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Quick Overview
As someone with pin-straight Asian hair, I have always admired waves and curls. I have slick, straight, stubborn hair, and—most frustratingly—it resists holding a curl. I’ve tried every trick in the book: extra-hold mousses, setting my curls with pins, and the best strong-hold hairsprays. Nothing seemed to do the trick—until I discovered hair wavers, specialized curling irons that create bends instead of twists.
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In recent years, hair wavers have grown in popularity because they’re easy to use and deliver effortless-looking results. “The effect [of a waver] is less curled and more textured. It’s great for that effortless, tousled vibe or adding body to finger hair without that much bounce,” says celebrity hairstylist Danielle Priano. Ahead, Priano shares her picks for the best hair wavers, along with some of the Bazaar beauty team’s favorites.
1) Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Digital 3 Barrel Hair Waver

Every time my hairstylist uses this waver at the salon, I notice that my waves can stay for up to three to four days, which is considered a long time for my hair type. The waves also look so natural that they give me that “just permed my hair” effect. Priano is a fan of the tool too, saying, “It heats evenly and creates long-lasting waves with a sleek finish.” Plus, it has tons of features like a two-hour auto shutoff and a clear digital display.
2) Mane Mane-tain the Waves Hair Kit

“I love the look of effortless waves, but creating seamless waves without creases or harsh demarcations between crimps can be tricky,” says Bazaar beauty market and commerce editor Katie Intner. “I love the jumbo Mane waver because the large barrel size gives a more natural wave and crimps hair in under a few minutes. Plus, it’s dual voltage, which is great for travel, and gives a surprising amount of wave longevity.” Even better, the base is detachable and can be used with any of the brand’s other hair tool attachments.
3) Trademark Beauty x Babe Waves Double Barrel Wave Curling Iron

Priano also swears by Trademark Beauty’s double-barrel wave iron. “This one’s loved for its wider barrels and even heat distribution,” she says. “It’s great for longer hair or when you want that soft glam wave.” As a bonus, the tool also works well for shorter hair as it creates two waves rather than the usual three.
4) Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron

“This waver is pricey, at nearly $200, but it’s also the most versatile. It comes with three barrels—a waver, a rod, and a clamp—so you can create any type of wave or curl your heart desires,” says Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein. “I have thick hair, and it works just as well on my hair as it does on those with fine, thin hair, since the heat is customizable up to 450 degrees. It’s also great to travel with!”
5) Inh Triple Barrel Hair Waver

This one is another Bazaar editor favorite: “While I do own two different hair wavers, they both serve a unique vibe. I love this INH Triple Barrel when I’m going for a looser, more lived-in wave,” says Sarah Olivieri, Bazaar senior designer. “It really gives the illusion of salty beach hair freshly dried from the sun.”
6) TYMO Rovy Beach Waves Curling Wand

You may have seen this on social media, and for good reason: At under $50, it is a great option for budget-conscious users. It’s also highly rated for both long and short hair and is easy (and safe!) for beginners to use because it has no exposed barrel. We also love that it comes in 1- and 1.25-inch wave sizes, so you can choose the wand that best fits your length and style preference.
7) Chi Multi-Wave Styler

This is my go-to hair waver at the moment because it’s so versatile. You can adjust the barrel size to get the exact wave you want, from tight to soft and beachy. (And you also have full control over the temperature.) I’m super lazy, so I like to opt for something that has full capabilities in one.
8) Bed Head Wave Affair Jumbo 3 Barrel Hair Waver

You can’t beat this price, which makes Bed Head’s tool a great entry-level styler. That, along with its tourmaline ceramic barrels, 10 heat settings, and easy digital controls, makes it super straightforward to use. The barrels themselves are also on the large side, which creates a great beachy effect in the final look. And if you’re accident-prone, take comfort in the fact that it comes with a protective glove, too.
9) Ghd Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver

This waver is on the pricey side, but that’s because it has the brand’s next-gen features. Think: even heating and a curved—not cylindrical—shape on the barrels that gives that ideal “effortless” look. They’re also finished with an anodized coating that adds shine and reduces frizz. Who doesn’t want that?
10) Wavytalk Power Wave Hair Crimping Iron

If you aren’t a bona fide hairstyling expert and want a hair waver that doesn’t require much technique, this option from WavyTalk might be a good fit. It has a built-in timer you can set from four to 10 seconds that beeps when it’s time to move on to the next section of hair. Its deep V-shaped plates and dual-barrel design sculpt hair for a more pronounced wave.
11) FAQs

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12) Meet the Experts:

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Danielle Priano is a professional hairstylist based in New York City and an ambassador for SexyHair. She counts celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lindsay Lohan, and Lisa as clients.
13) How Do You Use a Hair Waver?

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Luckily, it’s “fairly straightforward,” Priano says. “You start by sectioning your hair; the smaller the section, the more defined the wave. Then, working from the roots down, clamp the waver onto the hair and hold for a few seconds, usually 5 to 10, depending on your hair type and heat setting. Move down the same strand, overlapping slightly to continue the wave pattern all the way to the ends. Repeat throughout the entire head, and once cooled, you can brush it out for a softer, more lived-in texture or leave it defined for more drama.”
14) What’s the Best Way to Prep Your Hair Before Using a Waver?

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To minimize potential damage, you’ll want to do a few things first: “Always start with clean, dry hair; wavers are not meant for wet styling. I recommend applying a heat protectant from mid-lengths to ends to shield the hair from damage,” Priano adds. “If you’re looking to boost volume and hold, add a lightweight texturizing spray or a mousse before blow-drying. And don’t forget to detangle. Smooth, tangle-free strands help the waver glide better and create more uniform results.”
15) Is There a Difference Between a Waver and a Curling Iron?

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“The main difference between a hair waver and a curling iron lies in the shape and result. A curling iron wraps hair around a single barrel, creating more classic, rounded curls or ringlets, depending on the size of the barrel and the technique,” Priano says. “A waver, on the other hand, presses the hair between barrels to form deep, wave-like ridges.”
16) Looking for More Expert-Loved Beauty Tools?

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17) Why Trust Harper’s Bazaar?

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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