Transforming straight hair to romantic waves or funky spirals can be a challenge. But it’s certainly not impossible. This is especially true if you have the right tools to help you. If you think working with a curling iron is a challenge, you’ve probably never encountered a curling iron that spins itself.
Fear not… because if you have the best rotating curling iron in your hands, getting those curls you’ve always wanted will be easy for you.
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How to Shop for the Best Rotating Curling Iron
At first glance, an auto-rotating iron will look just like your normal curling iron. The only difference is that it comes with a tiny clamp to hold the hair as well as a button for you to press. Once you press this button, the barrel will automatically rotate by itself, taking your hair along with it.
It’s different from an automatic hair curler because that one comes with a spinner instead, which “catches” your hair and twists it along the barrel. The way you hold it against your hair is also different. With an auto-rotating iron, you hold it in the same way you would hold your curling iron – horizontal.
To find the best auto rotating curling iron, you would need to look at a few factors. Brand is one, and reading rotating curling iron reviews will give you a clearer idea of the product’s reputation among those who have actually tried it.
It’s also worth looking at the features of the product, as well as the technology that it comes with. Check the temperature settings, and whether or not this suits you. Remember that if you have thick hair, you’d need the heat settings to be higher. You should also check what material the barrel is made of. Ease of use is also definitely a factor, as well as how safe it is to maneuver.
Top Picks: The Best Automatic Rotating Curling Iron
With all of these features in mind, you now know how to find the best rotating curling wand or iron. To get you started, take a look at some really great options:
1. The Beachwaver Co. S1 Curling Iron
The Beachwaver S1 is a curling iron that will make life so much easier for you. It comes with a 5.5” ceramic rod that has custom heaters, distributing the heat evenly throughout. With this tool, you’ll get good quality waves in just a few minutes, without breaking a sweat. All you have to do is push a button.
The dual rotation option gives you the ability to select the direction of the curl. Depending on how you configure the settings, you can create 3 different types of curls that will suit your style. You also get a switch for speed, as well as a digital temperature clock (290-410 degrees) and lock control.
Pros and Cons
With this styling tool, users definitely feel the advantage over the normal curling iron. They especially love the fact that this is practically foolproof, even for the ones who are not used to styling. There’s just a minor issue with the clamp that holds the hair in place because some users find that it’s too small for their liking.
2. Chi ARC Automatic Rotating Curler
Aside from coming with free hairspray, this has a 1” ceramic curling barrel that automatically rotates, heats up your hair with the temperature you set and transforms it to into those to-die-for curls.
You only need 30 seconds to heat up the ceramic barrel, but you get maximum flexibility in terms of your heat settings because of the digital temperature control (you can go as high as 410 degrees Fahrenheit). This way, adjusting your preferred heat settings has never been easier, and heat damage is definitely minimized.
What Users are Saying:
Users love the ergonomic design of the automatic rotating barrel. It removes the issue of wrist discomfort and gives great-looking curls each time. CHI is known for its red color. This is no exception because you basically get a red styling tool (with a beige-colored barrel). This is not an issue for most, but if you’re looking for something black or neutral, this is not the color for you.
3. Xtava Auto Styler Auto Rotating Curling Iron
With all its winning features, the Xtava Auto Styler has practically brought perfect curls down to a science. For one, it has an auto-rotating ceramic tourmaline barrel that works hand in hand with a built-in hair clip to give you the ability to produce the curls that you want. This barrel generates even heat so that you can produce long-lasting and consistent curls.
The features that set this curling iron apart include its innovative automated bi-directional rotating control and clear LCD display, allowing you to curl your hair at the touch of a button. Because different hair types require different heat settings, the auto styler gives you 11 options between 210 and 430 degrees Fahrenheit. You can easily adjust the temperature and check the display on the LCD screen.
Pros and Cons
Users love the fact that while this styling tool looks very chic and professional, it is incredibly easy to use, even for a novice. There’s an auto shutoff function as well as a universal dual voltage. Some users are just saying that extra caution is needed when operating this tool, especially because the button for releasing your hair is directly above the button for spinning the iron. You have to be careful not to press the wrong button because the iron spins pretty fast.
4. Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Evolution
This Conair auto rotating curling iron is one of the best that the brand has to offer, with its revolutionary features that are a notch above the rest. First, you get an auto-rotating clamp that you can rotate in both directions, styling your hair depending on your preference.
The 1-inch tourmaline ceramic barrel is equipped with anti-frizz tourmaline ceramic technology, lessening the heat damage as well as the hot spots that you get with other heated barrels. That said, the barrel can be heated to as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit, with a short 30-second heat up time.
Pros and Cons
This is a popular tool among users, especially those who want a no-nonsense tool that can get their hair ready in just a few minutes. The fast heat-up time and automatic rotating function take care of that. This works without any issues for those with long hair, but some have experienced that shorter pieces or sections of hair actually slip from the barrel as it turns. It’s also not dual voltage, so if you’re traveling with it, you’ll need to get an adapter.
5. Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron
Sleek, white, simple, and unique. Those are the words that will describe this rotating styling iron from Bio Ionic. This has a full barrel that has dual heaters for consistent heat – going up to as high as 440 degrees to give you maximum styling ability. All you have to do is clamp, wrap, and roll. Available in 1 inch and 1.25 inch barrel sizes.
The most important feature of this one is the NanoIonic Minerals infused to the barrel, providing you with longer-lasting styles in half the time it will take for you with other irons. That’s because the barrel is now capable of emitting negative ions and breaking down the water clusters that have made it deep into the hair. This gives your hair maximum hydration and a silky smooth feel.
What Users are Saying:
Users are really happy about the performance of this rotating iron, especially because it has a cool touch finger grip, making it easier to use. Other handy features that they love include; (1) the rotating thumb grip/clamp, (2) the digital temperature control (which also allows you to see the heat setting for the hair thickness that you set), and (3) the 9-foot swivel cord.
While generally happy with the effectiveness of this styling tool, some users think that the clamp is a little too loose, especially if you have fine hair. They just have a challenge making sure it holds.
6. Remington Auto Curl Curling Wand
This neat little spinning curling wand from Remington makes hair styling as easy as possible for you, with 450-degree salon heat and only the best technology to produce the best curls and the least frizz. The barrel has the ability to rotate in both directions, so you can switch up your look according to the type of curls that you want at the moment.
The best thing about this curling wand is its special tourmaline-ionic coating. It gives your hair 4x protection from heat damage, static, and frizz. It has 5 temperature settings (including high heat), but because of this technology, what you get is gorgeous curls all the way.
What Users Like:
Users love the 60-minute auto shut-off, which gives them peace of mind every time they use it. It’s important given that this tool can go up to pretty high heat settings. Apart from that, they also find the 30-second heat up really neat, because it makes the entire process fast and easy.
7. Instyler Max 2-Way Rotating Iron
This spinning curling iron as seen on TV has a 2-way heated rotating barrel and black tourmaline ceramic plate, which polishes and smoothes your hair as it is being styled. You also get four heat settings that can go as high as 425 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as a 30-second rapid heat-up and auto shut-off for safety.
The Instyler MAX is the most innovative and advanced of all InStyler rotating irons. It stands out because of the unique combination of the rotating heated barrel, the tourmaline ceramic floating plate, and four rows of precision-aligned bristles. This ensures that after you’re done with this rotating iron, you’ll be left with silky and shiny hair.
Pros and Cons
This is a really popular tool among many, and the quality of the curls you get is what the product professes. Those who have tried it rave about the great styling flexibility it gives them. The only disadvantage is that it might take a little more time to get used to this tool, because of its uniqueness and all its features.
Do rotating curling irons work?
They certainly do. In fact, they work so well that once you see them in action, you’d definitely want to get your hands on one.
If you’re used to manually figuring out your way into using a typical curling iron, you’re definitely in for a treat when you finally get your hands on one that rotates by itself. Usually, your automatic rotating curling iron will look like your normal curling iron, but with several added features.
How to use a rotating barrel curling iron
These are the steps you need to remember when working with an auto-rotating iron:
1. Make sure your hair is prepped and ready to go.
If preparing hair is important with manual styling tools, all the more so with automatic ones. Never work with wet hair when you’re using an auto-rotating curling iron because water and really high heat don’t really go well. Make sure your hair is clean and adequately dry, and then you have to prepare it well by using your heat protectants.
The rotating may be automatic, but you will still be working with heat and your hair can easily get damaged if you’re not careful. You should also be careful and ensure that you read all the additional instructions and precautions that your auto rotating iron may come with.
2. Pick the right settings.
Most auto rotating irons will come with variable heat settings for you to choose from, and it’s important that you set this beforehand. That’s because different heat settings work for different people. You have to make sure you’re working with the temperature that’s suited for your hair type and the kind of curl that you want to produce. If you have really thin and delicate hair, you’re better off working with lower temperatures.
3. Hold the iron vertically or at a slight angle, and give it a go.
Hold the iron against your hair vertically or at a slight angle, starting from the lower part or the tip. Use the tiny clamp to secure the section that you’re working with. You simply have to press either the left or right arrow for those bi-directional rollers. You will then see the iron work its magic as it automatically twists the hair around the barrel, going upwards until you’re near the roots. Release the button so that it will stop twisting.
4. Allow your hair to set before proceeding with the rest of the sections.
Once you’re near the roots, allow your hair to set for about 15 seconds, depending on the capacity of your auto rotating iron to produce the curls.
When the curls are all set, you can now open the clamp and slide your hair out. The great thing about this is you will instantly see the curls and how precise they are. You can then proceed to the other sections.
5. Remember to always work in small sections.
You don’t necessarily have to section your hair with clamps prior to curling. But it’s still easier if you do, especially if your hair is long and thick. Remember that it’s best to work with small sections at once so that the curls are more defined. Working with both sides is precisely what your bi-directional settings are for. It also ensures that you won’t feel awkward whether you’re working on hair at the right side of the left side of your face. You should also remember that because the auto rotating iron comes with a clamp, this predefines the quantity of hair that you can work with each time.
Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos
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Archived Products
I’ve archived these products below as these are out of stock, probably because the manufacturer has stopped producing them.
Ivation Professional Rotating Curling Iron
This automatic rotating curling iron from Ivation is lightweight and easy to use. It gives you just the right features that you need for transforming straight hair into those wonderful, professional-looking curls. The barrel heats up in as short as 30 seconds, so your hair will be done in no time at all. With its LCD display, you get an accurate temperature reading between 210 and 430 degrees Fahrenheit.
This styling tool is great because of its ceramic tourmaline barrel, which means you get those wonderful curls without all the frizz. The ceramic tourmaline technology retains the moisture and keeps your hair shiny, even as you work with high temperatures.
Pros and Cons
Aside from the fact that this auto rotating iron really works, users also love the fact that it’s lightweight. This, together with the 360-degree swivel and 8-foot cord, makes it easy to maneuver and use. There is a slight learning curve but once you get used to it, it becomes very simple.
Ion Titanium Auto-rotating Curling Iron
The auto-rotating curling iron from Ion is a handy product that you can use to easily and safely produce the curls you’ve always longed for. All its features are designed for quality styling, but safety is also a priority. That’s why it has an auto shut-off function after 60 minutes. You don’t have to worry about the mistake of leaving this on and burning the house down.
The extra-long titanium barrel is its winning feature because it’s able to give off constant and even heat, for more precise curls. With this barrel is an automatic bi-directional rotating control, giving you the ability to curl your hair in two directions.
What Users are Saying:
Users find that this works really well for long hair, especially because it has an extra long barrel. It auto rotates pretty fast so if you had short hair, the barrel would be dangerously near to your scalp. It takes some practice for beginners to get how this works, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be fine. It’s just that some find that the outside clamp is a little too short for their taste, and they wish it were longer.
T3 Twirl 360
The Twirl 360 by T3 is a 1.25” auto-rotating, motion-sensing iron that gives you beautiful and flawless curls. It has 2 speeds to choose from and 5 adjustable heat settings from 260 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes with a patented Digital SinglePass technology, which maintains an even temperature for you as you use it.
The most outstanding feature of this styling tool is its gyroscopic digital technology, which is able to detect your hand’s motion. After it detects the motion of your hand, it automatically propels the heated barrel in the desired direction. This technology is typically used for space exploration but it’s now being applied to give you the most innovative rotating iron yet.
What Users are Saying:
Users love how cool this styling tool looks, and it works in such a cool manner as well. They also find it great that it works for all hair types and for lengths that are collar length or longer. It’s an ideal styling tool for women who don’t have a lot of time to spend figuring out how to make their curling irons work perfectly. It’s definitely taking curling to the future, and perhaps the only thing you have to worry about is the price, as this is a little more expensive than others.