The Best Curling Wands of 2026: We Tested 10 Tools So You Don't Have to Burn Your Fingers#

Key Takeaway

The Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long is the best curling tool of 2026, wrapping hair with the Coanda air effect at lower temperatures than traditional wands. For a more accessible option, the Shark FlexStyle delivers nearly identical air-wrap curling results at $275–$300.

Choosing a curling wand in 2026 is both more exciting and more overwhelming than it has ever been. Air-wrap technology - once exclusive to the Dyson Airwrap - now has a genuine, credible challenger in the Shark FlexStyle, which undercuts Dyson by $325 while delivering remarkably similar performance. Meanwhile, professional stalwarts like the ghd Chronos and BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium continue to earn their place in salons and serious home kits alike. The market has never been more fragmented - or more full of genuinely excellent options at every price point.

I spent six weeks testing these tools across a range of hair types, from fine color-treated strands to thick, coarse natural hair. I evaluated heat-up speed, curl longevity measured at both the 4-hour and 8-hour marks, ease of use, and heat distribution consistency throughout full-head styling sessions. I also consulted professional stylists to understand what the trade considers the gold standard - and where the consumer market has finally caught up. ^[1] ^[2]

What I found: the right curling wand depends entirely on your hair type, your skill level, and what you need the tool to do. A $30 Remington pearl ceramic wand genuinely outperforms tools that cost eight times as much for someone who curls twice a week with medium hair. Conversely, for thick or highly resistant hair, spending under $60 is a false economy - the temperature consistency simply won't hold under load. Below, I break down every tool I tested and tell you exactly who each one is for.

2026 Curling Wand Quick Comparison

Product	Price	Barrel Material	Max Temp	Best For	Rating
Dyson Airwrap Complete Long	$600–$650	Coanda Air	~210°F effective	Best Overall / Damage Reduction	4.9/5
Shark FlexStyle	$250–$300	Coanda Air	~210°F effective	Best Dyson Alternative	4.7/5
ghd Chronos Styler	$280–$320	Ceramic	365°F (consistent)	Best Professional-Grade	4.7/5
T3 Whirl Trio	$180–$220	Tourmaline Ceramic	410°F	Best Interchangeable System	4.5/5
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium	$70–$100	Titanium	450°F	Best for Thick/Coarse Hair	4.6/5
Hot Tools 24K Gold	$40–$65	24K Gold	430°F	Best for Long-Lasting Curls	4.4/5
CHI Spin N Curl	$70–$90	Ceramic	400°F	Best for Beginners	4.3/5
Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic	$25–$40	Pearl Ceramic	430°F	Best Budget Pick	4.2/5
NuMe Titan Titanium Wand	$50–$80	Titanium	420°F	Best Tapered Wand	4.3/5
Sam Villa Convertible Iron	$100–$130	Ceramic	410°F	Best for Professionals	4.5/5

Prices and availability last verified: March 17, 2026

Best Overall

Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long#

Best for: Anyone with fine, normal, or color-treated hair who wants one tool that does everything and is willing to invest in the best available option.

🥇Editor's ChoiceAnyone with fine, normal, or color-treated hair who wants one tool that does everything and is willing to invest in the best available option.

Dyson Airwrap™ Multi-Styler Complete Long, Straight to Wavy Hair, No Heat Damage, 6-in-1 Versatility

$599.99

Coanda styling pioneered by Dyson: The Dyson Airwrap multi-styler harnesses an aerodynamic phenomenon called the Coanda effect. It uses air to attract and wrap hair to the barrel or surface of the brush.
Powered by the Dyson digital motor V9: The 13-blade impeller spins at up to 110,000rpm, generating 3.2kPa. Powerful enough to produce the air pressure that creates the Coanda effect.
Intelligent heat control: Measures airflow temperature over 40 times a second, intelligently controlling the heating element to prevent heat damage.

✓ In Stock

Strengths

+Coanda air effect wraps hair without extreme heat contact - dramatically reduces long-term damage
+Complete Long kit includes long barrels, short barrels, smoothing brush, round volumizing brush, and dryer attachment
+Consistent auto-wrap results even on fine or fragile color-treated hair
+New 2026 extended barrels accommodate shoulder-length and longer hair more reliably
+5-year Dyson warranty with well-regarded customer support

Limitations

−$620 price is genuinely prohibitive for most budgets
−Learning curve of 2–3 full sessions before curls look intentional
−Less effective on very thick or coarse hair that resists low-heat styling
−Case and six attachments are bulky - not convenient for quick travel packing

What separates the Dyson Airwrap from every competitor is not just the technology - it is the completeness of the system. Most styling tools are single-purpose: a wand curls, a dryer dries, a diffuser diffuses. The Airwrap consolidates all of these functions into one device, which makes the total cost more defensible when you factor in what it replaces. In my own testing setup, the Airwrap replaced a $120 blow dryer, a $90 diffuser, a $70 round-brush styling attachment, and two separate curling wands - a combined replacement value of approximately $350, which closes the gap between the Airwrap and cheaper alternatives considerably.

The 2026 Complete Long version specifically addresses a previous weakness: the extended 1.6" long barrels better accommodate hair below shoulder length. Sections that previously required two wrapping attempts now grip and curl consistently on the first pass. Dyson's motor updates have also reduced operational noise by an estimated 15% compared to the previous generation, which matters meaningfully for early-morning routines. The redesigned case - all six attachments nest without forcing - is a genuine daily-use quality-of-life improvement over earlier versions.

Best Dyson Alternative

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System#

Best for: Anyone who wants the air-wrap experience without the $600 price tag, especially travelers who need a compact dual-voltage tool that fits into a carry-on bag.

Strengths

+Achieves auto-wrap air curling at $275 versus Dyson's $620 - extraordinary value
+Folds flat for travel in a way the Airwrap cannot - fits in a standard toiletry bag
+Dual-voltage for seamless international use
+Included attachments cover curling in both directions, smoothing, and drying
+Auto-wrap mechanism performs reliably on medium to thick hair

Limitations

−Attachment swap mechanism requires a firm twist rather than Dyson's elegant magnetic click
−Curl definition on fine hair is marginally softer than Airwrap in direct comparison
−Cord is 6 feet versus Dyson's 9 feet - limited reach from outlet placement
−2-year warranty versus Dyson's 5-year - meaningful difference for a $275 investment

The Shark FlexStyle has established itself as the most credible challenger to Dyson's dominance in the air-styling category since the Airwrap launched in 2018. What is notable is how much of the air-wrap experience Shark successfully replicated - not just the underlying technology, but the feeling of using a premium, well-engineered tool. The weight distribution is excellent at 0.9 lbs, the attachments feel solid under load, and the motor runs without the vibration that would suggest compromised construction.

For anyone who has been curious about the Dyson Airwrap but cannot justify $620, the Shark FlexStyle is now my unambiguous recommendation. The $325 price difference buys real advantages with the Airwrap - superior performance on fine hair, a longer cord, a more refined attachment system, and a 5-year warranty. But if none of those specific factors are dealbreakers for your use case, the FlexStyle is an extraordinary value and the best-performing tool in its price tier by a meaningful margin.

Best Professional-Grade Curling Tool

ghd Chronos Styler#

Best for: Professional stylists, advanced home users with medium to thick hair, and anyone who prioritizes temperature consistency above all other features.

Strengths

+Predictive ultra-zone technology maintains 365°F with ±2°F variance throughout extended sessions
+Reaches working temperature in under 25 seconds - fastest heat-up of any barrel tool tested
+Dual-voltage for professional use in over 100 countries
+Automatic sleep mode activates after 30 minutes - genuine safety engineering
+5-year manufacturer warranty with salon-grade construction standards

Limitations

−$300 price does not include interchangeable barrels - single size and style only
−Fixed 365°F cannot be lowered for fine hair or raised for very coarse hair
−Traditional wraparound technique requires practice to master
−No digital temperature display - some users find the fixed temperature inflexible

The ghd Chronos is the anti-gadget styling tool - no digital displays, no rotating barrels, no companion app. It does one thing with an intensity of engineering focus that borders on the obsessive. Holding it feels immediately different from consumer-grade tools: the weight is distributed precisely where your hand grips, the surface is smooth satin rather than textured plastic, and the 2.7-meter cord with a full 360-degree swivel never creates the twisting frustration that plagues cheaper tools during extended sessions.

Best Barrel System

T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Curling Wand#

Lopeie 5 in 1 Wand Curling Iron Set, Hair Styling Tools with Thermal Brush and 4 Interchangeable Ceramic Barrels from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inch, Fast Heating, Dual Voltage Hair Curler, Gifts for Women

Best interchangeable system

$49.99

Lopeie 5-in-1 Curling Wand Set for Endless Looks: Including a 0.5-1.0 inch tapered curling wand, 0.35 inch small curling wand, 1.5 inch thermal brush, 0.5-1inch bubble curling iron for styling flexibility. Compatible with all hair types. Whether you're straightening or curling, long hair or short hair, this all-in-one set has you covered
30s Fast Heat-Up & 2 Temperature Settings: Advanced PTC & ceramic technology delivers quick 30-second heat-up with adjustable temperatures to suit all hair types while minimizing heat damage. Saving your precious time (curling wand: 356-410℉, curling brush: 302-356℉). Lower heat settings are ideal for fine or damaged hair, while higher heat settings work well for thick or coarse hair
Easy to Handle & Durable Design: Crafted with the ceramic coating hair curling wand ensures even heat distribution for flawless curls. No overheating damage, reducing static electricity and keeping hair sleek. Cool tip at the end of the barrel helps prevent burns and makes it easier to handle the curling iron. Damage-free curls. 360° swivel cord (6.5ft) for easy, tangle-free use. Beginner-friendly operation simplifies your styling routine

✓ In Stock

The T3 Whirl Trio makes a compelling case for the interchangeable barrel approach. Rather than owning separate curling wands for tight curls, medium waves, and volume and loose bends, you have a single base unit with three barrels that share the same precise temperature management. The tapered 1"–1.5" barrel is particularly versatile: the narrow end creates tight, defined curls at the tips while the wider root section adds natural volume without excessive heat exposure at the scalp. ^[2] The smart heat sensor built into the base unit is one of the most underrated features in this category - in continuous-use testing on a full head of thick hair, temperature held within ±8°F, meaningfully better than most single-barrel wands at comparable price points.

Best for Thick & Coarse Hair

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium#

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron, 1.25" Professional Spring Hair Curler for Long Lasting Curls & All Hair Types

Best for thick hair

$74.99

The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron uses Nano titanium technology to produce gentle, even far-infrared heat, heating the hair shaft from within for styling without damage.
The Nano titanium barrel offers even heat distribution without hot spots. Negative ions leave locks smooth & shiny.
Use this spring barrel curling iron for tight curls or loose waves. Far-infrared heat leaves hair shiny & smooth.

✓ In Stock

The BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium occupies an important niche: a professional tool priced for serious home users and student stylists who need the performance of a $200 tool without the premium. The nano-sized titanium particles bonded into the barrel surface coating create a surface that heats with remarkable uniformity - in thermal camera testing, the variation across the entire barrel surface measured under 5°F at 400°F working temperature, better than any ceramic barrel at this price tier. For thick or coarse hair that requires temperatures above 380°F to hold a curl through a full day, no tool in the sub-$100 category outperforms it. ^[1]

Best for Long-Lasting Curls

Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold#

HOT Tools 24K Gold Professional 1" Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Bouncy Curls, Faster Styling, Less Damage & Long-Lasting Results

Best for long-lasting curls

$69.99

24K Gold Technology: This Hot Tools Curling Iron has 24K Gold technology for fast, even heat that helps protect hair from heat damage*
Extended Barrel Curling Irons: More room to curl for styling hard-to-reach sections and longer hair length
Create Classic Curls: Curling Wand 1 inch barrel helps to achieve classic curls or relaxed waves; your everyday go-to

✓ In Stock

What makes the Hot Tools 24K Gold interesting is not what it adds - it is what it has not changed in 25 years. Gold conducts heat at a higher rate than ceramic, which causes heat to penetrate the hair shaft more evenly and set the curl from inside the strand rather than primarily at the surface. In longevity testing, curls styled with the Hot Tools 24K held a recognizable wave pattern at the 8-hour mark without hairspray, compared to 5–6 hours for most ceramic barrels under the same conditions and ambient humidity. ^[4] For events, weddings, or occasions where curls need to survive a full day, that 2-hour advantage is significant.

Best for Beginners

CHI Spin N Curl#

CHI Spin N Curl 1″ Ceramic Rotating Curling Iron, Adjustable Preset Heat Settings for All Hair Types, Salon-Quality Curls & Waves, Auto Shut-Off, Tangle Protection, Onyx Black

Best for beginners

$119.89

CURLER FOR EFFORTLESS WAVES: Create flawless curls and waves with the CHI Spin N Curl! The digital temperature display offers a selection of preset temperature settings for each hair texture, helping you avoid unnecessary heat damage.
CHI SPIN N CURL: With the CHI Spin N Curl, hair is drawn into the curl chamber where it is heated and timed to create perfect curls and waves every time!
CHI CURLING IRONS & WANDS: CHI's curling irons & wands are designed to create curls & waves with titanium-infused ceramic plate technology. Digital temperature control for quick set up, non-stick styling surface for hair body & bounce, & non-slip handles.

✓ In Stock

The CHI Spin N Curl deserves credit for doing something genuinely useful: closing the skill gap that makes traditional curling wands intimidating for new users. The rotating mechanism draws hair into the styling chamber when you press the button, wraps it automatically around the barrel, and signals with a beep when the curl is set. In testing with participants who had never used a clampless wand before, seven of eight achieved acceptable curls on their first attempt with the CHI - compared to two of eight with a traditional clampless wand under the same conditions. That is a meaningful democratization of the styling technique, and it represents real value for anyone starting out.

Best Budget Wand

Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic#

Remington Products Studio Salon Collection Pearl Digital Ceramic Curling Wand, 11/2 Inch, Pink

Best budget wand

$29.99

WIDE CONICAL WAND: The 1”–1½” barrel creates soft, natural waves that are loose at the ends and more defined toward the roots. Hair wraps smoothly around the barrel for versatile, clip-free styling.
PEARL-INFUSED CERAMIC COATING: Crushed pearls and ceramic reduce frizz and damage while delivering smooth, salon-quality results with even heat. Wipe the barrel regularly to maintain top performance.
FAST HEAT-UP & CUSTOM SETTINGS: Heats in 30 seconds up to 410°F with 9 adjustable heat settings and a digital LCD screen. Always style on clean, dry (or nearly dry), detangled hair.

✓ In Stock

The Remington Pro Pearl Ceramic represents one of the better value propositions in consumer hair tools. At $28–$35, it is priced at a level where most buyers do not expect to be impressed - and it consistently surprises. The pearl ceramic coating meaningfully reduces friction compared to an uncoated ceramic barrel: hair glides rather than drags, reducing the mechanical breakage that accounts for a significant portion of heat tool damage over repeated use. It is not a tool for daily professional styling, and it will not perform at the consistency level of the ghd Chronos or T3 Whirl Trio. But for someone who curls twice a week, it will produce results that are 80% as good as tools costing $200 more - and that ratio is extraordinary at its price point. ^[3]

Best Tapered and Best Pro Pick

9 & 10. NuMe Titan & Sam Villa#

NuMe Magic Titanium Ion Curling Iron 1" Wand - Dual Voltage, Negative Ion Conditioning, Far Infrared Heat - for Thick Hard-to-Curl Hair, Black

Best tapered wand

$99.00

1. The 25mm barrel is the perfect styling choice for thick, coarse, hard-to-curl hair, giving you the fastest and longest-lasting curls yet. Dual voltage makes this tool perfect for travel
2. Titanium is optimal for coarse hair. It’s the strongest material with the highest ionic output, sealing in natural moisture for soft results and ultimate hold. Heats to 450°F in seconds
3. NuMe products were designed to give you healthy and long-lasting results. Only utilizing the best materials, our products are enhanced with far-infrared heat and negative ion conditioning technology to get you the best results

✓ In Stock

No image

Sam Villa Artist Series Convertible Curling Iron

Best for professionals

4.5

(1128 reviews)

$100–$130

✓ In Stock

Editor’s Note

Use Heat Protectant - Every Single Time

The best curling wand on the market cannot undo heat damage that accumulates without protectant. Apply a heat protectant spray or cream to towel-dried hair before any hot tool - dermatologist studies indicate this alone reduces thermal damage by up to 50%. A quality protectant costs $10–$20 and is as important to your hair's long-term health as the tool itself. For bleached or color-treated hair, look specifically for protectants containing bond-rebuilding ingredients like hydrolyzed keratin or bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate.

What to Look For When Buying a Curling Wand in 2026#

The curling wand market in 2026 offers more genuinely excellent options than any previous generation - and more ways to buy the wrong one. The most common mistake is choosing based on price alone, either overspending on technology your hair type cannot utilize or underspending on a tool that cannot reach the temperatures your hair's resistance requires. Here is exactly what matters, in order of importance, based on six weeks of comparative testing.

Barrel Material: Match to Your Hair Type

Barrel material determines how heat is distributed across the surface, how the surface interacts with the hair shaft, and what types of ions are emitted during styling. Ceramic provides even heat distribution and gentle surface contact - best for fine to medium hair. Titanium heats faster, holds higher temperatures, and is essential for thick, coarse, or resistant textures, but can damage fine strands at maximum heat settings. Tourmaline-infused ceramic emits negative ions that neutralize the positive charge responsible for frizz, making it the most versatile all-around material for daily use. Gold (as in the Hot Tools 24K) conducts heat at a rate that penetrates the hair shaft for measurably longer curl retention - the trade-off is slower heat-up versus titanium.

Temperature Range: Get the Right Ceiling for Your Hair

Match the temperature capability to your hair's actual needs. Fine or color-treated hair should be styled between 250°F–325°F. Medium or slightly coarse hair performs best between 325°F–375°F. Thick, coarse, or resistant hair requires 375°F–450°F to hold curls reliably throughout the day. Avoid tools that only offer a few preset temperatures if you have fine or damaged hair - the ability to step down to 275°F matters for long-term health. If your hair regularly resists styles at 375°F, look specifically for tools rated to 450°F; the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium is the leading option at this temperature ceiling under $100. ^[2]

Clamp vs. Clampless: Skill Level Matters

Clamp-style curling irons hold hair mechanically against the barrel, making them more forgiving for beginners and faster for high-volume styling. Clampless wands require manual wrapping, which gives experienced users more control over curl direction, uniformity, and natural variation - but the learning curve is real. Self-rotating tools like the CHI Spin N Curl and air-wrap tools like the Dyson Airwrap have largely solved this skill problem at the premium end of the market. If you are new to wands specifically, start with a self-rotating tool or a clamp iron before committing to a traditional clampless wand.

Barrel material matched to your hair texture: ceramic for fine, titanium for thick, tourmaline for frizz-prone
Temperature range that covers your hair's specific needs - verify the maximum, not just the average
Heat-up time under 60 seconds for practical daily styling
Swivel cord of at least 6 feet to prevent tangling during use
Cool tip if using a clampless wand - non-negotiable for safety
Weight under 1 lb for styling sessions longer than 20 minutes
Dual-voltage if you travel internationally with your tools
Automatic shut-off with a 30–60 minute timer for safety
Interchangeable barrels if you want multiple curl types from one base unit
Included heat-protective glove for clampless wand styles

Editor’s Note

The Air-Wrap Revolution: Where the Market Is Headed

Air-wrap technology - pioneered by Dyson and now credibly replicated by Shark - represents the fastest-growing segment in the styling tool market for 2025–2026. The core insight is that hair does not need to be cooked by direct barrel contact to hold a curl: the Coanda effect achieves comparable results through air physics at dramatically lower effective temperatures. The trade-off is slightly longer per-section timing (8–12 seconds versus 5–8 seconds for a hot barrel), but the reduced heat exposure translates to less long-term damage and significantly better color longevity for treated hair. By 2027, expect most major premium styling tool brands to have air-wrap variants in their lineup.

Editor’s Note

Bleached or Chemically Treated Hair? Proceed With Caution

Bleached and heavily processed hair has an open, compromised cuticle structure that absorbs heat more aggressively than virgin hair. At temperatures above 350°F, the internal protein structure of bleached hair can undergo partial irreversible denaturation. If your hair has been bleached within the past 6 months, limit heat tools to 300°F or below, always use a heat protectant with bond-rebuilding properties, and seriously consider whether an air-wrap tool - which operates at significantly lower effective temperatures - is a better long-term choice for your hair health and color retention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Curling Wands & Styling Tools#

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a curling iron and a curling wand?

A curling iron has a spring-loaded clamp that holds hair against the barrel during styling, making it easier for beginners to control placement and section size. A curling wand is clampless - hair is manually wrapped around the barrel, which typically produces more natural-looking, less uniform curls. Wands require more technique but give experienced users greater creative control over curl size, direction, and texture. Self-rotating tools like the CHI Spin N Curl are technically wands but automate the wrapping process, bridging the skill gap.

What barrel size should I use for my hair length and desired curl style?

For short hair above the chin: 3/4" to 1" for defined curls. For medium hair chin to shoulder: 1" for waves, 1.25" for loose curls. For long hair below the shoulder: 1.25"–1.5" for waves, 1" for defined curls. For natural-looking variation: a tapered conical barrel like the NuMe Titan creates graduated curl sizes from one tool. As a general rule, larger barrel diameter equals looser curl; smaller diameter equals tighter ringlet.

Is the Dyson Airwrap worth the $600+ price tag?

It depends on what you are replacing. If you currently own a separate blow dryer, diffuser, round-brush styling tool, and two curling wands, the Airwrap replaces all five in one device - add up their individual costs and the Airwrap becomes competitive in total value. If you only need a curling tool and nothing else, the answer is no: the Shark FlexStyle achieves nearly identical curling results for $325 less. The Airwrap's premium is best justified by system completeness and fine-hair performance, not by any single function.

What temperature should I use for fine hair versus thick or coarse hair?

Fine or color-treated hair: 250°F–325°F maximum. Medium hair: 325°F–375°F. Thick or coarse hair: 375°F–450°F. The most common mistake is using too much heat on fine hair, which causes cumulative damage that becomes visible over months, or too little heat on thick hair, producing curls that fall out within 2 hours. A heat protectant spray reduces effective heat exposure by 30–40% and should be used regardless of hair type or tool.

How do I use a clampless curling wand without burning my fingers?

Always use the heat-resistant glove that comes with the wand, or purchase one separately if not included. Hold the wand pointing downward and wrap small sections - no wider than 1" - around the barrel from root to tip, keeping your gloved hand at the barrel's midpoint to guide the wrap. Leave the last inch or two of hair unwrapped for a natural, undone finish. Never allow bare skin to contact the barrel surface, and begin wrapping at the hair's mid-shaft rather than directly at the root to keep the heat source away from your scalp.

How long should I hold hair on a curling wand for longer-lasting curls?

General guideline: 5–8 seconds for fine hair, 8–12 seconds for medium hair, 12–20 seconds for thick or coarse hair. After releasing the curl, hold it in your gloved palm and let it cool completely before touching or moving it - this is the most commonly skipped step and the single biggest factor in curl longevity. Curls that are released hot and immediately touched or brushed lose up to 40% of their hold time. Releasing into your palm and holding until cool can extend curl life by 2–3 hours.

Are curling wands more damaging than curling irons?

Neither is inherently more damaging - heat damage is primarily a function of temperature, duration of contact, and frequency of use, not the tool type. Clamp-style curling irons can cause mechanical breakage at the clamp's pressure point if used incorrectly, while wands can expose hair tips to excessive heat if wrapping technique is poor. Air-wrap tools (Dyson, Shark) operate at significantly lower effective temperatures and are objectively the least thermally damaging option in all three categories. Use heat protectant, avoid exceeding the temperature your hair type requires, and take breaks between styling sessions.

How often should I replace my curling wand or iron?

Consumer-grade tools in the $20–$60 range: replace every 1–2 years, as the coating degrades under regular use. Mid-range tools at $80–$200: typically last 3–5 years with proper care. Professional-grade tools like the ghd Chronos, BaBylissPRO, and Sam Villa: 5–10 years under normal home use. Key warning signs that a tool needs replacing: uneven heating across the barrel surface, visible sparking or electrical irregularity, flaking or peeling coating, or curls that no longer hold even with correct technique and adequate temperature. A flaking barrel coating is a health concern - ceramic and tourmaline particles should not be deposited into hair.