Hot Tools vs BaByliss Curling Iron (2021): Which Curling Iron Is Better For You?

The secret to achieving beautiful soft curls and amazing beach waves is a good curling iron. Not all curling irons are created equal, though, and it can be very difficult to find one that matches your curling needs and your budget. There are so many options in the market today, but we’re featuring only two curling iron favorites in this Hot Tools vs BaByliss Curling Iron review.

The two products we are reviewing in this article are the Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron and the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron. And while both products are available in different barrel sizes, we will only be focusing particularly on each brand’s 1.25-inch barrel models. Are they worth the investment? Which is the better curling iron? You’ll know at the end of this article.

Hot Tools vs BaByliss Curling Iron Comparison Chart

Design & Build

There’s little difference in terms of dimension between the Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron and the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron.

Hot Tools and BaBylissPRO are two names that stand out in the hair styling business. Their hair styling tools trusted by professional hairdressers, no doubt. Moreover, they have also gained a following among ladies who style at home.

In terms of design and build, the Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron and the BaByliss Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron have minimal differences. A closer look at the barrel sizes will reveal similarities. However, Hot Tools has four more sizes that include the big 2″ barrel and the smallest 3/8″ barrel. Meanwhile, the BaByLissPRO Nano Titanium has a longer body but the Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron has a longer cool tip. Lastly, both have 8-feet swivel cords that make twirling and curling easier.

The spring clamps of these two curling irons are both powerful enough to hold hair, yet the handles are not too difficult to press. Also, both use dials for adjusting heat settings. Then again, we noticed that Hot Tools has a smaller dial compared to the BaBylissPRO’s that is easier to rotate, in our opinion. Finally, both of the curling irons have a fold-away metal safety stand to avoid burning countertops with the hot barrels.

Hot Tools & BaByliss Curling Iron Barrel Material

Having different barrel materials, Hot Tools and BaBylissPRO also style and affect hair differently.

Unknown to many, especially to non-professionals, the material used in a curling iron’s barrel has a big role in its curling performance. Not all curling iron barrels are created the same and you should know which one is right for your hair type. Since this hair tool uses constant heat, take the time to carefully choose which barrel material will give your hair the best curls with more shine yet less damage.

Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron has a 24K gold-plated barrel. Gold, being a natural metal, can help enhance hair follicles and lessen hair fall. It’s a good curling iron barrel material because it heats faster and can distribute heat better. But novice users may still get into trouble if they’re not careful with the temperature settings as gold can remain hot longer than other materials. Still, if you’re looking for a curling iron with a durable barrel, gold is the way to go.

On the other hand, BaBylissPRO has a nano titanium barrel that uses nano-ionic technology while styling hair. This means that while hair is being heated and curled, the negative ions discharged by the titanium barrel lock moisture in the hair shafts to prevent hair damage. The same technology also makes the nano titanium barrel heat quickly and distribute heat more evenly. The downside of this new technology, however, is that it’s more expensive compared to other materials.

Hot Tools vs BaByliss Curling Iron Performance

BaBylissPRO has more heat settings than Hot Tools.

A curling iron’s performance depends largely on its heat settings and heat retention features. Clearly, the manufacturers of Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron and BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron realize this. Both curling irons have exceptional heat features compared to other curling iron brands.

Hot Tools’ Pulse Technology feature helps its 24K gold barrel get hot quickly and stay hot longer. This can be good news to users with coarse, thick hair that needs consistent heat for longer lasting curls. On the other hand, BaBylissPRO’s nano titanium barrel generates far-infrared heat that gently penetrates hair from within. Curls are therefore achieved with less damage to the hair shafts.

In terms of heat settings, the BaBylissPRO appears to be the winner with up to 50 heat settings and a maximum heat temperature of 450° F. Hot Tools only has 10 heat settings with temperatures ranging from 280° F to 430° F. Having more heat settings mean more flexibility in achieving the right temperature for different hair types. Seasoned hair stylists may not find this a problem but it can be a cause of concern for those with fine hair doing DIY styling with Hot Tools at home.

Product Warranty

Hot Tools has a longer limited warranty period than BaBylissPRO.

Hot Tools limited warranty periods differ depending on the collection that a specific product comes from. A 7-year limited warranty coverage is given for the Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron. In case the product is found defective within 30 days from purchase, the curling iron can be returned and replaced at no charge.

Meanwhile, BaBylissPRO only offers a 2-year limited warranty coverage for the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron. In-warranty claims can be done through the product website or by emailing the BaBylissPRO Customer Service Department.

Verdict

Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron is more affordable but BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron’s features are worth the price tag.

As mentioned in the earlier part of this article, the barrel material should be a big factor in choosing the best curling iron. With this in mind, we recommend the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron. Nano titanium technology is, by far, the latest and the safest heat styling technology there is. It may appear to be more expensive, but that may be irrelevant when you think about the long term benefits of using a nano titanium curling iron. It’s durable and less damaging for the hair. These alone should convince you to invest in BaBylissPRO nano titanium hair styling tools.

On the other hand, Hot Tools Professional Mega Curling Iron is clearly the budget-friendly choice for those looking for a curling iron that gets the job done. It’s not the best option for newbies so prepare for some trial and error in finding the right temperature for your type of hair. Still, it delivers better compared to other curling irons in the same price range.

Now, if you’re willing to splurge a bit more and want not only a curling iron but and all-around hair styler, the Dyson Airwrap Styler can be your best option. Dyson Airwrap’s Coanda effect curls and styles hair without extreme heat so hair damage is ultimately avoided. It’s way pricier, but it’s totally worth the investment.

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