Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave this storySave this story
No matter what time of year it is, beach waves never really go out of style. That's why the best hair wavers are such a handy tool to have around, especially when you don’t have the patience (or wrist strength) to wrap tiny sections of hair around a curling iron for half an hour. Instead, these double- or triple-barrel tools do the heavy lifting for you, pressing hair into soft, uniform S-shaped waves with just a few clamps down the length of your hair. Whether you're going for loose, mermaid-like bends, a nostalgic ‘90s supermodel crimp, or bold waves that look like you just stepped off the beach (minus the salt and sand), we've got you. Our editors have tested tons of tools—alongside expert recommendations—to find the hair wavers that make getting glossy, tousled texture almost too easy.
Our Top Hair Wavers
- Best Overall: GHD Wave, $199
- Best for Beginners: Mermade 1.25” Original Pro Waver, $79
- Best for Frizzy Hair: Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X, $89
- Best for Short Hair: Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil, $59
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What’s the difference between a hair waver and a hair curler?
- How do you use a hair waver?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: GHD Wave
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GHD
Wave
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor using the GHD Wave
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why we love it: Three-barrel hot tools can look a little intimidating—and sometimes feel top-heavy enough to make you worry about bumping your forehead mid-style. The GHD Wave, a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, proves that a chunky tool doesn’t have to be awkward to use. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly lightweight (just 1.24 pounds), and the curved edges help keep it balanced in your hand, making it easier to maneuver than it looks.
During testing, editors found that the three 1.25” barrels help move through longer hair quickly, creating glossy, mermaid-like waves across the entire head in about 15 minutes or less. Like other GHD hair tools, the Wave is designed with numerous tiny sensors embedded throughout its ceramic plates that constantly monitor the temperature to ensure it never exceeds 365°F, which is the brand’s signature styling sweet spot. “So many beach wavers and curlers claim no damage but don't get the hair hot enough, so the curls don't last,” says Rob Milner, GHD’s head of research and development. “GHD has proven in our research that 365°F is the optimal temperature for styling hair—hot enough so the curl holds, cool enough so it doesn't damage the hair strand.”
Calaor before using the GHD Wave
Jesa Marie Calaor
Calaor after using the GHD Wave
Jesa Marie Calaor
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“This waver looks like a giant crimper from the early 2000s, creating extra-cool S-waves without the smell of burnt hair. It’s also lightweight compared to other wavers and easy to maneuver close to the scalp." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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- Barrel width: 1.25”
- Heat settings: 1
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
- Wattage: N/A
- Automatic shutoff: yes
- Best for: all hair types, especially medium and long hair
Best Adjustable: L’ange VersaWaver
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L'Ange
VersaWaver
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the L’ange VersaWaver
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Some days you want loose, shiny waves; other days you’re in the mood for a little more texture. That’s where the L’ange VersaWaver shows its versatility. With a quick twist of the barrel’s tip (it stays cool for easy handling), you can toggle between 0.75” waves for tight, defined texture or 1.25” deep waves for soft, bouncier volume, so you can change your look without needing a second hot tool.
The titanium plates heat evenly to help waves hold their shape and offer four heat settings (290°F to 410°F) so you can tailor the temperature to your hair type. Bonus points for the thoughtful extras: a heat-resistant glove and mat to keep both your hands and your countertop safe.
Lee before using the L’ange VersaWave
Christa Joanna Le
Lee after using the L’ange VersaWave
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I always assumed the only way to get those loose, bendy waves—the kind that look like you slept in braids overnight—was, uh, actually sleeping in braids for eight hours. The L’ange VersaWaver couldn’t be easier to use (and a lot faster to create a full look). I have a lot of hair, and it’s pretty long, so styling my entire head still took about 25 minutes. I stuck with the third-highest heat setting since my hair is thick, and the waves held up really well. There was a tiny bit of frizz, but nothing a drop of my favorite hair oil couldn’t smooth out. The cool-tip barrel makes switching sizes easy, though I still used the included glove to flip it to the larger side (better safe than sorry!). I also appreciate the heat-resistant mat, which cleverly doubles as a carrying case, so you don’t have to wait for the tool to cool completely before packing it away.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Barrel widths: 0.75” and 1.25”
- Heat settings: 4
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 1.14 lbs
- Wattage: N/A
- Automatic shutoff: yes
- Best for: all hair types
Best for Frizzy Hair: Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X
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Trademark Beauty
Babe Waves X
Amazon
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X
Lily Wohlner
Why we love it: Hot tools can sometimes leave hair looking a little frizzy—the combination of high temperatures and dry strands can cause the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) to lift, making it easier for humidity to sneak in. The Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X, a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner, helps keep that in check while still delivering the textured waves it’s known for.
This styler has two barrels, making it especially great for short- to medium-length hair. The closer-set barrels create a slightly tighter, more crimped wave—think breezy, tousled texture rather than loose mermaid bends. This one also has multiple temperature settings, so you can dial things up or down to help you customize your waves depending on your hair texture: 320°F to 350°F works well for fine or color-treated hair, around 390°F for medium to thick textures, and up to 430°F for coarse or hard-to-wave strands.
And thanks to even heat distribution across both barrels, every section comes out with uniform waves. What really helps keep frizz in check, though, is the tourmaline ceramic barrels and ionic technology. As it heats up, it releases negative ions that help smooth strands and boost shine as you style, keeping flyaways and frizz under control.
Wohlner before using the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after using the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X
Lily Wohlner
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I’d never used a hair waver before this Trademark Beauty one, but I’m officially a convert. It gives me super natural waves that don’t look like I forced them with a heat styler—I’m a total sucker for that ‘I didn’t even try’ tousled vibe. It took all of five minutes to style my whole head, starting from bed head and ending with long, lightly crimped waves that lasted all day without any touch-ups. Plus, my hair looked silky and felt soft afterward, which doesn’t always happen with a traditional curling iron.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Barrel width: 4.75” (two 1.25” barrels)
- Heat settings: 4
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Wattage: 103–110W
- Automatic shutoff: no
- Best for: all hair types, especially short to medium hair
Best for Short Hair: Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil
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Wavytalk
Cool Curl Pencil
Amazon
Wavytalk
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil
Sarah Felbin
Why we love it: While it’s technically more of a curling iron than a traditional waver, Wavytalk's Cool Curl Pencil is one of the few tools that actually gave our tester with a bob the waves she wanted. Most wavers are simply too bulky to get close enough to shorter lengths, but this lightweight, slim styler makes adding texture to a cropped cut surprisingly easy. The 0.65” barrel is narrow enough that styling your whole head doesn’t feel like wrestling with a giant hot tool, and the flat interior plates mean you can straighten sections, too—making it a multitasker for curling, waving, or smoothing. It also has five heat settings (the most of any tool on this list), which is especially helpful if you have fine hair or bangs, like our tester, who kept things on a lower temp for those delicate pieces.
What really sets it apart, though, is its cooling system: 104 tiny air vents release 360-degree airflow in three adjustable settings to help set your style and limit heat exposure. Sure, you’ll need to do a little wrist work to create waves since there aren’t built-in barrels—but when one tool can curl, wave, and straighten, we’re not complaining.
Felbin before using the Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after using the Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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"Finally, a hot tool that's designed for bobs and pixie cuts! I used to constantly burn my hands trying to style my bob with wide flat irons. But the Cool Curl Pencil has tiny plates that make it easy to tame my bangs or flip my ends. And if I'm trying to switch my (usually straight) look up, I can use it to curl my whole head for waves that take only a few minutes. Bonus: Cool air comes out the sides of the iron to set your style as you go (no hairspray required). And, while the barrel doesn't get too hot to hold, a heat-blocking glove is also included for safety." —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Barrel width: 0.65”
- Heat settings: 5
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 0.95 lbs
- Wattage: 46W
- Automatic shutoff: no
- Best for: all hair types, especially short
Best for Beginners: Mermade 1.25” Original Pro Waver
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Mermade
1.25” Original Pro Waver
Nordstrom
Revolve
Why we love it: While most hair wavers are fairly intuitive and beginner-friendly, the Mermade 1.25” Original Pro Waver stands out for being especially easy to handle. New York City-based hairstylist Vanessa Ocando calls it her favorite hair waver because “it’s incredibly easy for the everyday person to use and it works beautifully on every hair texture.”
Even though it’s one of the heavier tools on this list (2.2 pounds), the design helps offset that by providing multiple grip points. You can hold it by the handle or steady it from the top, which makes it easier to maneuver and gives you more control as you clamp down each section. It also features anti-scald plates that heat up on the inside but stay cool on the outside, so you’re extra in the clear.
If you’re a beginner, it’s also refreshingly quick to style with, as you only need to clamp each section for three to five seconds to create defined waves. Plus, the barrels are made from ionic ceramic plates that help eliminate frizz and boost shine. The original waver has 1.25” barrels, but there’s also a 1” option if you prefer tighter waves.
More to know
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- Barrel width: 1.25”
- Heat settings: 4
- Attachments: none
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Wattage: N/A
- Automatic shutoff: yes
- Best for: all hair types, especially long
Best Interchangeable: DryBar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
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Drybar
The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If your hair mood changes as often as your outfit, DryBar’s The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron makes it easy to switch things up without having to round up a small army of hot tools. It comes with three interchangeable attachments that snap easily into the handle: a triple-barrel waver for loose bends, a curling wand for softer spirals, and a classic curling iron for more polished curls. In other words, you can go from beachy waves to bouncy curls without reaching for a different tool. Each attachment features infrared technology that evenly distributes heat, warming hair from the inside out for less damage and more silky shine. The ceramic barrel and ionic technology keep strands frizz-free, so your finished style looks glossy. If you can’t make it to one of Drybar’s blowout bars, consider this the next best thing.
More to know
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- Barrel width: 0.75” (three-barrel waver), 1” (curling wand), 1.25” (curling iron)
- Heat settings: customizable up to 450°F
- Attachments: 3 (three-barrel waver, curling wand, curling iron with a clamp)
- Weight: N/A
- Wattage: N/A
- Automatic shutoff: yes
- Best for: all hair types
Best for Definition: BaByliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver
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BabylissPRO
Porcelain Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If you’re after a more natural-looking, defined wave, New York City-based hairstylist Marc Ballance recommends the Babyliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver. The unique barrel design features two larger 1” barrels with a slightly smaller 0.75” barrel in the center, which helps create deeper, more sculpted waves. The variation in barrel sizes adds dimension to the pattern, while the deep wave shape presses a more pronounced bend into the hair, so the style holds its structure without looking stiff or overly uniform.
The tool also offers 25 heat settings up to 430°F, so you can dial in exactly what your hair needs (lower heat for finer hair or higher heat for coarser textures). The porcelain ceramic barrels distribute heat evenly to minimize hot spots while smoothing the cuticle for shinier, more consistent waves from root to ends.
More to know
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- Barrel widths: two 1” barrels, one 0.75” barrel
- Heat settings: 25
- Attachments: 1
- Weight: 1.79 lbs
- Wattage: N/A
- Automatic shutoff: no
- Best for: all hair types
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a hair waver and a hair curler?
Ocando says that a curler has a single barrel (you know, your classic one-inch curling iron) and a waver has multiple barrels to create an “S” wave pattern instead of ringlets or a traditional curl. Ballance adds that wavers are better if you want your hairstyle to look beachy and intentionally undone.
How do you use a hair waver?
Always start with a heat protectant, no matter what hair look you’re going for. Once your hair is prepped, Ballance says it’s all about the clamping technique. “Take a small section of hair and clamp the waver down, so the barrels can shape the hair shaft into an 'S' wave,” he says. From there, work your way down from root to ends, overlapping slightly as you go, so the waves connect seamlessly.
Ocando advises looking for a waver with adjustable temperature settings, ceramic or ionic barrels, and a grip on the top of the tool, which gives you better control while styling. A bonus is that it stays cool on the outside during use, which makes the experience safer and more comfortable.
Meet the experts
- Marc Ballance is a New York City-based hairstylist.
- Vanessa Ocando is a New York City-based hairstylist and certified trichologist.
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best hair wavers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece—who all have different hair concerns and types, desired outcome (i.e., want shinier hair), and whether one product was tested across multiple hair types (i.e., straight, wavy, and curly hair). Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety and ease of use, value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser hair dryer worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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