how long a style lasts. If you are packing one for a trip, look for dual or 100-240V voltage and check our guides to the best carry-on luggage in NZ and the best suitcases. For the styling side, our roundups of the best summer dresses and the best face moisturisers in NZ cover the rest of the look.
Verdict
The TYMO CurlPro Plus is the best all-round pick because it removes the skill barrier: the barrel rotates and curls for you, a timer tells you when each section is done, and the longer barrel is built for the long or thick hair that manual wands struggle with. If budget is not the constraint, the ghd Creative Curl Wand is the better tool, with a tapered 28-23mm barrel that produces natural, varied curls rather than uniform ones, and a controlled 185 degrees throughout.
Beyond those, match the tool to the look. The TYMO ROVY is the one to buy if what you actually want is beach waves, and it does them in a single clamp. For range rather than one look, the BESTOPE PRO set covers 9 to 32mm across six barrels, and the Remington 3-in-1 does the same job across three barrels far more cheaply. The Bed Head Twirl Junkie offers the finest temperature control here with ten settings, while Curlipops strips it back to one switch. The Remington Botanicals is the pick if you want a single conical wand with a genuine lower-heat setting. And if heat damage is your main concern, the Sylona heatless set is the only option here that carries none at all. Whichever you choose, check current stock and pricing before buying, since both change regularly.
FAQs
What size barrel should you choose for a hair curler?
Barrel diameter decides curl size, and it is the single most important spec. Roughly, 13 to 19mm produces tight ringlets and defined curls, around 25mm gives a classic curl, and 32mm and above creates loose waves and volume. A conical or tapered barrel, such as the Remington Botanicals or the ghd here, varies the diameter along its length so one wand covers more than one look, which is why tapered barrels give a more natural, less uniform result.
What is the difference between a curling iron, a wand and a waver?
A curling iron or tong has a spring-loaded clamp that holds the hair while you wrap it, which is easier to learn but can leave a crease. A wand is clamp-free, so there is no crease, but you hold the hair yourself and need a heat-resistant glove. A waver clamps hair between waved plates to create a continuous S-bend beach wave rather than a spiral. An automatic curler, like the TYMO here, rotates the barrel and does the wrapping for you.
What temperature should you curl your hair at?
Lower than most people assume. Fine, fragile or coloured hair generally sits around 150 to 170 degrees, normal hair around 180 to 200, and only genuinely coarse hair needs to go higher. It is worth noting that two of the tools here, the ghd and the Remington Botanicals Botanicare setting, both fix or default to 185 degrees, which reflects a general view that a controlled mid-range temperature styles effectively without unnecessary damage.
Do Australian curling wands work in New Zealand?
Yes. Australia and New Zealand share the same Type I plug and the same 230V 50Hz mains supply, so an Australian-market curler works here with no adapter and no transformer. Several tools in this guide additionally list dual or 100-240V voltage, which matters for travelling further afield rather than for use at home.
Are heatless curlers actually any good?
They work, with real trade-offs. Wrapping damp hair around soft rods overnight sets a curl through drying rather than heat, which removes heat damage entirely and is the reason to consider them for fine, fragile or frequently styled hair. The cost is time and predictability: it takes a full night, the result is softer and less defined than a heated tool, and not everyone sleeps comfortably in them. They are a genuine alternative rather than a gimmick, but not a same-morning one.
How do you make curls last longer?
Curl dry hair, not damp, and let each curl cool fully before touching it, because hair sets as it cools rather than while it is hot. Pinning each curl to the head while it cools and releasing them all at the end makes a substantial difference. Hairspray applied to sections before curling helps on hair that drops quickly. Manufacturer hold claims in this category, such as 24 or 72 hours, are best treated as best-case figures that depend heavily on hair type and weather.
Do you need a heat protectant with a curling wand?
Yes, every time and on dry hair. A curling barrel applies direct contact heat, often above 180 degrees, and heat protectant is the only barrier between it and the hair cuticle. Curling damp hair with a heated tool is worse than curling dry hair, because the moisture inside the shaft boils. The one exception in this guide is the heatless set, which is designed to be used on damp hair precisely because no heat is involved.
