A spiral curling iron that consistently places helical curls in hair, the spiral curling iron including an elongated heating element having a helical groove, handle projecting from the heating element, elongated clamp that complements the heating element and helical groove. A pliers-like handle connects to the clamp. A hinge pivotally connects the clamp to the heating element. The hinge is located between the handle and the clamp. A thermally insulated tip can be connected to the heating element at the end opposing the handle.