What’s the Best Material for Curling Iron

Styling using a curling iron

Barrel material is the most crucial part that determines whether constant heating will harm your hair or not. If you choose the right material that suits your hair type, constant heat will do the least harm.

Barrel material also determines the texture and shine of your hair. Nobody wants to face the scariest nightmare of getting hairs loss or hair damage. However, the bitter truth is heat damages tour hair. To minimize this damage it is very important to choose the right barrel materials.

Follow our guide to help you choose the right barrel material for your hair.

Table of Contents

In A Hurry? See Best Curling Iron Material table below;

Barrel MaterialTemperatureHair TypeMost Popular
Ceramic Barrel210°F - 310°FThinClick to See Top Pick
Titanium Barrel300°F - 410°FThickClick to See Top Pick
24k Gold Barrel310°F - 450°FThickClick to See Top Pick
Nano Ceramic200°F - 450°FAllClick to See Top Pick
Nano TitaniumUp to 450°FThickClick to See Top Pick
Nano TourmalineUp to 450°FThick
Nano Tourmaline Ceramic or Ceramic TourmalineUp to 430°FAllClick to See Top Pick
Ceramic Titanium or Titanium CeramicUp to 430°FAllClick to See Top Pick
Tourmaline Ceramic or Ceramic TourmalineUp to 430°FAllClick to See Top Pick
Tourmaline TitaniumUp to 450°FThickClick to See Top Pick
Chrome250°F - 310°FNone
Tourmaline250°F - 400°FThick
TeflonUncertainNone

What Is Your Hair Type?

Recognizing your hair type is the most important part as barrel material directly connects to the hair type. Read about the important barrel features according to your hair type:

For Thin Hair:

  • Barrel surface that generates Infrared heat
  • Barrel material that absorbs low heat settings
  • Barrel material does not create “Hot Spots” or evenly heated barrel
  • Infused barrel material that conditions and nourishes hair
  • Barrel material that is not made of plain metals (Except Ceramic)

For Thick Hair:

  • Barrel material that absorbs high heat settings
  • Barrel material that does not add extra volume to hair
  • Barrel material that minimizes the high heat damages
  • Barrel material that does not snag while sliding

Barrel Materials Explained

There are heaps of barrel material that have been used by different barrel materials. Some may come at a cheap price range, some may come in the average range and some may come in an expensive range. Different barrels work differently. Therefore, here is a clear elaboration of the curling iron barrel materials as per the hair type:

1. Ceramic Barrel

Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, White/Rose Gold

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  • Temperature: 210°F – 310°F
  • Price: Below $80
  • Best for: Thin hair

Ceramic barrel is made of pure Ceramic gemstone. Ceramic is an inorganic and nonmetallic material that disperses negative ions. It is the classic barrel material. It is the most decent material among all the barrel materials and it offers many benefits, which makes it a cut above the cheaper aluminum alternatives.

Ceramic barrel discharges negative ions that counterattack the positive ions located into dull, dry and frizzy hairs. The negative ions come in touch with the cuticles, make the hair smooth, and protect from being damaged. These ions are locked into the hairs’ natural oils and that is how it protects the delicate strands from constant heating or high heating.

Ceramic barrels add extra volume to hair by keeping it hydrated. Ceramic barrels produce even heat throughout the barrel surface. Thus, no “HOT SPOT” can be traced in the barrel. The negative ion and evenly heat diffusing technology are key features of Ceramic barrels.

According to material quality, ceramic barrels are one of the best for thin hairs.

Pros
  • Ceramic barrels glide through without meaning so much damage, breakage, tugging, and snags.
  • Ceramic has a good status of diffusing the heat evenly.
  • The strands are perfectly curled without being burnt or damaged.
Cons
  • Ceramic barrels cannot tolerate high heat settings.

2. Titanium Barrel

Hot Tools Professional Fast Heat Up Titanium Curling Iron/Wand, 1 1/4 Inches

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  • Temperature: 300°F – 410°F
  • Price: Below $80
  • Best for: Thick hair

Titanium barrels are made of titanium, the strongest metal found in nature. It is the most full- force barrel material that is applicable for only thick or coarse hair.

Titanium promises extreme durability. It disperses negative ions that seal moisture and lock the essential hair oils in the cuticles. Thus, the hairs remain hydrated, silky and smooth. The negative ions fight back against the positive ions those are the main culprit behind frizzy hairs.

Titanium barrels produce infrared heat removing frizz from thick or coarse hair. The infrared technology lessens the damage due to high heating. Titanium barrel heats up very fast and absorbs the highest temperature. As the titanium barrels get heated very fast-unexperienced use may cause hair damage.

Caution: Wearing hand gloves while using titanium barrels is mandatory.

Pros
  • Titanium barrels hold the heat for a longer
  • Titanium barrels disperse negative ions that reduce hair damage.
  • Titanium barrels are lightweight.
Cons
  • Titanium barrels get very hot that can cause unwanted accidents or hair damage.

3. 24k Gold Barrel

Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron/Wand for Long Lasting Curls, 1 Inch

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  • Temperature: 310°F – 450°F
  • Price: Below $80
  • Best for: Thick hair

This barrel is made of 24k gold; this metal is a limited edition and expensive one. Gold has held its value as a barrel material just like its market and ornamenting value. The mini gold particles enhance hair follicles and reduce hair fall to an extent.

24k gold barrels heat up in seconds and absorb high heat settings. This barrel material is very strong. Though it absorbs the high heat settings, it is extremely sustainable. Gold plated barrels are also good at adapting temperature thus they remain very hot. This unnecessary hot creates hair damage and de-hydrates hairs.

Gold has some hair health beneficial particles as well. Therefore, using this barrel you can keep your hair nourished. The gold plated barrel acts like a pro in adapting temperature and remaining hot for the longest time being. These barrels can tolerate the highest heat for a constant without being damaged. Thus, they are extremely sustainable and longer-lasting. If you are not in the mood of switching to another curling iron for a long time being, you must go for gold plated barrels.

Pros
  • These barrels can tolerate the highest heat.
  • A 24k Gold barrel is extremely sustainable.
Cons
  • As the gold-plated barrels get very hot, first time users may face hair burning out of the experience.

4. Chrome Plated Barrel

  • Temperature: 250°F – 310°F
  • Price: Below $50
  • Best for: None

Chromium barrels are made of chrome, the cheapest and the most damaging metal so far used in any curling iron material. Chrome-plated barrels come at the cheapest price rate but your saved money may get spent in later hair treatments that you will need as Chrome plated barrels damages the hairs.

Chrome discharges positive ions that clog the cuticle and fail to maintain the moisture. As a result, your hairs may feel frizzy and lifeless. The positive ions take away the basic smoothness of your hair. Again, chrome barrels do not heat up evenly. Thus, it leads your hairs to split ends and acute damages. However, if you are willing to use a hairspray, you may use the chrome barrels. Chrome-plated barrels are supportive of your pocket.

Pros
  • Least expensive
Cons
  • Generates positive ions
  • Damages hairs and creates split ends

5. Tourmaline Barrel

  • Temperature: 250°F – 400°F
  • Price: Below $100
  • Best for: Thick hair

Tourmaline barrels are made of pure Tourmaline, a semi-precious stone fused with negative ion and infrared technology. Tourmaline is used in a crushed form as coatings.

Tourmaline barrels produce extra negative ions (6 times more than the ceramic barrels) to counterattack the positive ions located in dull, dry and frizzy hairs. These ions are locked into the hairs’ natural oils and that is how it protects the delicate strands from constant heating or high heating. Tourmaline barrels create infrared heat that generates silky, shiny, smooth hairs and eliminates static stubborn straight strands. This infrared heat setting protects hair from constant and high heating.

Tourmaline absorbs high heat settings but it ensures ultimate hair care with some intelligent technology.

Pros
  • Tourmaline barrels produce extra negative ions
  • Tourmaline barrels ensure infrared technology
  • Makes hair frizz-free
Cons
  • Tourmaline barrels have some durability issues.

6. Teflon Barrel

  • Temperature: Uncertain
  • Price: Below $50
  • Best for: None

Teflon barrels are coated with Teflon, a synthetic polymer that is not up to the mark as a barrel material of curling irons. Teflon barrels are quite uncertain in heat absorption. Thus, it is quite risky to use a Teflon barrel.

Teflon discharges positive ions that clog the cuticle and fail to maintain the moisture. As a result, your hairs may feel frizzy and lifeless. The positive ions take away the basic smoothness of your hair. Because Teflon barrels do not heat up evenly it can lead to split ends and acute damages. Teflon barrels are quite uncertain. Sometimes, they absorb high heat and sometimes you may find your barrel not hot at all. This uncertainty leads to critical hair damage.

Pros
  • Cheap
Cons
  • Generates positive ions
  • Damages hairs and creates split ends

7. Nano Ceramic

Hot Tools Professional Nano Ceramic Tapered Curling Iron, 1 to 1.5 Inches

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  • Temperature: 200°F – 450°F
  • Price: Below $150
  • Best for: All hair types

Nano Ceramic barrels are the newest edition in barrel material that recently has conquered much fame as it has made hairstyling much easier. Nano Ceramic barrels retrieve the basic properties of ceramic barrels and add some extra advantages. Nano Ceramic barrels are efficient in absorbing high-temperature range along with the basic low-temperature absorption making them a universal barrel. Since ceramic barrels ensure even heat throughout the barrel thus, the risks of hair damage are minimized.

The technology used in these barrels is Nano Ionic Mineral Fused. That means negative ions discharged from the barrel micronize water molecules, making the styling process much faster. These ionic ceramic barrels hydrate hairs by sealing moisture in the hair follicles and create an inside-out styling. These barrels straighten curls and stylize hairs in a salon-like a manner within a glimpse of an eye.

Pros
  • Suits both thin and thick hair
  • Ensures ultimate hair care
Cons
  • Expensive

8. Nano Titanium

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron

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  • Temperature: Up to 450°F
  • Price: Below $150
  • Best for: Thick hair

Nano titanium is a latest technology barrel made of basic titanium infused with mineral particles. Nano titanium boosts the natural titanium properties and adds some extra advantages. Nano-ionic technology enhances the temperature absorbs ion power of nay barrel material.

Negative ions discharged from the titanium barrels micronize water molecules that make the styling process much faster. These ionic titanium barrels hydrate hairs by sealing moisture in the hair follicles and create an inside-out styling. These barrels straighten curls and stylize hairs in a salon-like a manner within a glimpse of an eye.

Titanium barrels ensure even heat throughout the barrel thus; the risks of hair damage are minimized. The Nano Ionic technology enhances the basic properties of any barrel material. Thus, it boosts the heat absorption power of Titanium and makes it super-hot within a second or so. Nano-ionic technology enhances the natural durability of Titanium barrels and makes it more sustainable.

Pros
  • Ensures ultimate durability
  • Super beneficial for hair’s health
  • Deeply nourishes the hairs
Cons
  • Expensive

9. Nano Tourmaline

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron, 1-inch Curling Iron

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  • Temperature: Up to 450°F
  • Price: Below $150
  • Best for: Thick hair

Nano Tourmaline is a latest technology barrel made of basic Tourmaline infused with mineral particles. Nano Tourmaline boosts the natural Tourmaline properties and adds some extra advantages. Nano-ionic technology enhances the temperature absorbs ion power of nay barrel material.

Negative ions discharged from the tourmaline barrels micronize water molecules that make the styling process 50pc faster. These ionic barrels hydrate hairs by sealing moisture in the hair follicles and create an inside-out styling. These barrels straighten curls and stylize hairs in a salon-like a manner within a glimpse of an eye.

Tourmaline barrels ensure even heat throughout the barrel thus; the risks of hair damage are minimized. Nano-ionic technology enhances the natural durability of Tourmaline barrels and makes it more sustainable. It boosts the generation of negative ions and infrared heats.

Pros
  • Boosts dispersion of negative ions
  • Super beneficial for hair’s health
  • Deeply nourishes the hairs
Cons
  • Expensive

10. Nano Tourmaline Ceramic or Ceramic Tourmaline barrel

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand

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  • Temperature: Up to 430°F
  • Price: Up to $150
  • Best for: All hair types

Nano Ceramic Tourmaline means tourmaline coating above ceramic barrel and Tourmaline Ceramic means Ceramic coating above Tourmaline barrel infused with mineral particles in it. The materials work together like a team combining their best features.

Negative ions discharged from the barrels micronize water molecules that make styling process 50pc faster. These ionic barrels hydrate hairs by sealing moisture in the hair follicles and create an inside-out styling. These barrels straighten curls and stylize hairs in a salon-like a manner within a glimpse of an eye. Nano-ionic technology enhances the natural durability of barrels and makes it more sustainable. It boosts the generation of negative ions and infrared heats.

Barrels ensure even heat throughout the barrel thus the risks of hair damage are minimized. Tourmaline can take the highest heat and ceramic can tolerate low heat. With a curling iron of multiple heat settings, this barrel material can absorb any heat settings.

Pros
  • Tourmaline Ceramic barrels produce extra negative ions
  • Tourmaline Ceramic barrels create infrared heat
  • These barrels are suited for every types and length of hair.
Cons
  • Expensive but worth the extra money

11. Ceramic Titanium or Titanium Ceramic

Hot Tools Professional Ceramic Titanium Professional Curling Iron, 1"

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  • Temperature: Up to 430°F
  • Price: Below $150
  • Best for: All hair types

Ceramic Titanium means titanium coating above ceramic barrel and titanium ceramic means ceramic coating above titanium barrel. Although the coating is different ultimately the results are the same as this is a hybrid of both metals. This kind of barrel works together like a team ensuring their significant properties and combines the best features of them.

The titanium can take the highest heat and the ceramic can tolerate low heat. With a curling iron of multiple heat settings, this barrel material can absorb any heat settings. Ceramic ensures evenly heated surface and diagnoses heat loss. Titanium promises barrel’s duality. Titanium disperses negative ions that seal moisture and locks the essential hair oils in the cuticles. Thus, the hairs remain hydrated, silky and smooth.

However, be careful because the titanium barrels get heated very fast. Therefore, inexperienced use may cause hair damage. Wearing hand gloves while using ceramic-titanium barrels is mandatory. The perfect use of these barrels will bring out the best of them.

Pros
  • Can be used for both thick and thin hairs
  • Ensures ultimate hairs care
  • Ensure extreme sustainability
Cons
  • Expensive

12. Tourmaline Ceramic or Ceramic Tourmaline

CHI Ceramic Tourmaline Curling Iron, shiny, Frizz-free, Healthy Hair, 1.5 inch

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  • Temperature: Up to 430°F
  • Price: Up to $220
  • Best for: All hair types

Ceramic tourmaline means tourmaline coating above ceramic barrel and tourmaline ceramic means ceramic coating above tourmaline barrel. It is an advanced state of the hybrid material, which is an advanced state of mere a ceramic, or a tourmaline material that later proved to be much more popular than ever. This kind of barrel works together like a team ensuring their significant properties and combines the best features of them.

Tourmaline ceramic technology is by far the ideal barrel material, which has a gold-like standard in the hair care aspect. This infused tourmaline technology has replaced the core ceramic material. This semi-precious metal crush is a crystal-born silicate material that spawns 20 times more moisture-locking ions that aid in the hair smoothing process.

Tourmaline ceramic barrels produce extra negative ions (6 times more than ceramic barrels) to counterattack the positive ions located in dull, dry and frizzy hairs. These ions are locked into the hairs’ natural oils and that is how it protects the delicate strands from constant heating or high heating. Tourmaline ceramic barrels create infrared heat that generates silky, shiny, smooth hairs and eliminates static stubborn straight strands.

These barrels are suited for every types and length of hair. They aid winding up the follicle upon interaction and lessen heat mutilation to sensitive curls, predominantly essential for a daily basis using curling irons. Tourmaline ceramic barrels are extremely smooth-bodied, when you pass them off your hairs it adds more TLC and vanishes fizziness leaving behind a textured and smooth touch. From stubborn straight to kinky spiral curls, Tourmaline Ceramic Barrels are applicable to all of them.

Pros
  • Tourmaline Ceramic barrels produce extra negative ions
  • Tourmaline Ceramic barrels create infrared heat
  • These barrels are suited for every type of hair.
Cons
  • Expensive but worth the extra money

13. Tourmaline Titanium

NITION Professional Salon Curling Iron Set Ceramic Tourmaline Titanium Coating Barrel 1 1⁄4 inch Argan Oil Curling Wand 265°F-450°F for All Hair Type,Ions Hair Curler Waver Maker,Dual Voltage,Gold

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  • Temperature: Up to 450°F
  • Price: Below $100
  • Best for: Thick hair

Tourmaline titanium is a combined or hybrid material that ensures both the material’s significant qualities and makes them better by combining them. It is an advanced state of a hybrid material of mere a Titanium, or a Tourmaline material.

This hybridization of both barrels creates a fabulous outcome combining both the qualities into one barrel. Titanium promises extreme durability. Tourmaline Titanium disperses negative ions that seal moisture and locks the essential hair oils in the cuticles. Thus, the hairs remain hydrated, silky and smooth.

Tourmaline and Ceramic both the materials have the highest heat absorption technology. Besides, as a combination, it absorbs the highest heat settings. High heat setting absorption power is appropriate for thick hairs. As high heat, settings help to hold the curls for a long time in thick hairs.

Tourmaline titanium barrel produces infrared heat and it removes frizz from thick or coarse hair. Infrared heat generates silky, shiny, smooth hairs and eliminates static stubborn straight strands. This infrared heat setting protects hair from constant and high heating. Tourmaline Titanium barrel heats up very fast and absorbs the highest temperature.

Pros
  • Tourmaline Titanium disperses negative ions
  • Tourmaline Titanium barrel produces infrared heat thus it removes frizz from thick or coarse hair.
Cons
  • Expensive

Summary of best curling iron material guide

Barrel MaterialTemperatureHair TypeMost Popular
Ceramic Barrel210°F - 310°FThinClick to See Top Pick
Titanium Barrel300°F - 410°FThickClick to See Top Pick
24k Gold Barrel310°F - 450°FThickClick to See Top Pick
Nano Ceramic200°F - 450°FAllClick to See Top Pick
Nano TitaniumUp to 450°FThickClick to See Top Pick
Nano TourmalineUp to 450°FThick
Nano Tourmaline Ceramic or Ceramic TourmalineUp to 430°FAllClick to See Top Pick
Ceramic Titanium or Titanium CeramicUp to 430°FAllClick to See Top Pick
Tourmaline Ceramic or Ceramic TourmalineUp to 430°FAllClick to See Top Pick
Tourmaline TitaniumUp to 450°FThickClick to See Top Pick
Chrome250°F - 310°FNone
Tourmaline250°F - 400°FThick
TeflonUncertainNone

Curls add extra dimensions when you are up to rocking events with perfections in your looks. Curling irons have become a dream catcher to all the women who are conscious about fashion. However, when you are using any hair gadget the main thing that should be ensured is hair health. Curling irons work by applying heat on the hairs. Besides, it is of no use to mention how heat is bad for hairs, as you all know it already.

The only feature in a curling iron that can minimize the hair damage is barrels material. Barrel surface comes in direct contact with the strands. Therefore, the barrels need to have such materials that are beneficial for hairs and are less damaging. Therefore, before just choosing any random products do have a check on the right barrel material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does it matter what curling iron you use?

Yes. Determining what type of material the barrel of your curling iron is made of is the deciding factor if your hair will be suffering too much damage from the heat or if you will be keeping it healthy and in good condition. Investing in a quality curling iron is not only a matter of how good it will perform as hair styling equipment but also as day-to-day hair care equipment. You can avoid rendering your hair brittle and toasted from the constant heating and curling if the right material of barrel is used.

Ceramic barrels are great for thin or silky hair. This material does not increase to exceedingly high heat and temperature is dispersed evenly throughout the surface which is great for delicate hair.

For thick hair strands, titanium barrels are suggested. These are great especially to those with coarse hair since they have infrared properties that lessens damage from continuous use. Titanium curling irons heat up rapidly and hold high temperatures, so when using this barrel material must be used with caution.

Tourmaline barrels on the other hand are great for both thick and thin hairs. What’s great with this material is that it produces 6x more positive ions which controls and improves dry and frizzy hair. Using this barrel would leave your hair smooth, shiny, and silky, and safe from too much hair damage from constant hair styling.

Q: Are ceramic or metal curling irons better?

Choosing between ceramic versus metal curling irons is a matter of hair type. Ceramic curling irons are best for fine or thin hair since with this material, heat is dispersed throughout the surface of the material evenly and smoothens out the hair. There are no hotspots on the ceramic surface, so it doesn’t damage the hair. Metal curlers, on the other hand, are good for thick hair which requires higher heat temperatures to form curls.

Q: Which is better: curling iron ceramic or titanium?

Both are great. On one hand, ceramic curling irons are recommended to thin hair since they glide through hair without causing much damage, and distribute heat throughout the surface to avoid any hotspots. Titanium curling irons, on the other hand, are great for thick hair since they heat faster and retain the temperature longer. They also release negative ions which lessen the damage inflicted by the high heat produced by the iron.

Q: Which is better ceramic or tourmaline curling iron?

This depends on the hair type. The ceramic material used in the barrel is excellent for thin hair since this does not damage the strands through tugging or breakage from the heat. Tourmaline barrels, meanwhile, are great for frizzy, curly, and thick hairs since this curling iron produce six times more negative ions, which smoothens out any flyaway and frizz, creating a more defined look while maintaining the hair healthy by locking in the moisture in the hair, preventing severe damage on the hair.


most popular curling iron icon Readers' Choice

Barrel SizeMost Popular
1/2 Inch: Click to see Top 3
3/4 Inch: Click to see Top 3
1 Inch:Click to see Top 3
1 1/4 Inch:Click to see Top 3
1 1/2 Inch:Click to see Top 3
1 3/4 Inch:Click to see the most popular
2 Inches: Click to see Top 2
Interchangeable:Click to see Top 2