Undone waves are a default style that many of us turn to time and time again. Tousled in texture, with a laidback finish, the key is to make the style look effortless. The truth, however, is that this style can require a lot of effort – especially when armed with the wrong tool for the job. Traditionally, heat styling tools have fallen into one of two camps. Camp A: tongs and wands for bouncy curls, and camp B: straightening irons for a sleek, polished finish. Sitting somewhere in the middle, you'll find the new breed of styling wands: the best hair wavers. Recently gaining plenty of traction on TikTok for creating the viral mermaid waves, the hair waver tool is the easy way to create the popularised style celebs love.
Grazia's Top Three Hair Wavers To Shop Online:
Best Hair Waver Overall: BondiBoost 32mm Wave Wand, £57.99, LookFantastic
Best Hair Waver For Healthy Hair: ghd Curve Classic Wave Wand, £149, ghd
Best Cordless Hair Waver: BaByliss 9000 Cordless Waver, £180, LookFantastic
How we tested the best hair wavers
To find the right hair waver for your hair type, it's important to test on a range of hair types to see how long the waves last. Beauty writer Samantha Price tested these hair wavers on her thick hair to see how well the Tony & Guy Deep Barrel Hair Waver lasted and was super impressed with the results.
Designed to create quick and easy waves, hair wavers come in an array of shapes and sizes. They can cater to various hair types and needs. From large, barrelled beauties (like the Bondi Boost Wave Wand, £57.99), aimed at creating loose, mermaid waves to thinner barrels (take ghd’s Curve Classic Wand, £159, for example) that can achieve that crimped, cool girl wave. To find your perfect tool, scroll down for our curated edit of the best hair wavers available to buy now.
SHOP: The Best Hair Wavers To Buy In 2024
Best hair waver overall
www.lookfantastic.com
Proving to be a hit on Instagram, lots of influencers and celebrities alike have praised this impressive wave wand. Featuring three extra-large barrels, it can wave and curl hair in a matter of minutes. You can adjust the temperature to suit your hair type (from 80 to 210 degrees). The heated ceramic also produces negatively charged ions to help control frizz for shiny, soft waves. Overall, reviewers agree that this wand is perfect for effortless-looking mermaid waves that look natural.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature for all hair types and textures
- The crystal powder ceramic glaze means glossy, smooth-looking results
Cons
- Not recommended for hair shorter than shoulder length due to its size
Temperature: | 80 - 210 °C |
Plug: | UK power plug (230V) |
- 32mm barrels x 3
- Adjustable temperature between 80°C - 210°C
- 360° swivel and tangle-free cord
- Insulated barrel tips
- Non-slip handle
Best hair waver for healthy hair
www.ghdhair.com
Zoe Irwin's (hairstylist and ghd ambassador) go-to waving tool has an oval-shaped barrel to create deep waves and loose movement. Simply wrap your hair around the wand and hold for 8 seconds before releasing. It is programmed at the optimum styling temperature of 185ºC - AKA the perfect balance between long-lasting results without compromising the condition of your hair. One reviewer dubbed this tool as an 'amazing product' and went on to say how easy it is to use. There's a cool tip to allow for more control while waving and a swivel cord and safety stand.
Pros
- The protective cool tip provides you with a safe place to hold the hair in place while you curl
- The device has an automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes without use
Cons
- You cannot change the fixed temperature of 185ºC
Temperature: | 185°C |
Plug: | Universal voltage |
- Ultra-zone™ technology: even heat across the entire barrel
- Oval barrel creates deeper waves with movement
- Protective cool tip
- Safety stand
- Optimum styling temperature of 185ºC
- Automatic sleep mode
- Professional length swivel cord
Best cordless hair waver
www.lookfantastic.com
Designed with a triple barrel to create the perfect Scandi Wave: a gentle, flatter wave that isn't too 'done'. The only cordless waver of the bunch - this is the perfect product to have in your bag for festivals or holidays to add instant textured beachy waves with up to 40 minutes of cordless use. It comes with a travel storage case, alongside a heat protection mat and glove. One reviewer called this waver a 'summer essential' to create effortless beachy waves.
Pros
- Features a triple barrel design with up to 40 minutes of cordless use
- Heating plates curve to each barrel with independently controlled temperatures
Cons
- You will need to recharge when it runs out of power
Temperature: | 160°C, 170°C and 180°C |
Plug: | Universal voltage |
- Ultra-smooth ceramic creates smooth glossy waves
- 3-hour fast charge for 40-minute use at maximum temperature
- Intelligent charge level indicator
- Sleep mode and auto-safety shut-off
- Comes with a travel storage case with heat-protective lining, a mat and a glove
Best hair waver for thick hair
www.loveamika.co.uk
Another three-barrelled wand, this hot tool from Amika is ideal for waving long hair quickly. Move the wand down the length of your hair, holding it for 5 seconds as you go. The result? Undone, beachy waves. You can adjust the temperature (from 50 degrees to 198 degrees), and after 30 minutes it will automatically turn off (ideal for those of us who are always in a hurry). One reviewer said how her daughter has thick hair and this tool finally gave her the beachy waves she was after. She notably said that she wasn't worried about this creating too much heat damage either, as it works in seconds to create perfect waves.
Pros
- Negative ion technology seals cuticles to reduce frizz + promote shine
- 3 tourmaline ceramic barrels in 18.5 mm deliver gorgeous, beachy waves
Cons
- It's bulkier than other hair wavers
Temperature: | 50 - 198°C |
Plug: | UK power plug (not dual voltage) |
- Custom-mould leaves no-marks
- Negative ion technology seals cuticle to smooth hair
- 30-minute auto shut-off option
- Heat-resistant, no-slip handle
- Kickstand – to rest safely on countertop
- Cool tip for easy control + safety
- 2.75 m cord with 360° swivel
- 1-year warranty
Best hair waver for mermaid waves
www.lookfantastic.com
Aside from its super chic gold aesthetic, this Beauty Works Waver works wonders – creating S-shaped tousled tresses. The ceramic-coated barrels seal the cuticle to help keep frizz at bay while bolstering shine. You can choose the temperature to suit your hair type (from 80 degrees to 220 degrees), and it comes with a carry case. Reviewers agree this waver is essential for creating beautiful effortless beachy waves.
Pros
- Creates mermaid beach waves, even on short hair
- Customise the temperature to suit your hair strength and texture
Cons
- It doesn't hold extensions as well
Temperature: | 80 - 220°C |
Plug; | UK power plug |
- Three-barrel hair curler
- Ceramic-coated barrels
- All hair lengths
- Creates S-shaped waves
- Heats up in 60 seconds
- Carry case
Best affordable hair waver
www.boots.com
Featuring an adjustable dial, this Remington PROluxe Waver can create different types of waves – Deep and Defined Waves, Flowing Mermaid Waves, Loose Beachy Waves and Undone Tousled Waves. It only takes 30 seconds to heat up, and the advanced ceramic grip tech coating will secure your hair onto the barrel - so no slipping and sliding. One reviewer said they were pleased with the features and how you can alter the temperature.
Pros
- The adjustable barrel creates 4 different wavy styles
- OPTI-heat technology makes sure heat is applied in correct areas for the best result
Cons
- Waves aren't super long-lasting
Temperature: | 150 - 210°C |
Plug: | <meta charset="utf-8">UK power plug (no dual voltage) |
- 5 temperature settings.
- Variable temperature control.
- Digital controls.
- 30-second heat-up time.
- Heat-ready indicator.
- Ceramic crimping plates.
- Plate length: 370cm.
- Adjustable plates.
- Width of crimping plates: 70mm.
- Swivel 3m cord.
- Automatic shut-off after 60 minutes.
- Manufacturer's 5-year guarantee.
Best hair waver with extra-large barrels
It is impossible to talk about hair wavers without mentioning Mermade Hair. The brand's international best-selling waver is perfect for hair of any length to create immaculate waves that can be brushed out for a looser finish. Used by many a celebrity, including Khloe Kardashian and Hailey Bieber, its multiple heat settings let you control the hold of the wave. It even auto shuts off after one hour so no need to worry about whether you left them plugged in. Reviewers with naturally straight hair agree that this waver creates more 'lived-in' looking waves and one went onto say that they've received plenty of complements. We're already convinced.
Pros
- Ionic ceramic barrels protect your hair from heat damage
- The extra-large triple barrels mean no pulling on the hair
Cons
- It's bulkier than other hair wavers
Temperature: | 80 - 210°C |
Plug: | UK plug (universal voltage) |
- Three XL barrels
- Multiple heat settings
- Advanced heat technology
- Auto shut off after one hour
- Heat protection glove included
- Heat-resistant soft-touch handle
- 2.5m swivel cord and spring lever
- High-grade ionic ceramic barrels to protect hair from damage
Best hair waver on Amazon
Toni & Guy is a brand we all know from years of hair tools. This deep-barrel waver from the brand gives off larger beachy waves that can be easily made with simple functions.
With 32mm ultra-deep plates, large waves are easily made with this Toni & Guy styler. An auto-switch makes it easy to avoid any accidents and heat goes up to 200 degrees for quick and efficient styling.
Grazia's senior beauty writer, Samantha Price reviewed this tool and found: 'Toni & Guy's Deep Barrel Hair Waver makes effortless-looking waves at a fraction of the cost. They're an accessible pair of wavers that come highly rated by reviewers for creating perfect mermaid waves. I've found that there is a knack to doing it, so you might want to experiment and see what works for you. I would also recommend using a salt spray or similar styling product afterwards to get the most out of your waves. After a few attempts, I was able to create defined waves very easily, and it's saved me on many an occasion when I've needed styled hair in a pinch.'
Pros
- Faster results than other tools
- Perfect for creating crimped, noughties-esque waves
Cons
- It's heavier than other hair wavers
Temperature: | 120 - 200<meta charset="utf-8">°C |
Plug: | UK plug (220 V) |
- 32 mm ultra-deep plates
- 200 degrees variable temperature
- Ceramic tourmaline colour lock technology
- Handle lock
- 3 m salon cord; salon tested
- 5 years guarantee
Hair Waver FAQs
How To Use A Hair Waver
‘Undone waves, or loose curls, are a beautiful way to style your hair for any occasion,’ says hairstylist and ghd ambassador, Zoë Irwin. To nail the look, prep is key. ‘Start by misting damp hair with a texturising spray which will help create that beachy finish,’ says Irwin. Next? ‘While drying your hair, flip the top section over to one side and aim the nozzle at the roots, before repeating on the other side. This will create maximum lift.’
Now the fun begins. With your chosen tool, Irwin recommends the ghd Creative Curl Wand, £149, take a section of your hair and wrap it around the wand. ‘Hold it here for 8 seconds and then let the hair off’ says Zoe. She suggests wrapping sections backwards, away from your face for the front section of the hair. ‘This will soften the face and is super flattering.’ After the front section, alternate the direction you wrap your hair around the wand for added texture. To finish? ‘Once your hair has cooled, tip your head upside down and run your fingertips through to blend the waves and gently rub the ends of the hair to create a soft flyaway effect, before you fling your hair back,’ says Irwin. For added hold, it’s worth misting your waves with hairspray.
‘Oh and one final note – leave the ends of your hair straight. This will give the look a modern edge,’ adds Irwin.
Do I Need To Use Heat Protectant With A Hair Waver?
Short answer - yes. As with most styling tools, hair wavers can cause heat damage. This is why it's so important to prep with the best hair styling products, like a heat-protectant spray. These savvy sprays work by creating a protective barrier on the hair shaft which prevents the hair cuticle from being exposed to high heat. What's more, many have added conditioning benefits that bolster shine and detangle, too. We hope you have found the perfect hair waver for you. See our top picks for other hair styling tools such as the best hair curlers, best hair dryers and hair straightening brushes.