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The 7 Best Hair Wavers to Achieve Perfect Mermaid Hair in 2023

And they’re actually easy to use.

Headshot of Tatjana FreundBy Tatjana Freund
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There was a dark period of time where stick-straight, fried hair was “in.” But in the past decade, we’ve discovered that, actually, a beachy, curly texture is just as fun as painstakingly removing any bend from our strands. While you can always use a top-rated curling iron or some velcro hair rollers to achieve extra texture, there’s actually an easier way: hair wavers. Typically created with three conjoined barrels, hair wavers are essentially XL crimping devices, which help achieve tousled waves in a manner of minutes. As someone who hates spending hours with a round brush in one hand and blow dryer in the other, wavers are quickly becoming a must in my beauty routine.

While these large tools might look intimidating, they’re actually very easy to use–even if you’re a styling beginner. “A curling iron is a great tool for a classic spiral curl, but a hair waver gives you more of an ‘s’ shape—think: elevated mermaid waves,” says celebrity hairstylist Jes Jewel. If you’re on the hunt for a new tool that will dramatically reduce your styling time, read on for our seven favorite, top-rated hair wavers for every hair type.

1
Best Customizable Waver

Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Wand

The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Wand
1
Best Customizable Waver

Drybar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Wand

$199 at Nordstrom$241 at Walmart$199 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Pros
  • Interchangeable wands
Cons
  • Pricey

This hair waver is perfect for someone who loves a traditional curling iron but wants to switch it up from time to time. “Our favorite hair waver is the waver attachment on our Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron,” Toni Landsberg, senior director of education at Drybar. “The attachment is built with ceramic coating and ionic technology to create less frizz and tons of shine while styling and provides uniform heat with infrared technology.”

Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars

2
Best Waver for Short Hair

Bed Head A Wave We Go Adjustable Deep Waver

A Wave We Go Adjustable Deep Waver
2
Best Waver for Short Hair

Bed Head A Wave We Go Adjustable Deep Waver

Pros
  • Adjustable barrels
Cons
  • Can take time to style entire head

For shorter lengths that want to use a waver without accidentally giving themselves a burn, this waver is an ideal choice. Plus, the barrels are adjustable so you can get either a soft wave or deep crimp, depending on the setting you choose.

Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “Just wow! I have no complaints when it comes to these irons! They heat up quick and crimp so beautifully. You can adjust them to the sizing you want and they fit comfortably in your hands. BUY IT!!!!”

Max heat400°F
Barrel sizeNot listed
3
Best Waver Wand

ghd Classic Wave Oval Curling Wand

Classic Wave Oval Curling Wand
3
Best Waver Wand

ghd Classic Wave Oval Curling Wand

Now 15% Off

If you’re already comfortable using a wand but are looking for a softer wave, ghd created this tool just for you. Instead of a traditional round barrel, it is oval-shaped, giving a beachy finish instead of ringlets.

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Heats up super fast, I love that there is no temperature setting, and it gets the job done quickly without damage. I can twist all the hair on the wand and hold it as it cools or I can twist just the midsection and pull it down a bit after curling. So pleased with my purchase.”

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4
Best Waver for Long Hair

amika High Tide Deep Waver Jumbo

High Tide Deep Waver Jumbo
4
Best Waver for Long Hair

amika High Tide Deep Waver Jumbo

For waver newbies, amika’s Jumbo Waver is gives a faux blowout look. “Amika’s Jumbo High Tide Deep Wavers what I reach for the most as it doesn’t crease the hair,” says Jewel. “It’s super easy to use and the size of the barrels gives you the perfect lived-in, wearable wave.”

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

5
Best Waver for Tight Waves

Mermade Hair Cutie PRO Hair Waver

Cutie PRO Hair Waver
5
Best Waver for Tight Waves

Mermade Hair Cutie PRO Hair Waver

With smaller barrels, this waver gives a beachy, crimped look. “My favorite [waver] at the moment is our Cutie waver—our smallest waver as I can achieve a naturally curly Shakira look which I absolutely love at the moment. I finish with lots of texture spray to give it a natural matte look,” says founder Tara Simich.

Mermade Hair rating: 4.8/5 stars

6
Best Waver for Traveling

Bondi Boost Wave Wand Mini

Wave Wand Mini
6
Best Waver for Traveling

Bondi Boost Wave Wand Mini

If you’re heading to a tropical destination, you’ll need to bring a waver with you. Forgo an oversized check-in bag and instead opt for this travel-sized hair waver. It fits easily in luggage so you can enjoy your beachy texture on an actual beach.

Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “OMG LOVE. This wand is soooo nice, gives me the nicest waves and is super easy to use. I love the design, especially the easy-to-read digital display. No more burning my hands to tell if its hot enough! Cannot recommend this more!”

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7
Best Waver for Soft Curls

Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold 3 Barrel Hair Waver

Pro Artist 24K Gold 3 Barrel Hair Waver
7
Best Waver for Soft Curls

Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold 3 Barrel Hair Waver

With three one-inch barrels, this waver makes it easy to get soft, bouncy texture in a manner of minutes. Instead of spending hours with rollers or a curling iron, this tool will cut your routine in half.

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “This waver is user-friendly and produces beautiful waves. People keep asking if this is my natural hair!”

Meet the Experts

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Toni Landsberg is the senior director of education at Drybar.

Tara Simich is the founder of Mermade Hair.

Jes Jewel is a celebrity colorist based in Los Angeles.

What is the benefit of using a waver instead of a curling wand?

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If you think all curling tools are the same, think again! “The hair waver achieves a very different look than a traditional curling iron,” says Landsberg. “The waver tends to bend the hair to create beachy waves for that perfect tousled look. Whereas a curling iron will give you a more defined, classic curl.”

They can also be more beginner-friendly, thanks to their speed and efficiency. “Wavers and curling tongs both add movement, curl or wave to the hair, but wavers have a few benefits that many people don’t know,” adds Simich. “Firstly, wavers can be a lot easier to use as you only have to clamp down to get three even waves, rather than twisting, curling, and wrapping the hair in a curling tong. They also give you a neater and more consistent wave pattern rather than a curling tong that can look different depending on your technique. They are also a serious time-saver as they have three barrels that can create several waves all at once. Lastly, waves last longer as there is more surface area of the hair manipulated by the heat so the cuticle is more inclined to hold shape. Some hair types will hold waves for up to 14 days, compared to curls that may drop after a day.”

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How you use a hair waver?

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“I recommend using a waver on clean, dry hair, or, if needed, applying dry shampoo for a freshly-washed feel,” says Jewel. “Instead of holding the tool horizontal, try holding it at different angles for a more natural, imperfect wave. Use small subsections of hair closer to the root on bottom sections for extra volume.”

For a more tousled look, Simich actually recommends using a hair waver on day two hair. “We recommend waving your hair 24 hours after washing your hair so that there are some natural oils and textures which help the cuticle hold the S-wave shape. Next, add a heat protectant to protect your hair from heat damage and also to add some hydration which also helps with locking in curls and waves.”

Hair wavers can be very versatile. “Holding the tool horizontally, start at the crown and work your way down the section by opening and releasing the clamp,” instructs Landsberg. “Hold for several seconds until desired definition is achieved. Repeat until the whole section is waved. For a deeper, more defined wave, keep the section clamped a few seconds longer.”

Can hair wavers be used on every hair type?

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“Yes, but it may require a bit of experimentation to find the right technique for your specific hair type,” says Landsberg. “The great thing about hair wavers is that you can create natural-looking waves and texture in seconds.” However, depending on your hair type, you may want to pay special attention to barrel dimensions and heat settings. “Fine hair will naturally look more defined and suit the larger 1.25-inch jumbo waver, while thick or curly hair can use the smaller - inch Mini Waver,” adds Simich. “Shakira is a great example of someone who uses a waver to add more movement to her natural wavy hair texture.”

As tempting as it might be, avoid cranking up your hot tools to the maximum temperature. “I recommend adjusting the waver’s temperature for each hair type, however, don’t go above 350ºF,” cautions Jewel. As always, remember to use a heat protectant before going in with any styling tools.

Can people with shorter hair use a hair waver?

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Hair wavers are typically larger than your average curling wand, which can be intimidating to use on shorter lengths. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not for you. “Wavers are actually more effective on shorter hair than curling tongs as the hair can be styled closer to the root,” says Simich. “You can do one clamp from eye level for a textured look, or several clamps from the root for more defined waves.” However, you may want to be gentle when styling. “I recommend experimenting with clamping the waver softly for a soft glam wave on shorter lengths,” adds Jewel.

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How do you like to prep and finish the hair when styling with a waver?

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“Always treat before you heat!” says Landsberg. Proper care before and after styling with a waver is key. All of our experts recommend using a heat protectant before using a hot tool, both for protection and to add nourishment to the hair. Some of their favorites are Drybar’s Hot Toddy Heat Protectant, the Mermade Mist, and Amika’s Water Sign Hydrating Oil. After styling, using a spray to lock in the waves is key. Their favorites are Drybar’s Final Call Frizz & Static Control Spray and Amika’s Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray for the perfect bedhead look.

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

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As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund spoke with experts and hair stylists about the benefits of hair wavers how to use them. Freund also tested a few top-rated tools and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.

Headshot of Tatjana Freund
Tatjana Freund
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor

Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made. 

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