
Stuck in a Styling Rut? Curlers for Short Hair to the Rescue
Growing up, I had a thick mane of hair complete with bangs obscuring my eyes like a sheep dog. I tried to be invisible and blend in until the unimaginable happened. I stopped wanting to be invisible and yearned to look like a million dollars. The red-carpet look did not seem like a far-fetched notion.
This meant that I had to invest in hair appliances that would jazz up my locks for a sweet and chic do. Salvation came in the form of intense research for my quest of the best curling iron for short hair. I imagined fixing my hair in cute choppy pixie with numerous layers and stepping out in style with irresistible curls amidst admiring glances. Not forgetting glamming up for an Instagram shot with fun tight curls or elegant side – swept bangs. You can check out what is needed in curlers for short hair.
Curling Iron Vs Curling Wand
The curling iron has been with us since before electricity. It has a straight barrel where the hair is wrapped around producing curls and waves when heated. A clamp holds hair in place and when released allows you to pull the iron out and behold! Curls galore.
Curling wands are updated curling irons. They lack the clamp so your hand controls the curling process. This requires an experienced hand for flawless curls.
Journey with me in search of the best hair curler brand; for the best curling iron to buy, consider;

Width of the Barrel
Curling irons are not one size fits all. The barrel size determines whether your hair will rock that coveted Sherri Shepherd round pretty curly look. Rather than struggle, choose the right size of curlers for short hair. Thinner barrels work great for short hair while wider barrels give that glamorous long wavy look that is the holy grail of beach hair. Short hair is difficult to wrap around wide barrels.
The shape of the Barrel
Is your poison spiral curls, loose curls or a naughty blend of both? The shape of the barrel will dictate the curls you end up with. The reverse conical shaped barrel gives tight curls; the conical shaped barrel blends the playful loose and tight curls. The cylindrical shaped barrel produces those to-die-for spiral curls.
Curling Iron Material
A ceramic, tourmaline or titanium material will protect you from the dread of frizzy, static-y damaged hair that is the mother of all botched hairdos. They conduct heat more evenly than metal, emitting a large number of negative ions for locking in moisture. This makes it the best curling iron for damaged, colored and weak hair.
Heat Settings
The best electrical hair curlers have an adjustable heat dial. In using the curling wand for short hair, if hair is left for too long, it can burn! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a way out? Sure, with curling irons, the adjustable heat dial gives you just that…a way out.
Make an informed decision in shopping for a curling iron for short hair.
Best Curling Iron for Short Hair Reviews
1. Sultra the Bombshell Rod Curling Iron
Before I started using Sultra, I thought I was forever destined to have straight hair tied in a bun that resembles a cow patty. That is old news. I discovered the world of sultry beach waves, sexy and flowing, all in a span of a few minutes. The 1-inch Bombshell 1-Inch Rod Curling Iron introduced me to this and worked magic on my hair. I was able to get wavy hair in a span of 10 minutes. The barrel size ranges from ¾ to 1.5 inches. Depending on the length of hair and the barrel size used, Sultra leaves incredibly noticeable waves on short hair.
With its consistency of 380F, I got waves in a few minutes, nearly half the time of a traditional curling iron. The dual-heater system that evenly distributed heat on the iron worked well on the hair I had wrapped around the barrel. Be sure to use the safety glove provided to keep your hands injury free.
Pros
I once forgot to turn the curling iron off but lucky me, this baby has an internal auto shut-off safety switch. If like me you love preparing to the sound of music, worry no more if the music distracts you enough to forget to switch off the curling iron. Sultra can also automatically go off in case you forget to switch it off.
If you are running late, Sultra will sort you in a jiffy. It heats up real fast and you can get a full head of curls in ten minutes or under. Can your hairdresser beat this time? I doubt.
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I rocked the beach look for a while as the advanced care ceramic technology locks the waves, giving them a longer life. The infra red technology ensured my damaged hair was safe and frizzle free with the constant heat that emitted negative ions locking in moisture.
The universal voltage allows me to re-create my favorite do’s anywhere I travel to. Sultra conveniently provides a two year warranty.
Cons
Learning to use this contraption was a chore. I burned myself on the neck the first time and had to go back and watch a tutorial on Youtube. Needless to say anyone who walked on me during that time became damaged. Luckily, my hair is now rocking, making that a long forgotten memory.
What I Think
Sultra has redefined my life, making it easy for me to rock various styles within a short time. I am able to save time as opposed to when I have to go to a hairdresser. Hairdo missteps are no longer in my vocabulary. For big sexy waves, Sultra will work magic. It gets hot fast, curls swiftly with long lasting curls. Next time I am feeling like rocking the beach waves, Sultra has this!
BEST DEAL ONLINE: Sultra The Bombshell Rod Curling Iron
2. HSI Professional Curling Iron Set
Four for the price of one; this is what you get when buying the HSI Professional curling iron set. Cool huh? When stepping out in Kate Middleton bouncy locks or a chic pixie cut, this baby has your back with the four barrel sizes that caters for all hair lengths. It is the best curling iron for beachy waves, the best curling iron for short hair and overall, one of the top rated curling irons.
Do you get chills that the heat will damage your hair? Not an issue; the infrared technology locks in moisture while the ceramic tourmaline produces smooth, high gloss, healthy hair.
Pros
It is designed to give a non-slip grip for safety while use. Taking the safety a notch higher is a heat glove to protect your hand and HSI has a one year warranty.
This curling wand for short hair heats up real fast. In less than a minute, you can start working on your hair. It is the to-go-to appliance when you have no time to spare but still have to step out looking like a million bucks.
Your hair is safe with the adjustable heat control that regulates temperatures. It produces even heat distribution to ensure your hair is curled evenly. Your hair does not risk being frizzled or hit by static due to the adjustable heat control. It is a dual voltage curling iron that comes in handy more so when travelling.
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Cons
My only concern for safety purposes is the lack of a stand to keep the barrel off a flat surface. Keeping a hot barrel on a flat surface can cause burns or undue accidents.
If the barrel is not fitted well, the curling iron may not heat up. It will bring an error message showing that the fitting is not proper. So next time you are in a hurry, remember to take your time and fit it well to save yourself the time of re-doing the fitting.
What I Think
The HSI is a keeper with the four barrels that allow for a range of hairstyles. It is like buying four curlers for the price of one. I love that I can make my hair on the go since it heats up real fast. No more hours wasted at the hairdresser. Yeeei! The fashionista in me envisions effortless striking styles with this device in no time at all.
BEST DEAL ONLINE: HSI Professional Curling Iron Set
3. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
Wonder how to get those shiny bouncy curls on a full head? BabylissPro is the expert that can sort you out. The smooth barrel gives hair a silky smooth glossy finish. The titanium curling iron is a gem in taming coarse to thick hair because of the amount of heat it can contain without damaging hair.
As you create a picture perfect masterpiece at home, have no qualms about developing unwarranted muscles as this hair toy is light weight. In addition, it enables you to make a head full of curls in about 10 minutes! Needless to say, the 360 degree swivel cord allows you to maneuver all around your head easily.
Pros
It heats up fast and evenly to ensure the curls are uniformly done. The long handle allows you to hold it to the back of your head without a fear of burning your neck.
The BabylissPRO has various levels of heat temperatures. If your hair is damaged, just choose the low levels to ensure your hair is well maintained and given time to repair.
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Cons
You have to be keen and careful while using this appliance because it does not have an auto switch. You have to turn it off when you are not using it. Forgetfulness is not an option.
What I Think
BabylissPRO’s light weight makes curling hair a breeze. It does not matter whether I am curling my full head or just the frontage to cover my forehead. It is pure bliss. I developed a phobia for curling irons after burning the back of my neck with an old one. Now, I no longer fear that since the long handle allows me to work on my full head comfortably.
BEST DEAL ONLINE: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
4. GHD Curve Classic Curl Iron
Imagine being regarded as the Audrey Hepburn of the 21st century or a trend setter like the Kadarshians, sporting their sexy waves with words like chic, classy and timeless used to describe your look. Wouldn’t it be an ego-booster to have you as the to-go-to DIY hair consultant within your circle of friends? All this because of the GHD, a classic curler for short hair helping you create beautiful hair from the comfort of your home.
The rounded barrel will leave you spoilt for choice between curly, wavy or straight hair. To step out with smooth, shiny locks, the advanced heating technology within the GHD sorts you out.
Pros
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Whether you are engrossed in that episode of Hairspray or enjoying music that takes your attention, fear not. The curler will heat up within seconds but will switch to sleep mode within 30 minutes of non-use. So relax and enjoy your masterpiece as you spruce your hair.
It has universal voltage that is convenient for any country. This and its protective pocket for storage allow you to carry it anywhere you go. Life has never been more fun with the power to carry numerous stylish hairdos wherever you go.
The 9 foot long swivel cord allows for easy maneuvering to the back of the head. Your neck and scalp are safe as you do not run the risk of burning yourself.
Cons
There are a plethora of fake appliances in the market. Ensure you buy the real classic deal for maximum benefit. It is better to order from the manufacturer to ensure you are getting the genuine deal.
BEST DEAL ONLINE: GHD Curve Classic Curl Iron
5. T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand
Changing your look has never been easy like saying one, two, three; yes, three interchangeable barrels in one. Whether it is sexy waves, playful curls or a straight up bang, you will definitely go out with a bang. It does not matter whether your hair is long or short, this triple barrel curling iron will sort you out. This could very well be one of the best curling wands for short hair.
For that unruly mane that is hard to tame, T3 whirl’s multitasking sensors that heat up to the optimum and offers consistent styling temperature will break your wild hair. Like a wild horse needs to be broken, it will tame your hair resulting in gorgeous shiny curls that can last longer than 24 hours. The advanced ceramic coating that maintains heat across the barrel grooms your unruly hair into a smooth, shiny damage-free finish.
Pros
If unused for 60 minutes, the automatic sensor for switching it off takes over, leaving you safe.
The heat setting can be adjusted to ensure you do not burn or damage your hair with overheated temperatures. It is perfect for any hair type or condition whether damaged, colored or healthy and natural hair.
The hair’s moisture is locked in with the blend of tourmaline and ceramic materials that have infrared technology. You have no fear of having weak or damaged hair as a result.
You do not have to take awkward angles to reach the back of your head. The 360 degree swivel cord allows for easy access to the back of your head. It has a cool tip and stand for safety purposes. You will not burn the surface you place it on as it comes with the stand. This device can be stored in a tote for ease of travelling. T3 Whirl Trio comes with a two year warranty.
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Cons
This curling wand for short hair is a bit cumbersome to use because of the manual way of curling hair around it. It takes a bit of time to get the hang of it until you can finally curl your hair around the barrel without burning your fingers. I guess that is why the hand glove comes in handy. It is to prevent the many burns a novice is likely to experience. The glove takes a bit of getting used to but once broken into; it is a breeze to use.
What I Think
The T3 is a steal. It is versatile and allows for a variety of looks. I mean, which girl will not want to change her hairstyle at home and emerge with a look worthy of the red-carpet day in, day out.
BEST DEAL ONLINE: T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand
6. Hot Tools Professional 1101 Curling Iron with Multi-Heat Control, Regular 3/4"
Do those short and fine strands of hair along your hairline give you nightmares while curling your hair? Don’t worry, the soft grip handle will enable you to literally curl all your hair. No strand is left untouched. The 8ft swivel cord cooperates further by allowing you to reach the back of your head comfortably. It maintains constant heat of up to 428F for evenly curled hair, making it ideal for all hair types. It has an extra long cool tip and a separate on and off switch.
Pros
The extremely smooth barrel tames unruly, thick frizzy hair giving it a soft, silky finish. Your hands will not feel like a body-builder’s since this baby is light-weight.
Cons
Hair can sometimes get stuck on the gold plated barrel making curling a chore. The waves do not come out looking seamless due to the sticking on the barrel.
What I Think
I prefer the ceramic barrel. It may just be me but I thought that my hair stuck on this gold plated curling iron, making it difficult to curl hair, denying me that seamless natural look. That aside, the feature of it taming my unruly coarse hair really appeals to me.
BEST DEAL ONLINE: Hot Tools Professional 1101 Curling Iron
Finally…
Curling iron is like a dressing in a salad. At the end of the day, all dressings work but the right one can take your dish to orgasmic levels. Similar to the curling iron; the right curling iron will make you the poster child on Pinterest. The right barrel size and iron can make all the difference between a bad hair day and an instantaneous Victoria Secret hair model.
The Hot Tools Curling Iron works wonders for curling short hair. As a curling tool for short hair, you can literally curl all your hair. You can forget about the annoying and untidy short hairline that is problematic. Sassy and neat will be your new identity.
The T3 whirl will engage your hair in a whirlwind romance with whichever hairstyle you wish. Be it curls, waves or bangs, this baby will satisfy you fully with the three interchangeable barrels. It remains to be one of the to-go-to curling wands for short hair.
Classic Sultra gives defined curls and waves for whichever length of hair. It turns mundane hair into striking, classy do in a span of as little as ten minutes. From thin to coarse hair, this is your best protection. I always worry that the heat will damage my hair. With Sultra though, I am relaxed. It releases negative ions that are good for my hair and lock in moisture.
In using a curling iron for short hair, remember you need to be very comfortable with your face as the styles expose it. If you think your nose is too big, sporting short hair may not be your thing. The faint-hearted cannot put in the work required to get that crowning glory you crave with your hair. You need to curl your hair nearly on a daily basis though time taken would be short.
That said; a good curling iron like Sultra can tame that frizzy hair, giving you that coveted, effortless and polished look. I speak for the Sultra as it has been with us since time immemorial giving it that tried and tested confidence. Like a trusty companion, I will always turn to this curling iron for my short hair since it has never disappointed.
I personally use the karmin curling wand =)
I currently use my karmin curling wand and I love how it leaves my hair I recommend it 100%.