Best curling irons that won't damage hair at a glance

• Best for thick hair: Bio Ionic Stylewinder 1”, $145
• Best fast heating: GSQ by Glamsquad Adjustable Curling Wand, $31
• Best for thin hair: BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic Spring Curling Iron, $50
• Best lower temperature: GHD Curve Wand, $205
• Best splurge: Dyson Airwrap, $600
• Best lightweight: T3 Singlepass Curl, $170
• Best for longer hair: Hidden Crown Curl Bar, $45
• Best affordable: ion Titanium Pro Curling Iron, $45
• Best interchangeable: Trademark Mood, $99
• Best high heat: BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron, $60

And yet, nothing quite says "I spent $60 on a professional blowout" (without actually having to spend $60 on a professional blowout) like knowing how to curl your own hair. Once you know how to give yourself effortless bends or bombshell waves, you'll want to style your hair yourself all the time. (For free!) And with the right curling iron on hand, that newfound hobby won't result in damage to your strands.

While you'd be hard-pressed to find any sort of hot tool that's actually good for your hair, there are certain things you can look for to lessen damage. Keep scrolling for the best ways to protect your hair from heat.

How do I keep my curling iron from damaging my hair?

Even the safest curling irons on the market still run the risk of doing some damage to your strands, so it's important to take certain precautions during the styling process.

1. Prep ahead of time: "If you know that you are creating a hairstyle that uses hot tools like a curling iron, you should prep your hair the day before to avoid heat damage," says Garnier hairstylist Millie  Morales. "I always recommend applying a hydrating mask and blowdrying hair the day before to have it ready for the curling iron." Her pick? Garnier Fructis Hydrating Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Aloe Extract ($6), which she says will leave hair "soft and hydrated" even after it goes under the iron.

2. Use a heat protectant: Putting a curling iron on raw, unprotected hair is going to garner the same results as trying to cook something in a non-greased pan—there's a potential for it to stick to the rod and burn. "Heat protectant is a must,” says Linsey Barbuto, owner Perlei Salon. "Many people don’t realize how much heat damage your hair takes with hot tools. Using a heat protector will not only help keep your hair healthy, but it will prevent breakage." Apply a serum like Oribe Royal Blowout ($69) or IGK Thirsty Girl ($32) before you blow dry to make sure your strands are protected.

3. Make sure your hair is completely dry: It doesn't take a haircare wizard to know that the crackling sound a curling iron makes when it comes into contact wet hair is not good news. "Make sure your hair is completely dry with zero dampness," says Glamsquad Creative Director Giovanni Vaccaro. "This will protect your hair follicle, as hair is most vulnerable and prone to damage when wet."

4. Don’t go too hot: "A lot of people put their curling iron on too hot, you do not need to put the curling iron all the way up to the highest heat,” says Stephanie Brown, NYC Master Colorist at IGK Soho. She suggests staying between 300 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on how thick and how processed your hair is), and controlling the heat intensity as needed. The general rule is the thicker hair is, the more heat it can tolerate; however, the more processed it is, the easier you need to be with it.

5. Don't hold for too long: If you've seen that video, you know what can happen when you hold a burning hot iron on your hair for too long (spoiler alert: it can burn it clear off of your head). Stylists suggest wrapping your hair, counting for five to seven seconds, then moving onto the next section.