7 Of The Best Hair Tongs Out There

7 Of The Best Hair Tongs Out There

The secret to enviable waves and curls is usually a good pair of tongs. Not only do they deliver salon-worth results at home, but the best ones will also minimise damage. Here, we’ve rounded up seven we rate.
Photography: MILLES STUDIO/STOCKSY UNITED

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

1

Amika High Tide Deep Waver Tong, £90

Best For: A Crimped Effect 
 
Why It Stands Out: A little bit different to traditional tongs, Amika’s High Tide Waver is designed to give you ‘S-bends’ – think soft, subtle crimps that feel relaxed, but still give good volume. Gently clamp sections of hair between the three tourmaline barrels for larger, more defined waves. It also uses ionic technology, which is known for sealing the cuticle to reduce frizz and boost shine. Completely fool-proof, it’s one of the best waving tools we’ve tried – the likes of make-up artist Katie Jane Hughes and actress Sophie Turner agree. 
 
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk

2

Babyliss Pro Ceramic Tong, £40

Best For: Beach Waves
 
Why It Stands Out: Numerous experts swear by these Babyliss tongs, including top hair stylist Francesca Dixon. Available in two sizes, medium gives a tighter, beach wave with enhanced volume, while the larger tong offers a softer, slightly more undone effect. Easy to use, press down on the clip to wind the hair around, then clamp and temporarily hold in place, before releasing your wave. It’s also one of the more affordable options on this list – no wonder it earns consistently rave reviews.
 
Available at BeautyBay.com

1

T3 Twirl Convertible Curling Iron, £126 (was £180)

Best For: Better Shine
 
Why It Stands Out: If you can believe it, some tongs actually make your hair look dull, but T3’s clever iron has a tourmaline and ceramic clip barrel which bolsters shine as you go. It also offers consistent heat across the entire tong for quicker, healthier and more even styling. This specific tool creates fuller waves and curls that are ideal for thicker hair types but, as the barrel is interchangeable, you can switch it up to suit your needs. Finally, make use of the cool tip, which you can hold as you style for better control and ease.
 
Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.com

2

Wahl Pro Shine Curling Tong, £35.99

Best For: Ease of Use
 
Why It Stands Out: Wahl’s cult tool comes highly recommended by professional hairstylists. With a temperature that’s easy to control and a swivel cord that moves with you, you can work right around your hair with minimal faff. In our opinion, it’s best for creating bigger, bouncier curls that feel full and voluminous. Meanwhile, the barrel is keratin-infused to glide through hair seamlessly without snagging, minimising the risk of damage and sealing moisture into the cuticle. 
 
Available at Wahl.co.uk

1

Cloud 9 The Curling Wand, £119

Best For: Good Control 
 
Why It Stands Out: Here at SL, we love Cloud 9’s tools and gentle brushes – and its Curling Wand is no exception. Complete with a stylish case, it heats up quickly, while the large barrel is easy to use to control the size of curl – be it large and bouncy, or tighter and more scrunched up. Suitable for all hair types, the mineral-infused ceramic barrel also minimises damage and locks in moisture. You’ll notice with this wand that your curls don’t drop out as quickly either. Finally, extra points go to the swivel cord, which moves with you for ease.
 
Available at CloudNineHair.com

1

Beauty Works Professional Styler Trio Edition, £99

Best For: A Bit Of Everything 
 
Why It Stands Out: Complete with three interchangeable barrels, this versatile tool is for those who like to experiment. Whether you’re after bouncy, more polished curls, or a tighter ringlet effect, this can do it all. It even comes with a tapered barrel to create a carefree curl. Each one is easy enough to clip in and replace fuss-free, plus the barrels are ceramic coated, so they protect against frizz and heat damage. A great all-rounder.
  
Available at BeautyWorksOnline.com

 

2

Ghd Curve Classic Curl Tong, £129

Best For: Creating Texture
 
Why It Stands Out: A classic for a reason, you’d be hard pushed to find a stylist that doesn’t swear by this cult tong. A-list hairdresser Patrick Wilson has previously said it’s the best tool out there for creating texture or any form of wave in your hair. With a consistent styling temperature, it never overheats or causes unnecessary damage and provides even results all over. Once styled, you’ll find you don’t even need that much hairspray, as the barrel works to set curls in place all day. Don’t panic if you forget to turn them off  – as with other Ghd tools, it turns off automatically after 30 minutes of use.
 
Available at GhdHair.com

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