Choosing the Best Curling Iron for Long, Thick Hair: Our Top Picks

If you have long, thick hair, you already know the challenges that come with it—especially when it comes to styling. Holding a curl? That takes the right technique. Creating even waves from root to tip? That takes the right tool.

The truth is, not all curling irons are built for longer hair. Standard barrels often mean uneven curls, awkward overlapping, or worse—running out of space before you hit the ends. That’s why curling irons with longer barrels are the go-to for anyone with extra inches or extra volume.

But with so many tools out there, how do you choose the one that’s actually going to work for your hair type, your curl goals, and your daily routine? We’ve done the research for you. Here are the best curling irons for long hair—and what makes each one worth the spot on your bathroom counter.

Why long barrels matter

The biggest benefit of an extended barrel curling iron is simple: more space. Traditional irons are designed for average-length hair, which often means wrapping sections over themselves and holding them in place longer—aka more heat, more time, and less consistent results.

Long barrel irons give you the room to wrap hair in a single layer, which helps:

• Create smoother, more even curls

• Cut down on styling time

• Reduce heat damage

• Style root to tip in one pass

They’re a must for waist-length hair, but even if your hair just falls past your shoulders, you’ll notice the difference in how your curls hold and how fast you can get through your routine. For thicker hair, longer barrels mean less fighting with bulky sections and more polished results in fewer passes.

The best curling irons for long, thick hair

These are our favorite long barrel curling irons and we’ve designed them for your beautiful, thick hair. 

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron 1.5” – The Allure Winner

If you’re after big, voluminous waves, this is the one. The 1.5” Long Barrel Curling Iron was awarded Allure’s Best of Beauty for a reason—it delivers smooth, modern curls and soft bend with minimal effort, even on super thick hair.

Blowout in a Barrel. Your round brush, upgraded. This extra-wide barrel creates the look of a big city blowout—full-bodied volume, soft bends, and a smooth finish.

Why we love it:

• Extra-long barrel makes it easy to style large sections

• Ideal for long, heavy hair that normally struggles to hold a curl

• Ion-Generating Mineral Complex minerals help hydrate and smooth hair while you style

• Great for soft waves, loose curls, and natural-looking texture

If you’ve ever wrapped hair three times around a short barrel and still had your ends sticking out, you’ll instantly understand why this iron changes everything.

Graphene MX® Long Barrel Curling Iron 1.25” – Best for long-lasting curls

Crafted for performance at every temperature, the Graphene MX Long Barrel Curling Iron delivers sleek, lasting curls without needing max heat. The barrel is infused with Bio Ionic’s Ion Generating Mineral Complex and enhanced with graphene—the best conductor of heat—for fast, even styling that locks in moisture while minimizing damage.

The 1.25” barrel size is perfect for soft volume and defined curls, and the 2” extended barrel wraps more hair at once—cutting down on time without sacrificing shape or shine.

Why we love it:

• Graphene + Ion technology delivers consistent, gentle heat at all settings

• Extended barrel speeds up styling for medium to long hair

• Designed to protect moisture and reduce reliance on high heat

• User-friendly locking mechanism keeps your settings locked in place

• Versatile for both professional stylists and everyday users

• Leaves curls smoother, shinier, and frizz-controlled
  

Engineered for versatility, this tool adapts to the hair in your chair or the hair on your head. If you’ve struggled with heat damage or curls that fall flat too soon, this is your upgrade.

If you’re still stuck between sizes, here’s a quick cheat sheet (but know you can play around with sizes too for different looks!):

Still unsure? Think about your goals. Whether its voluptuous curls, sultry waves, or carefree beach vibes, a 1.25 barrel curling iron offers great flexibility.

Create large S-Pattern curls & waves quickly and easily with the large 1.25” barrel size. The larger barrel makes short work of any hair length.  Giving you soft modern wave patterns with less effort.. For thick hair that doesn’t hold shape easily, a tool with Ion Generating Mineral Complex will give you longer-lasting curls with less heat.

Tips for curling long, thick hair

• Section your hair – Always work in smaller, manageable sections so heat distributes evenly

• Use a thermal protectant – Long hair means more heat exposure. Protect it before styling

• Let curls cool before touching – Set your curls by letting them cool in your palm or clipped in place

• Work from bottom to top – Start at the nape and work your way up to avoid disrupting curls as you go

• Wrap smoothly, don’t overlap – Wrapping hair flat against the barrel (rather than spiraled) gives a more uniform curl and helps avoid dents
  

Bonus tip: sleep on a silk pillowcase to maintain your curls overnight with minimal touch-ups the next morning.

 Choose smarter, not harder

Long hair is beautiful—but it deserves tools that make styling easier, not more frustrating. If you’ve been dealing with short barrels, endless touch-ups, or curls that fall flat, it’s probably not you—it’s your curling iron.

Investing in our Long Barrel Curling Iron designed for length and volume means more even curls, fewer passes, and results that last. Whether you go with the Allure-winning 1.5” iron or the Graphene-powered 1.25”, you’re choosing a tool that actually works for your hair—not against it.

You’ll spend less time styling, get more consistent results, and love the way your hair looks from root to ends.