Design: There are two types of hair wavers out there: round triple-barrel wavers and deep V wavers. For consistency sake, we decided to only test triple-barrel wavers—the more popular type right now—as they deliver the tousled, S-shaped style of beach waves as opposed to crimped, zig-zag ones. Heat Settings: "Finding a crimping iron that has variable temperature controls is super important," says Priano. "This helps cater to different hair types and styling needs." To achieve a high-definition zigzag effect, your crimping iron should reach at least 400 degrees—though some can get as high as 450, like the Gold N Hot Hair Crimper Iron. If you want a more subtle style, look for an option that can be set to a lower temp. For starters, the hair waver has a digital screen that allows you to see the exact temperature setting, so you can choose the right setting for your hair type between 200°F and 450°F and see when the iron reaches the temperature and is ready to use. The instructions provide clear guidance on the most suitable temperature ranges for different hair types. I chose to wave my medium-textured hair that falls about two inches past my shoulders on 350°F—a temp that was at the lower end of the recommended range for this hair type. I won’t deny that it’s a highly effective hair waver that delivered the smoothest waves of any of the tools that lasted me through the rigors of my standard day—including light exercise. Its barrels are also very large, which allowed me to capture more hair at a time, decreasing styling time. The problem: The barrels make the styling tool much heavier and more difficult to maneuver than other models I tested. Sky Kim is a New York-based hairstylist at Serge Normant at John Frieda and a member of Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Review Board.

Before finally getting into our top 10 products, you need to know the factors you should keep in mind before buying your ideal crimper, so let’s dig in: TemperaturePlate Material: Unlike stylers from the '80s, the best hair-crimping irons of today typically have ceramic or titanium plates. These materials help protect hair from heat damage while creating a shiny effect with minimal flyaways. As with the Bed Head Little Tease Hair Crimper, some are made with tourmaline-coated ceramic, which helps seal in and smooth hair cuticles.

The testing process was straightforward: I evaluated the build and functionality of each hair waver. Then, I powered each one up and used it to style my hair before going about my normal daily activities to see how the look held up. When I finished testing all of the hair wavers, I teamed up with Reviewed’s in-house experts to score and weigh the results on a scientifically-calibrated rubric.When it comes to results—arguably the most important aspect of a quality hair waver—this one outperforms the rest. A single clamp of a 3- to 4-inch section of hair held for less than 5 seconds delivered instant S-shaped waves that held steady all day long, even after a lengthy and brisk walk around the neighborhood—no hairspray needed! I repeated that action two to three times down each section of hair and all over my head, which took about 15 minutes. Michael Dueñas is a celebrity hairstylist and president of Support Creatives, a non-profit beauty education platform.

Plate Shape and Size: The most critical feature of crimping irons is the plate shape and size. "[This] will determine the size of the crimps," says Priano. For a true crimp with a distinct crinkled look, opt for small, sharply angled ripples, like the Hot Tools Pro Artist Crimping Iron. If you want a more subtle effect, plates with larger (and usually fewer) ripples are your best bet. For softer waves, you'll want a tool with multiple barrels or smoother, less angular grooves, such as the Amika High Tide Deep Waver.If you want to try the wavy hair trend without splurging on a waver, the Bed Head Wave Affair 3 Barrel Digital Jumbo Hair Waver is a great budget-friendly alternative. The price is also a key factor to consider when buying a crimper because some over-priced ones in the market are just not worth it. You need to choose a crimper that does not cost you an arm, and a leg yet is highly efficient. If you are extremely low on budget, you can also get a mini crimper at an affordable price. Ease Of Use When dealing with temperatures, you must take care of your hair because they are prone to damage. Many hair styling products can leave your hair dry and burned, so make sure your crimper is made of a material that distributes the heat evenly and does not burn your hair. Always choose a crimper that provides optimum safety to your hair. Price Like our winning hair wavers, the Bondi Boost has intuitive buttons and a digital screen that’s legible. The problem: The temperature is displayed in Celsius. After reading the instructions, there doesn’t appear to be any way to convert it to Fahrenheit, which can lead to some confusion. Cost: As is the case with many beauty products, costs vary tremendously. The most expensive hair waver we tested was more than 10 times the price of the least expensive one we tested. But price doesn’t necessarily dictate value. Our tests show that the least expensive hair wavers were generally the poorest performers, but, for the most part, middle-of-the-road options were just as desirable as the most expensive wavers.