No matter the method your automatic hair curler uses to wrap hair, the process of creating a headful of waves or ringlets should become quicker and easier – especially for those who find manual styling tools tricky to use.
What features should I look for in an automatic hair curler?
As with all heat-styling products, automatic hair curlers offer a range of features for styling and protecting hair from excessive heat.
Variable heat settings – These allow you to choose the correct temperature for your hair type and texture. For example, fine hair will prefer being styled at lower temperatures of around 140-150ºC, while thick and coarse hair will need higher temperatures to set and hold a curl. Being able to switch easily between temperature settings means you can use the most appropriate heat for the look you want and the precise section of hair you’re working on.
Barrel material – As with a curling tong or wand, the heated barrel of your automatic hair curler may be coated in ceramic or tourmaline to evenly distribute heat, reduce friction between the hair and the barrel, and deliver a smooth and glossy finish. We’ve noted the barrel material in our reviews below.
Charging – For ease of use look for curlers that charge directly from the mains or USB, rather than needing their own proprietary charging docks. A cordless automatic curler is easier to manoeuvre around the head and can be popped into a handbag if you’re styling your hair on the go.
Safety – Finally, as with all heat styling tools, an automatic shutoff is a useful safety feature to avoid accidental damage. We’ve noted automatic shutoff times below.
How do I use my automatic hair curler?
Most automatic hair curlers are designed for use on dry hair only. Section the hair and apply a heat-protective spray, then hold a lock of hair as directed next to the barrel; there’s usually a slot in the curler into which you insert the hair. Keep the tool itself still as the motor winds the hair around the barrel – twisting the tool can lead to pulling or tangling – and keep the curler in place as long as directed. Many automatic hair curlers will either release the hair on their own once done, or signal with a beep when it’s time to remove the tool.
If you’re using an air-based curler, simply hold the barrel next to the section of hair you wish to curl and let it wrap the hair into place, again keeping the tool itself still; then release once the curl is set.
Let the hair cool in place and then run fingers through coils, or brush out – depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Finish with your favourite hairspray to hold your style in place.
How we test automatic hair curlers
At Expert Reviews, we thoroughly test all the automatic hair curlers that we review. We use the curlers as recommended, on damp or dry hair as stated in the instructions. During testing, we note the method used by the automatic curler – whether it uses a heated barrel, hot air, or a combination of the two – and, where applicable, we test all of the different heat and timer settings.
We record the time taken to style a full head of hair, noting both the hair length and hair texture we’re testing on, and, whenever possible, we test on more than one hair type. We also evaluate the overall ease of use of the curler, how it feels in the hand, and the softness and feel of the hair after curling. We also confirm the weight and dimensions of the curler and note any extras included in the box. Finally, we note how well the curled styles last during a typical day of wear.
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The best automatic hair curlers to buy in 2024
1. Envie Cordless Automatic Hair Curler: The best automatic curler for styling on the go
Price when reviewed: £33 | Check price at Sephora
Envie’s Cordless Automatic Hair Curler is a neat, portable, and lightweight tool that curls hair at the touch of a button. The principle is simple enough: place a lock of hair into the slot at the top of the curler and allow the winding mechanism to draw in the hair and wrap it around the barrel inside; a timer will beep when it’s time to release your curl. To avoid hair becoming tangled around itself, it’s best to keep the tool still and vertical while it wraps; although, there’s a sensor designed to cut power if hair starts to become tangled. Holding the curler still takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve got the knack, the resulting curls are soft and shiny, and last well.
The Envie Cordless offers six temperature settings ranging from 150ºC to 200ºC, and is suitable for all hair types, from fine to thick. Six timer settings allow you to choose to release hair sooner for a softer, looser look, or later for a more defined curl. There are also two direction buttons, so you can easily choose which way your ringlets will curl. The unit takes around 4 hours to charge fully via USB, and the charge lasts around 1 hour, depending on the times and temperature selected.
Key specs – Styling method: Nano-silver and ceramic barrel with curling motor; Heat settings: 6; Auto shutoff: Yes (60 mins); Cord length: n/a
