The first thing to keep in mind is what kind of hair you have and what kind of curl you’re looking for.  We tested four different types to make sure we could give you the best advice:

1. Conair Spiral Curler with ceramic barrel – $16
2. Revlon One-inch ceramic barrel – $20
3. Braun Cordless Iron – $34
4. Hot Tools Metal Barrel – $90

If you have thick, difficult-to-hold hair like Anna, try the Hot Tools iron with its high temperatures – it goes up to 220°F so the curl will last longer.  If it’s ringlets you’re looking for, the Conair Spiral Curler gave our tester with wavy, medium-length hair curls that could rival Shirley Temple.  But the majority of our gang went for the Revlon curler because its big barrel offered a lot of body and a smooth finish, just what they were after.  If you love to travel though, Kristina liked the cordless convenience of the Braun which also added a touch of subtle body to her fine hair.

When choosing a curling iron, you should look for:

• Barrel Size – the thicker the cylinder, the smoother and larger the curl.  For tighter curls, look for a smaller cylinder.
• Swivel Cord – with all the twisting and moving around you’ll do, an iron with a cord that swivels is a must to prevent tangling.
• Stand – having a stand on the bottom makes it easier to rest the curling iron on the counter without worrying about burning it.
• Automatic Shut Off – this is a great feature if you tend to be forgetful and don’t pull the plug.
• Special features – many curling irons come with a brush attachment.  To add light body, look for an iron that has a cylindrical brush for a barrel instead of tongs.