The Best Curling Wands to Pull Off Perfect Waves Every Time

POV: You're getting ready for a night out with your besties, and you sent the group chat your "OMW" text when you're already running a little late and still have to figure out your hairstyle situation. You think of the quickest ways to slay your hair and reach for the best curling wand you have on deck. *Perfect, beachy waves and bouncy curls have entered the chat*.

Here to help guide us in our search for the best curling wands is celeb hairstylist Gregory Patterson, who has worked his magic on icons like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and *the* princess of Genovia, Anne Hathaway.

First things first, Patterson says you'll need to figure out what look you're hoping to attain. Want loose, free-flowing beach babe vibes all day? He recommends looking for curling wands with barrels over 1" in thickness. Or, if you're looking to enhance your existing curls, Patterson suggests using a curling wand that's the same size as your natural ringlets or a little bit larger to help create uniformity.

When in doubt, though, Patterson says that "You can never go wrong with the gold-standard, 1”-size barrel."

From there, you can choose to create bigger coils by wrapping larger sections around the curling wand. If you want tighter spirals, simply take smaller sections of hair at a time. Patterson also says, "If you keep the hair flat against the barrel, you’ll get more of a ribbon curl, but if you twist your section as you wrap it around the barrel, you’ll get more of a tousled wave."

Who knew that such a small change could make such an impact?

Now that you've got all the info you need, it's time to grab your wallet. Here are the best curling wands for every style, hair type (think: thick, long, short, straight, and fine), and budget.