Do you own a curling iron you absolutely love? If not, now’s the time to inform Santa and add it to your Christmas wish list!

When comparing curling irons, you need to know which ones live up to the hype, and which ones fall flat. Does the iron heat up enough to adequately curl your hair? Is the barrel the right size for the type of curls you want to create? Smaller barrels create tighter curls, while larger barrels mean bigger, looser curls. Is it easy for you to hold and use without burning yourself or contorting your arm too much? And finally, is it a high-quality iron from a reputable brand?

Here are some suggestions for great curling irons.

For flat, heavy hair…

If you have thick hair that typically does hold curl or flattens easily, consider the Express Gold Curl Marcel 1.25″ curling iron. It creates long-lasting, natural-looking loose curls on even the thickest hair. Plus, the flexible handle makes it easy to use, even if you prefer to curl your hair one-handed.

For long, thick hair…

If your hair already has great length and volume, enhance it with classic, healthy-looking bouncy curls that last. The GHD Curve 1″ Classic Curl Iron is an everyday curling iron with a cool, protective tip and a ceramic coating for snag-free styling. Curl your hair without the clamp for a great, natural, “unfinished” curl.

For silky, fine hair…

If you need an iron to hold a curl for baby-fine hair, the Hot Tools 1″ Professional Spring Iron for Full Curls and Waves is one to try. The iron heats up fast and create lasting curls on even on the slickest strands. The iron evenly distributes heat to minimize damage to your locks, making your hair soft and shiny without frying it.

For the best natural-looking waves…

If you like the look a laid-back hairstyle, try the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand. It creates curls that aren’t too precious, perfect or tight. It includes interchangeable barrels so you can add some size variance to your waves for a more lived-in look.

For a bohemian, tousled look…

If your hair tends to slip out of curling iron clamp, or your fingers burn on the rod, try the Sultra Bombshell Cone Curling Rod. The unique texture keep hair from slipping out, and you’ll become obsessed with the wand’s ability to create supermodel curls and gorgeous, beachy waves.

For polished, beach waves…

If you want an iron to do all the work for you, the Beachwaver S1 Curling Iron should be your new tool of choice. It has a self-rotating wand and takes some practice to learn which direction to you want your waves to fall, but after you get in a groove, you can style your hair in less than 10 minutes. Hold it vertically for beachy bends, diagonally for defined curls or horizontally for vintage-feeling waves.