8 Best Curling Irons

The winner of a past Lab curling irons test, this one-inch model proved to be lightweight, comfy to grip and snag-free. “I loved how quickly this curling iron heated up,” one tester raved. “It easily clamped my hair and curled it in just a few seconds.” It also rated highly for forming smooth, frizz-free curls and has an automatic shut-off feature after 60 minutes for peace of mind.

Created by hairstylist Sarah Potempa, this time-saving, automated curling iron is the only one GH’s Beauty Director April Franzino uses. “It rotates away from your face, taking the guesswork out of curling hair,” she says. “All you have to do is clamp a section of hair at the bottom, press the button and watch as it winds around the curler. Hold for a few seconds, release and you have a perfect loose curl.” It also comes in two sizes: One-inch for tighter curls and 1 1⁄2 inch for looser waves. Lab testers noted that “it grips hair well,” and the resulting “curls are well defined and stay in place” for “beautiful, natural looking curls in no time.”