5 Best 2-inch Curling Irons to Achieve a Salon-like Blowout at Home

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Jan 30, 2024
Best 2-inch Curling Iron
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Big, bouncy waves, check! Soft, beachy curls, check! Salon blowouts, double-check! I never thought creating trendy hairstyles (and the ones I had bookmarked on Pinterest) could be this easy! But with the best 2-inch curling irons on my list, I can achieve them all in the comfort of my home without having to pay hefty amounts to professionals. These hair accessories come with anti-scald tips, fast heating technology, barrels replicating your round brushes, digital displays, and 360° swivel cords for ease of operation. Some of them even come with gloves to ensure a safe experience for you. At the same time, you can choose among ceramic, tourmaline, metallic, gold-plated, and titanium irons as per your specific needs. 

A benchmark of exceptional performance for all hair types and lengths (mostly, medium to long), these curling irons are a must-have in your hot tools collection. Made after several tests and trials, my list entails the pros and cons of every product to help you make an informed purchasing decision. The buying guide will further clear any doubts in your mind before getting your hands on a 2-inch curling iron. So what are you waiting for? Scroll away for all the deets.

5 Best 2-inch Curling Irons Perfect to Create Big, Bouncy Waves

Tight, spiral ringlets are a thing of the past with bouncy waves taking center stage in the hairstyling arena. Perfect for replicating a salon-style blowout, the HOT TOOLS Pro Artist 24K Gold Jumbo Curling Iron is my go-to for both special occasions and everyday use. The device boasts a 24 K gold barrel to create voluminous curls that last throughout the day. Besides, it’s a top choice for professionals due to its high heat reach of up to 430℉ perfect to create every trendy hairdo and a large thumb grip. The best part? The curling iron comes with an 8 ft. tangle-free swivel cord for ease of movement during styling. 

Material: Metal

Hair type: All

Shape: Barrel

Product dimensions: 15.3 x 5.9 x 3.5 inches

Weight: 1.6 pounds

Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Easy to store
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Sleek design
Cons
  • Barrel too short
  • Best for Professionals

    Kristin Ess 2-inch Titanium Curling Iron

    Kristin Ess 2-inch Titanium Curling Iron
  • You can never go wrong with soft, beachy waves! Every time I don’t know what to do with my hair for special events, I take the Kristin Ess 2-inch Titanium Curling Iron and create a professional hairdo in the comfort of my home. P.S. I don’t even have to bear the high costs of getting my hair styled in a salon. The device with 4 adjustable heat settings up to 425°F and 30 30-minute automatic shut-off feature is just perfect for my long hair. Besides, even my sister can use it due to the customizable temperature option. What’s more, is that the device adds shine to my hair while eliminating frizz. Well, I couldn’t ask for more!

    Material: Ceramic

    Hair type: All

    Shape: Barrel

    Product dimensions: 17 x 5 x 5 inches

    Weight: 1 pound

    Pros
    • Minimizes friction
    • Fast heat-up time
    • Long-lasting curls
    • Titanium barrels
    Cons
    • Heavy
  • My Favorite

    IKV 2-inch Extra Long Barrel Curling Iron

    IKV 2-inch Extra Long Barrel Curling Iron
  • With double ceramic coating and a classic design, the IKV 2-inch Extra Long Barrel Curling Iron takes charge of turning your hair into a masterpiece every time you step out to slay! The professional device, perfect for medium to long hair, creates glossy and bouncy curls in a matter of seconds, saving tremendous time and energy. At the same time, it helps to polish the ends of my strands for a stunning look that fetches compliments. What stands out for me is the fact that I don’t have to wait for long to heat it, the curling iron just takes 60 seconds to help me ace my hairstyling game! Plus, it comes with gloves to ensure a safe experience. 

    Material: Ceramic tourmaline

    Hair type: All

    Shape: Barrel

    Product dimensions: 18 x 4 x 4 inches

    Weight: 1.65 pounds

    Pros
    • 360° swivel cord
    • Auto shut-off feature
    • Dual voltage design
    • Perfect for gifting
    Cons
    • Not for fragile hair

    Quick Tip:

    For a salon-style blowout at home, create subtle bends toward the end of your hair strands using a 2-inch curling iron, replicating the same effect. Remember to use a heat protectant spray or cream before starting the procedure.

  • Best for All Hair Types

    Hoson 2-inch Large Barrel Curling Iron

    Hoson 2-inch Large Barrel Curling Iron
  • My thick, coarse hair has always been difficult to manage and style, but achieving a long-lasting hairdo with the Hoson 2-inch Large Barrel Curling Iron has become a breeze. With a tourmaline ceramic barrel, it creates those perfect frizz-free bouncy curls that I have always adored on my favorite celebs. Besides, it keeps the moisture barrier intact by releasing millions of negative ions and causes less hair damage in comparison with its alternatives. Addedly, it comes with a dual-voltage design, a 60-minute auto shut-off feature, and a built-in clip holder for ease of use. What I love most is that the device goes from 225°F to 450°F in an instant.

    Material: Ceramic

    Hair type: All

    Shape: Barrel

    Product dimensions: 8.3 x 3 x 3 inches

    Weight: 1.76 pounds

    Pros
    • Anti-scald tip
    • LCD screen
    • Fast heating feature
    • Dual voltage design
    Cons
    • May overheat
  • Best for Wavy Hair

    Hot Shot Tools 2-inch Ceramic Curling Iron

    Hot Shot Tools 2-inch Ceramic Curling Iron
  • Even when salon blowouts fail on my mother’s coily hair, the Hot Shot Tools 2-inch Ceramic Curling Iron comes to her rescue, providing luscious waves that last throughout the day. Since I have gifted her this device, her happiness knows no bounds. She just loves the curling iron and uses it every day to style her hair, transforming her look one hair section at a time. Note, that it is super gentle on the hair and helps to eliminate frizz, seal the cuticles, and increase shine with every use. You don’t even need to use a hairspray for a long-lasting result. Just set the desired temperature, heat the iron for 60 seconds, section your hair, and start styling! It’s that easy! 

    Material: Ceramic

    Hair type: Curly

    Shape: Barrel

    Product dimensions: 15.24 x 5.75 x 3.5 inches

    Weight: 1.9 pounds

    Pros
    • Best for smooth curls
    • Gentle on hair
    • Even heat distribution
    • Eliminates frizziness
    Cons
    • Quality could be better

    Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best 2-inch curling irons, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision.

    What Should I Look for When Choosing a 2-inch Curling Iron?

    Here are the factors to consider before getting your hands on a 2-inch curling iron - 

    Hair length: 2-inch curling irons are best suited for medium-length hair to long hair, helping to ease out the hairstyling process by providing salon-like results. At the same time, they may not be as effective in curling or styling short hair because of difficulty in maneuvering, leading to an increased risk of burns and hair damage. In a nutshell, consider your hair length before investing in a curling iron. 

    Material: Curling irons are available in different materials to suit your specific needs. While ceramic and tourmaline irons are widely recommended, gold-plated and titanium devices are gradually entering the market. Note, that ceramic irons ensure even heat distribution, tourmaline ones feature ionic technology to style your hair, and gold-plated and titanium models are majorly used by professionals due to their premium quality. 

    Display and temperature settings: Your curling iron must have a digital or LCD to help you set the desired temperature with ease. At the time offer, it should offer several heat or temperature settings to allow you to choose amongst them basis your hairstyle requirements.

    Safety features: Before getting your hands on a curling iron, make sure it comes with added safety features like an anti-scald tip, gloves, and rapid cooling technology for ease of use.

    How Do You Use a 2-inch Curling Iron?

    Here are easy ways to effectively use a 2-inch curling iron - 

    Step 1: Wash your hair to get rid of any dirt, residue, or buildup using a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type. 

    Step 2: Use a heat protectant spray or cream to protect your hair from hot styling tools – in this case, a curling iron. 

    Step 3: Section your hair using clips or bands. 

    Step 4: Set your curling iron’s temperature depending on your hair type.

    Step 5: Wrap the barrel of your iron around each section and curl your way till the end for best results. Remember to curl all sections in the same direction. 

    Step 6: Set your hairstyle in place using a hairspray. 

    Tada! You are done!

    Conclusion

    Alvira, our certified hair expert, loves styling her hair using trendy hot tools raging on the internet. Soft, beachy curls being her current fad, she meticulously researched the best 2-inch curling irons on the market and made an all-inclusive list for her readers. Note, that she considered parameters like materials, long-lasting usage, safety features, and temperature settings before coming up with the verdict. We hope her recommendations help you find your ideal pick. Happy styling!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    FAQ's

    Is a 2-inch curling iron too big?
    Yes, a 2-inch curling iron is big enough to create loose curls out of medium to long hair. But if you want ringlet curls or tighter curls, you can use barrel sizes of 3/8
    How often do I need to replace my curling iron?
    It depends on your usage and the brand and model. To note, the average life span of a curling iron is 500 to 1,000 hours.
    How do I know what temperature to use on the curling iron?
    For fine hair, it is advisable to set your iron below 200 ° F. For those with medium to thick hair, set your curling iron between 200 and 300 ° F for best results.
    When and how should a curling iron be cleaned?
    If you use your curling iron every day, make sure to clean it once a week with a clean barely damp cloth, followed by a clean dry cloth.
    Can a 2-inch curling iron be used on all hair types?
    Yes, a 2-inch curling iron can be used on all hair types, helping to create trendy styles with precision.
    Are 2-inch curling irons suitable for beginners?
    Yes, due to their ability to create soft, loose curls in a jiffy, 2-inch curling irons are pretty much suitable for beginners.
    How do I prevent heat damage when using a 2-inch curling iron?
    You can prevent heat damage on your tresses using a heat protectant spray or cream when styling your hair with a 2-inch curling iron.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, our certified hair expert, loves styling her hair using trendy hot tools raging on the internet. Soft, beachy curls being her current fad, she meticulously researched the best 2-inch curling irons on the market and made an all-inclusive list for her readers. Note, that she considered parameters like materials, long-lasting usage, safety features, and temperature settings before coming up with the verdict. We hope her recommendations help you find your ideal pick. Happy styling!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More