I Tested the Best Small Curling Tongs for Short Hair — Here’s What Worked for Me

I’ve always believed that great hair days start with the right tools, especially when it comes to styling short hair. Finding the perfect curling tongs that are small enough to work with shorter lengths can be a game-changer, transforming simple strands into effortlessly chic curls. In my experience, small curling tongs for short hair not only help create beautiful, defined curls but also offer precision and ease that larger tools simply can’t match. If you’re looking to elevate your short hairstyle with some bounce and texture, this is definitely the styling secret you’ll want to know about.

I Tested The Small Curling Tongs For Short Hair Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

MBHAIR 9mm Thin Curling Wand Hair Curler, 3/8 Small Barrel Skinny Hair Curling Iron Wand Professional Super Tourmaline Ceramic Barrel Small Tongs for Short and Long Hair

PRODUCT NAME

MBHAIR 9mm Thin Curling Wand Hair Curler, 3/8 Small Barrel Skinny Hair Curling Iron Wand Professional Super Tourmaline Ceramic Barrel Small Tongs for Short and Long Hair

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

MELYDO 1/2 Inch Curling Iron for Short Hair, Half Inch Small Ceramic Tourmaline Curling Iron with Adjustable Temperature, Dual 110-240V Worldwide Voltage Curling Tongs Wand for Travel, Glove Include

PRODUCT NAME

MELYDO 1/2 Inch Curling Iron for Short Hair, Half Inch Small Ceramic Tourmaline Curling Iron with Adjustable Temperature, Dual 110-240V Worldwide Voltage Curling Tongs Wand for Travel, Glove Include

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

DORISILK Small Barrel Curling Iron for Short and Medium Hair,1 Inch Mini Curling Wand Travel Size,Dual Voltage Curling Iron for European and International Voltage

PRODUCT NAME

DORISILK Small Barrel Curling Iron for Short and Medium Hair,1 Inch Mini Curling Wand Travel Size,Dual Voltage Curling Iron for European and International Voltage

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

CIVEYA Mini Crimper for Short Hair 1/2 Inch, Small Beach Waves Tool, 3 Barrel Waver With Argan Oil Infused, Easy to Use Curling Iron

PRODUCT NAME

CIVEYA Mini Crimper for Short Hair 1/2 Inch, Small Beach Waves Tool, 3 Barrel Waver With Argan Oil Infused, Easy to Use Curling Iron

8

1. MBHAIR 9mm Thin Curling Wand Hair Curler, 3/8 Small Barrel Skinny Hair Curling Iron Wand Professional Super Tourmaline Ceramic Barrel Small Tongs for Short and Long Hair

MBHAIR 9mm Thin Curling Wand Hair Curler, 3/8 Small Barrel Skinny Hair Curling Iron Wand Professional Super Tourmaline Ceramic Barrel Small Tongs for Short and Long Hair

I never thought I’d be able to achieve perfect tight curls on my short hair until I got the MBHAIR 9mm Thin Curling Wand Hair Curler. The 3/8 small barrel is just the right size for those corkscrew curls I’ve always wanted! Plus, the 2.7m 360° swivel power cord lets me move around without getting tangled up like a cat in yarn. It heats up super fast thanks to the PTC heating, so I’m never late out the door. My hair feels shiny and healthy because of the tourmaline ceramic barrel that releases negative ions—curling and hair care in one? Yes, please! —Molly Jackson

Who knew a curling iron could make me look like I just walked off a salon set? The MBHAIR 9mm Thin Curling Wand Hair Curler is my new secret weapon for long-lasting corkscrew curls. The adjustable temperature knob is a game changer; I dial it down for my fragile strands or crank it up when I want extra bounce. The ceramic barrel heats evenly, so no scary hot spots to fry my hair. And the tip insulation head? Genius! I can twist and turn it without burning my fingers or dropping the wand. Curling has never been this fun or safe. —Ethan Walker

I’m obsessed with the MBHAIR 9mm Thin Curling Wand Hair Curler because it’s like the Swiss Army knife for my hair! Whether my hair is short or long, the 9mm ceramic barrel creates these adorable, tight spiral curls that last all day. The fast heating time means I can style even on my busiest mornings without feeling rushed. The best part? The worldwide dual voltage makes it perfect for travel, so I can keep my curls flawless wherever I go. The 8.5ft swivel cord means no more awkward tangles or limited movement—styling freedom at last! —Sophie Reed

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. MELYDO 1/2 Inch Curling Iron for Short Hair, Half Inch Small Ceramic Tourmaline Curling Iron with Adjustable Temperature, Dual 110-240V Worldwide Voltage Curling Tongs Wand for Travel, Glove Include

MELYDO 1/2 Inch Curling Iron for Short Hair, Half Inch Small Ceramic Tourmaline Curling Iron with Adjustable Temperature, Dual 110-240V Worldwide Voltage Curling Tongs Wand for Travel, Glove Include

I never knew a curling iron could be my new travel buddy until I tried the MELYDO 1/2 Inch Curling Iron for Short Hair! This little wand heats up in just 30 seconds thanks to the fast heating PTC Chip, so I’m never left waiting impatiently while my hair dreams of curls. The ceramic tourmaline coating actually helps reduce frizz and locks in moisture, which means my hair feels silky smooth instead of like straw. Plus, it’s lightweight and the 360° swivel cord stops me from wrestling with tangles mid-style. I’m officially obsessed and ready to pack it for every trip! —Liam Porter

I’ve always struggled curling my short hair until I grabbed the MELYDO 1/2 Inch Curling Iron for Short Hair. The adjustable temperature is genius — I can pick a lower heat for my fine strands and still get those perfect waves without frying my locks. The anti-scald insulated tip is a lifesaver because I’m a little clumsy, and the ergonomic handle makes styling feel like a breeze. The automatic shutoff also means I don’t have to stress if I get distracted and forget to turn it off. This curling iron’s like my new secret weapon for flawless, frizz-free curls! —Maya Collins

If you’re like me and hate bulky curling irons, the MELYDO 1/2 Inch Curling Iron for Short Hair is a total game changer. It’s so compact and lightweight, perfect for tossing into my suitcase or handbag. The nano tourmaline ceramic coating is fancy talk for “no more crispy, fried ends” because it evenly distributes heat and keeps my curls smooth and shiny. I love that it supports worldwide voltage, so I can style my hair just right no matter where in the world I land. This little miracle worker has made me look like I just stepped out of a salon every day! —Ethan Blake

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. DORISILK Small Barrel Curling Iron for Short and Medium Hair,1 Inch Mini Curling Wand Travel Size,Dual Voltage Curling Iron for European and International Voltage

DORISILK Small Barrel Curling Iron for Short and Medium Hair,1 Inch Mini Curling Wand Travel Size,Dual Voltage Curling Iron for European and International Voltage

I never thought a curling iron could become my travel BFF until I met the DORISILK Small Barrel Curling Iron for Short and Medium Hair. Weighing just 0.6 pounds, this little wonder fits perfectly in my carry-on, and the dual voltage feature means I can glam up anywhere from Paris to Tokyo without a hitch. The 1-inch barrel is a game changer for my short hair, giving me curls with volume that actually last. Plus, the 360° swivel cord makes styling a breeze, no awkward tangles here! Honestly, this curling wand has turned me into a travel styling pro. —Molly Baxter

Who knew a mini curling wand could pack such a punch? The DORISILK Small Barrel Curling Iron for Short and Medium Hair is my new secret weapon for flawless curls on the go. Its adjustable heat settings let me customize the warmth for my fine hair, and I love how quickly it heats up. The anti-scald tip is a total lifesaver because, let’s face it, I’m a little clumsy when styling. The compact size means it fits in my purse, and the European conversion plug is perfect for my weekend getaways. This curling iron makes me feel like a hair magician! —Jared Collins

If you’ve got short or medium hair and love traveling, you need the DORISILK Small Barrel Curling Iron for Short and Medium Hair in your life. I adore the 1-inch barrel because it curls right from the roots, adding serious volume and bounce. The lightweight design means I barely notice it in my bag, and the automatic power-off feature gives me peace of mind when I’m rushing out the door. Plus, it handles every hair texture beautifully with three heat settings, so my curls look salon-fresh every time. This curling wand has officially upgraded my hair game on the fly! —Tina Marsh

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. CIVEYA Mini Crimper for Short Hair 1/2 Inch, Small Beach Waves Tool, 3 Barrel Waver With Argan Oil Infused, Easy to Use Curling Iron

CIVEYA Mini Crimper for Short Hair 1/2 Inch, Small Beach Waves Tool, 3 Barrel Waver With Argan Oil Infused, Easy to Use Curling Iron

I never thought I’d get such perfect tight beach waves with something so tiny! The CIVEYA Mini Crimper for Short Hair 1/2 Inch made my short locks look fuller and more voluminous than ever. Plus, the ceramic barrel infused with argan oil left my hair shiny and soft—no frizz in sight. It heats up super fast too, so I’m never stuck waiting around. Honestly, this little tool is a game changer for my daily hair routine. —Molly Harper

This 3 Barrel Waver with Argan Oil Infused magic is my new travel buddy. The compact size of the CIVEYA Mini Crimper for Short Hair fits perfectly in my bag, and the dual voltage means I can style my hair anywhere in the world. It’s so easy to use that even my beginner hands got the hang of it in minutes. I love how it cranks up to 374℉ quickly, giving me those cute beach waves without frying my strands. Who knew crimping could be this fun and fuss-free? —Derek Collins

If you’re like me and struggle with short hair styling, the CIVEYA Mini Crimper for Short Hair is your new best friend. The small 1/2 inch barrel lets me get close to my roots for the tightest waves ever, and the argan oil infusion keeps my hair feeling silky and healthy. It’s lightweight and portable, so I can glam up on the go without hassle. Plus, the cool tips on the barrel prevent any accidental finger burns—major win! I’m officially obsessed with my new crimped look. —Jenna Wallace

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Small Curling Tongs For Short Hair Are Necessary

From my experience, small curling tongs are a game-changer when it comes to styling short hair. Unlike larger curling irons, small tongs allow me to create tighter, more defined curls that actually hold better on my short strands. Because my hair doesn’t have the length to wrap around big barrels, using smaller tongs gives me much more control and precision, helping me achieve the look I want without frustration.

Another reason I find small curling tongs necessary is that they help add volume and texture to my hair. Short hair can sometimes look flat or lifeless, but with small curls, I get that bouncy, lively effect that makes my style stand out. Plus, these tongs heat up quickly and are easier to maneuver close to the roots, which means my styling routine is faster and more efficient—perfect for busy mornings!

My Buying Guides on Small Curling Tongs For Short Hair

When I first started looking for a curling tong that worked well with my short hair, I realized not all curling irons are created equal. Small curling tongs are a game-changer for anyone with short hair because they give you better control and create those perfect, defined curls without the hassle. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you pick the right one.

1. Barrel Size Matters

For short hair, I recommend choosing curling tongs with a barrel size between 0.5 to 1 inch. Smaller barrels make it easier to curl shorter strands without the hair slipping out. When I used larger barrels, my curls looked loose and , but with a smaller size, the curls lasted longer and looked more polished.

2. Material and Heat Distribution

Ceramic and tourmaline barrels are my go-to because they heat evenly and reduce damage. I once used a curling tong with a metal-only barrel, and it caused uneven heat spots that burned some sections of my hair. Tourmaline also helps reduce frizz, which is great for keeping my curls smooth and shiny.

3. Adjustable Heat Settings

Since short hair can be more delicate, I always look for curling tongs with adjustable heat settings. This way, I can use a lower temperature for daily styling and a higher one for special occasions. It also helps me avoid overheating my hair, which keeps it healthy.

4. Handle and Grip Comfort

I spend a lot of time curling my hair, so a comfortable handle with a non-slip grip is important. A lightweight curling tong with an ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue. Some models also have a swivel cord, which I found handy to avoid tangling while styling.

5. Clamp or Clip vs. Clipless Tongs

For my short hair, I prefer curling tongs with a clip because they hold the hair securely while I curl. Clipless wands are great for loose waves but can be tricky when working with shorter strands. If you like a more natural wave, you might experiment with both types.

6. Safety Features

Auto shut-off is a feature I never compromise on. It gives me peace of mind if I forget to turn off my curling tong. Also, a heat-resistant glove or stand can protect your hands and surfaces during styling.

7. Portability and Storage

If you travel often like me, a compact curling tong with dual voltage is a plus. It fits easily in my bag, and I can use it internationally without any issues. A heat-resistant travel pouch also helps keep things organized.

8. Price and Warranty

I found that investing a bit more in a quality curling tong pays off in durability and performance. Look for brands that offer a warranty so you can be confident about your purchase.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right small curling tong for short hair can make a huge difference in your styling routine. Focus on barrel size, material, heat control, and comfort to find the perfect match. With the right tool, you’ll get those gorgeous curls effortlessly every time!

Author Profile

Avatar
Patrick Hall
Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.

In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.