The Best Curling Irons for Waves, According to Hairstylists

We all want Victoria’s Secret model hair, but 1) we don’t all have professional hairstylists at our beck and call, and 2) we’re not all Victoria’s Secret models. The latter aside, there are some things we can do to bring our manes one step closer to the beachy, wavy, wind-blown effect of our dreams—like using the right tools. The most important step? Choosing a proper curling iron for your locks.

To help you in this quest, we tapped six celebrity hairstylists and asked them for the curling irons they swear by—yes, the ones they use on clients like Gigi Hadid and Kate Bosworth. Keep scrolling to see them all!

ghd Curve Soft Curl Iron $199.00

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Polillo's pick is a compact 1.25" iron powered by ghd's signature tri-zone technology, which uses intelligent heat sensors to keep the temperature consistent along the length of the barrel.

Polillo’s client Kate Mara proves that short-haired girls can rock loose waves.

Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium 1¼-Inch Marcel Curling Iron $40.00

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This titanium curling iron is available in three barrel—.75", 1", and 1.25"— so you can customize your look. A slightly larger barrel will help you achieve those loose, windswept waves you so desire with minimal effort.

Chamberlain created beachy, tousled waves on his client Emily Ratajkowski.

Hot Tools 1¼-inch Marcel Iron $33.00

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This 24-karat gold iron is designed to retain heat while you style, making for longer-lasting curls. Complete the look with a flexible-yet-firm styling product like Moroccanoil Beach Wave Mousse, infused with argan oil for a moisturizing finish.

Tran is famous for his signature lived-in look—slightly tousled, effortless waves that you want to run your fingers through.

Hot Tools Deep Waver $59.00

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Brook's pick is a uniquely shaped waver that uses ceramic and tourmaline to cut down on the frizz that heat tools can cause. The design helps you nail a looser, more dramatic wave.

The stylist gave actress Abigail Spencer softly curled waves with major volume at the crown.

R Session Tools Nalu Waver $109.00

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Get creative with this double-barreled, professional-grade Nalu Waver. The handle is comfortable to hold for longer periods of time and features adjustable heat settings.

This iron can help you achieve January Jones’s deep side part and bouncy waves.

T3 SinglePass Twirl 1¼-Inch Curling Iron $160.00

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Yepez loves the T3 SinglePass Twirl, a 1.25" curling iron, which has five heat settings that can be adjusted depending on the look. As the name suggests, it is designed to style each section of hair in a single swipe, thanks to technology that ensures even heating down the entire iron. Plus, it automatically shuts off after one hour, so you never have to suffer another "did I unplug my curler?" panic attack.

Model Joan Smalls’s hair here is basically the epitome of our hair goals.

To find out how to get model-worthy beach waves at home, click here! And tell us—what’s your holy grail curling iron?