These Are the 8 Best Curling Irons to Fake Thicker Hair (Really)

best-curling-irons-for-fine-hair-295556-1633578765299-main

(Image credit: @mishti.rahman)

I’ll give you the bad news first. Here it goes: There’s no magic potion for thickening hair that’s naturally thin. I know this better than anyone. No matter how much I’ve wished it to be true, my naturally fine hair hasn’t transformed into the super-voluminous ’90s-supermodel ’do of my dreams. Now for the good news: We fine-haired people aren’t powerless. In fact, there are a variety of things we can do to support our strands and give the appearance of body and density.

First, we can treat our strands well, providing them adequate moisture (I collect hair masks like it’s my job) and protecting them from unnecessary damage (whether that’s from excessive heat styling, aggressive brushing, tight hairstyles, or a combination of all three). We can also choose strategic haircuts and hairstyles to boost the appearance of thickness (or go a step further and get volume-boosting extensions). Finally, we can use the right products and tools.

best-curling-irons-for-fine-hair-295556-1633626197443-main

(Image credit: @joannacoops)

That last one is of the utmost importance. The right products and the right tools will maximize the appearance of volume and density while minimizing damage. Take the humble curling iron, for instance. Did you know that the type of curling iron you use matters? As does the heat setting and technique you use.

Take it from celebrity hairstylist and R+Co Collective member Sami Knight. "Fine hair is usually delicate and needs a little extra care when being styled with heat to avoid breakage. Fine hair is also not as good at holding a curl as its thicker relatives, but it can be done! Using heat protectant and curling irons with a lower heat setting are a must!” Keep scrolling to see the eight best curling irons for faking thicker hair, according to hairstylists and editors.

1. T3 Curl ID 1.25" Smart Curling Iron

2. GHD Creative Curl Tapered Curling Wand

3. GHD Classic Curl 1" Curling Iron

4. Hot Tools Pro Artist Black Gold Digital Salon Hair Curling Iron

5. Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Curling Iron

6. Dry Bar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron

7. Dyson Airwrap Styler

8. Shark Beauty Flexstyle Air Styling & Drying System

How to Keep Curls From Falling Flat in Fine Hair

best-curling-irons-for-fine-hair-295556-1633646003200-main

(Image credit: @cassiskovic)

Knight, Rubenstein, and Izquierdo all have the same expert tip for keeping curls in place in fine hair: Use hair spray before reaching for a curling iron. According to Knight, this gives the hair some "memory" so it keeps bouncing back instead of falling flat. I think this is a genius tip, and I'm going to start using it immediately.

best-curling-irons-for-fine-hair-295556-1633648540267-main

(Image credit: @allisonho)

Shop 5 Other Styling and Treatment Products for Fine Hair

This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.