I’m obsessed with the Beachwaver curling iron, and you should be too. If you’ve ever dreamed of those effortless, tousled beach waves that look like you just strolled off a Malibu shore, this tool is your golden ticket.

It’s not just a curling iron—it’s a game-changer that makes styling your hair feel like a breeze, whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro.

Trust me, after wrestling with countless curling irons that left me frustrated, the Beachwaver’s rotating barrel and user-friendly design won me over. Ready to transform your hair routine? Let’s talk about why this is a must-have.

My Journey With The Beachwaver Curling Iron

Picture this: me, standing in front of my bathroom mirror, arms aching, hair half-curled, and a traditional curling iron mocking me from the counter. That was my life before the Beachwaver. I’ve got long, medium-thick hair that’s stubborn when it comes to holding a curl, and I’d all but given up on achieving those Instagram-worthy beach waves. Then, a friend gifted me the Beachwaver B1, and everything changed.

The first time I used it, I was skeptical. A curling iron that rotates on its own? Sounds like a gimmick. But I plugged it in, clamped a section of my hair, and pressed the rotation button. The barrel spun smoothly, wrapping my hair around it like magic. In less than ten seconds, I released the clamp, and there it was—a perfect, bouncy curl.

I was hooked. What used to take me 45 minutes with a regular curling iron now takes 20, tops. My hair, which usually flattens out by lunchtime, holds those loose, beachy waves all day, even through a windy afternoon.

I’m a teacher, and let me tell you, my middle school students are not shy about their opinions. When they started complimenting my hair, I knew the Beachwaver was doing something right. I’ve experimented with both tight curls and softer waves by brushing them out, and the results are always stunning. The ceramic barrel leaves my hair shiny, not fried, and the adjustable heat settings (290°F to 410°F) let me dial in the perfect temperature for my hair type. It’s like having a personal stylist in my bathroom, and I’m never going back to the old way of curling.

The Pros Of The Beachwaver: Why It’s A Cut Above

Effortless Styling for All Skill Levels: The Beachwaver’s rotating barrel is a revelation. Whether you’re a beginner who can barely hold a curling iron or a pro looking to save time, this tool makes styling a breeze. You clamp your hair, press a button, and the barrel does the twisting for you. I used to fumble with traditional irons, burning my fingers and ending up with uneven curls. With the Beachwaver, I feel like a pro in minutes. It’s so intuitive that my teenage daughter, who’s never curled her hair before, picked it up and had perfect waves in no time.

Long-Lasting Curls That Defy the Odds: One of the biggest wins? The curls last. My hair is notorious for dropping curls by noon, but the Beachwaver’s ceramic barrel creates waves that hold their shape all day. I’ve worn them through long workdays, evening outings, and even second-day styling, where they soften into a romantic, tousled look. The secret lies in the even heat distribution, which ensures every strand is curled just right without needing excessive heat that damages your hair.

Customizable for Your Hair Type: With three heat settings—low (290°F), medium (350°F), and high (410°F)—the Beachwaver adapts to your hair’s needs. My medium-thick hair loves the medium setting, but if you’ve got fine or damaged hair, you can go lower to avoid heat damage. Thicker, coarser hair? Crank it up. The ability to choose your barrel size (0.75-inch, 1-inch, or 1.25-inch) also means you can tailor the tool to your hair length and desired wave style. I use the 1-inch barrel for versatile waves, but the 1.25-inch is great for longer hair and looser curls.

Lightweight and Travel-Friendly: Weighing just a pound, the Beachwaver B1 is a dream to hold, especially if you’ve got long hair that takes time to style. My arms used to ache after curling, but this lightweight design makes the process comfortable. Plus, it’s dual voltage, so you can take it on international trips without worrying about frying it. I tossed it in my carry-on for a trip to Europe, and it worked like a charm, giving me beachy waves that turned heads in Paris.

Safety Features That Save the Day: The Beachwaver comes with a 30-minute auto shut-off, a lifesaver for someone like me who’s paranoid about leaving hot tools on. It also has a safety tip and an iron stand to prevent burns to your fingers or furniture. These thoughtful touches make it a tool you can trust, even on hectic mornings when you’re rushing out the door.

Also read: My Thoughts on Brusheo Hair Pro

The Cons: Where The Beachwaver Falls Short

A Bit of a Practice Period: I won’t sugarcoat it: the Beachwaver takes some getting used to. The rotating barrel is awesome, but figuring out which direction to spin (left or right) for curls that frame your face can be confusing at first. My initial attempts left me with a mix of inward and outward curls that looked a bit chaotic. It took a few practice sessions—maybe 15 minutes total—to get the hang of it. If you’re impatient, this might frustrate you, but stick with it. The payoff is worth it.

The Short Clamp Can Be Tricky: The clamp on the Beachwaver is shorter than those on traditional curling irons, which some users find limiting. I didn’t have major issues, but if you’re used to a longer clamp that grips more hair, you might need to adjust your technique. Occasionally, my hair slipped out if I didn’t clamp it securely, especially near my curtain bangs. You can use it as a wand by wrapping hair manually, but that defeats the purpose of the rotating feature.

Not the Most Versatile for Other Styles: The Beachwaver excels at beachy waves and defined curls, but it’s not a jack-of-all-trades. If you want super-tight ringlets or sleek, polished curls, you might find it limiting. The automation, while great for waves, doesn’t give you the same control as a traditional iron for varied styles. I’ve made it work for different looks by brushing out the curls, but if you’re a style chameleon, you might need another tool in your arsenal.

Durability Concerns: While my Beachwaver has held up fine, I’ve read reviews from users who’ve had issues with the rotating mechanism or prongs melting after a year or two. This hasn’t happened to me, but it’s worth noting, especially if you’re heavy-handed or use it daily. The brand tag ensures you can save the artifact with a unique ID for future reference, ensuring you can revisit this review if needed.

Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Beachwaver In Top Shape

Clean the Barrel Regularly: To keep your Beachwaver performing at its best, clean the ceramic barrel after every few uses. I wait until it’s completely cool, then wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any product buildup, like hairspray or heat protectant. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the ceramic coating. This keeps the barrel smooth, ensuring your curls stay frizz-free and shiny.

Store It Safely: When you’re done styling, let the Beachwaver cool completely before storing it. I keep mine in a heat-resistant pouch to protect the cord and barrel from damage. Avoid wrapping the cord tightly around the iron, as this can cause fraying over time. A loose coil works best. If you’re traveling, use the stand to keep it stable in your bag.

Check the Cord and Plug: Every few months, inspect the cord and plug for wear and tear. I’ve had curling irons in the past where the cord frayed near the base, so I make a habit of checking for kinks or exposed wires. If you notice any damage, stop using it and contact Beachwaver’s customer service. Better safe than sorry.

Use a Heat Protectant: While not a maintenance tip for the iron itself, using a heat protectant spray is crucial for keeping your hair healthy, which in turn keeps your Beachwaver working efficiently. I spritz Beachwaver’s Great Barrier Heat Protectant before styling to minimize damage. Healthy hair holds curls better, so you’re not overusing the iron to achieve the look you want.

Avoid Overheating: Stick to the lowest heat setting that works for your hair type to prolong the life of the iron. I’ve found 350°F is perfect for my hair, but if you’re using the highest setting (410°F) daily, you might stress the heating element over time. Rotate between settings to give the iron a break.

Comparing The Beachwaver To Other Brands

T3 CurlWrap: The T3 CurlWrap is another auto-rotating curling iron that’s often pitted against the Beachwaver. I tried it after hearing the hype, and it’s a solid contender. The T3 has a sleek design with a curl timer that beeps when your curl is ready, which is great for avoiding overcooking your hair. It also feels a bit more premium, with a smoother rotation mechanism. However, the curls didn’t last quite as long as the Beachwaver’s, and the higher price tag (around $130-$200) made me question its value. The Beachwaver’s simplicity and affordability ($99 for the B1) won me over for everyday use, but the T3 is a good pick if you want extra features.

Dyson Airwrap: The Dyson Airwrap is the luxury darling of the hair world, and I got to test it at a friend’s house. It uses hot air instead of a heated barrel, which is gentler on hair, and it creates stunning, voluminous waves. The downside? It’s a whopping $600, and the curls didn’t hold as well on my long, heavy hair compared to the Beachwaver. The Airwrap is a multitool, doubling as a dryer and straightener, but if you’re focused on beach waves, the Beachwaver gets the job done for a fraction of the price. It’s like choosing between a sports car and a reliable sedan—the Beachwaver is practical and effective.

Hot Tools Pro Artist: Hot Tools is a salon staple, and their Pro Artist Digital Curling Iron is a budget-friendly option at around $50. I used one years ago, and it’s durable with adjustable heat up to 450°F. It created long-lasting curls, but the manual twisting was a workout, and I often ended up with creases from the clamp. The Beachwaver’s automation eliminates those issues, making it faster and easier to use. Hot Tools is great for tight budgets, but the Beachwaver’s rotating feature and sleek results make it worth the extra bucks.

CHI Spin N Curl: The CHI Spin N Curl is another auto-curler that pulls hair into a chamber to curl it. I borrowed one from a colleague, and while it was fun and burn-proof, the curls were more uniform and less beachy than I like. It’s also pricier (around $100-$140) and bulkier, making it less travel-friendly. The Beachwaver’s open barrel gives you more control over the wave pattern, and I found it easier to master. If you want super-defined curls, the CHI might edge out, but for relaxed waves, the Beachwaver is king.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of curling iron is best for beach waves?

For beach waves, you want a curling iron with a 1-inch to 1.25-inch barrel, as these sizes create loose, relaxed curls that mimic that just-off-the-beach look. The Beachwaver B1 or S1 with a 1-inch barrel is ideal, especially with its rotating feature that makes styling effortless. Ceramic barrels, like the Beachwaver’s, are best for even heat and less frizz, giving you smooth, shiny waves.

Are Beachwaver curling irons worth it?

Absolutely. The Beachwaver is worth every penny for its ease of use, long-lasting curls, and versatility across hair types. At $99 for the B1, it’s a steal compared to pricier options like the Dyson Airwrap, and it delivers salon-quality waves in half the time of traditional irons. Some users report durability issues, but with proper care, it’s a solid investment for effortless styling.

How to do a beach wave with a curling iron?

Start with dry, detangled hair and apply a heat protectant. Take 1-inch sections, clamp the ends in the Beachwaver, and press the rotation button to wrap the hair around the barrel, holding for 5-10 seconds. Release and repeat, alternating curl directions for a natural look. Let the curls cool for 10-15 minutes, then gently run your fingers through them for soft, tousled waves.

What is the difference between a Beachwaver and a regular curling iron?

A Beachwaver has a rotating barrel that automatically wraps your hair when you press a button, unlike a regular curling iron where you manually twist the hair. This makes the Beachwaver faster and easier, especially for beginners. It also has a shorter clamp, reducing creases, and adjustable heat settings for customized styling, while regular irons often require more skill to achieve consistent curls.

Final Thoughts

If you’re tired of wrestling with curling irons that leave you with flat, uneven curls, the Beachwaver is your answer. It’s easy, fast, and delivers those covetable beach waves that last all day. From its rotating barrel to its lightweight design, it’s built to make you feel like a styling pro without the salon price tag. Whether you’re prepping for a date night or just want to elevate your everyday look, the Beachwaver is a game-changer. Grab one, and get ready to fall in love with your hair.

The Beachwaver Curling Iron Reviews: Is It Worth It?