Will American curling irons work in Europe- Italy?

Unless they are dual voltage, no. Since they involve heating elements, they will suck power and the wattage of the converter must be larger than the curling irons. Further, even with that you still risk tripping out the room's circuit breaker.

So my advice is that if they are not dual voltage buy new ones that are.

We have three younger people who feel they need to take their curling
irons to Europe

LOL, even if they would work - and they won't unless dual voltage - good luck having enough outlets for them all to do their hair at the same time in the morning and done in time to get some serious sightseeing in! :O)

They will work ONLY if they are listed as dual voltage. Even then it is iffy and they may work at different temperatures than normal. Also, it’s very common for there to be NO outlets in the bathroom, so you need to hope there is a mirror in the bedroom in a place you can use. A flat travel mirror with stand might be a good idea. At least others can use the bathroom while they’re doing their hair!

Definitely work out a schedule some people showering at night if you are all in the same room.

They have to be dual voltage, then an adapter is all they will need. They'll want to go on Amazon to get what they think they want, something like this.

Leave the curling irons home.

Leave them home. Even if dual voltage, the performance will be marginal. IF absolutely critical then buy one when you hit Europe. Time for a little less curl.

I have been taking dual voltage travel size hot rollers to Europe for years and with the adapter, they work fine.

Best travel purchase I ever made was a straightening iron in England my first afternoon there years ago. Now I have a hair tool ready to go every time I travel to Europe (about once a year). I think it was equivalent to $20 USD. It's been on four Europe trips all over the continent now! Highly recommend buying a curling iron there shortly after you land if you plan to go to Europe more than once.

ChristinaN you beat me to it: buy one there. Then the Vanity Fair crowd can share it in the morning. Or buy three - they can be had for very little money, and you know that they will work.

Speaking of fun - have a great time!

Thank everyone for the information! My wife has passed it on to the three travelers. They will be sharing a room. Hopefully if there is a power issue our room will not be affected!

Tell those younger people they don’t need to curl their hair. I blew out a dryer and started a fire in Germany with a supposed dual voltage hair dryer.

Buy one there-they are not expensive

It’s not just a power issue-fire is also a real risk

Tell those younger people they don’t need to curl their hair.

That ain't happening.... gotta look fab in all their selfies

Buying the iron(s) there is the best solution

Are you sure they're plug-in electric? If not, they are a no go: https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/tsa-ban-hair-tools-rcna226668

You can purchase a dual voltage curling/flat iron in the USA, see this one for example: https://a.co/d/eHC1OgB

You could try telling them they don't need it, but that will probably go over like a toot in church. My young traveling companion "needed" a hair appliance like the one linked above. I insisted she buy one before our trip and use it before leaving. It didn't work as great as expected, but she was able to think ahead for some low tech solutions for her styling needs (e.g., one large roller used to straighten bangs). Also re: packing a mirror, it seems the young folk use their cell phones (in selfie mode) for that purpose, no need to pack an extra mirror.

My wife and a friend were on a tour in Italy many years ago. The friend tried using her curling iron on the first day; it melted while she was letting it warm up.

I'm stunned at some of the above nay-sayer responses!

I have a dual voltage curling iron and use electric converter plugs as appropriate for individual countries.

I have successfully used my curling iron - daily - in England, Italy, Germany, France, S. Korea, Japan, Denmark, Norway - all post -Covid travels. Italy, numerous trips, most recent 2018.

Prior to 2022, I used the same model in numerous other European, Oceania, and Asian countries. The particular model below has been my go to since at least 2000. Prior, a different brand that worked just as well. In other words, decades of experience with dual voltage curlers and outlet plug converters. Never a problem.

I should note that some outlets in hotel bathrooms are made for low voltage products only, so the iron won't heat. Move to an outlet in the hotel room proper - problem solved.

Conair Dual voltage (edit - same suggestion as above!)
https://www.amazon.com/Conair-Instant-Heat-Curling-1-inch/dp/B08B4G4TC7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8MPL1FFZNG2Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BDgMPwGGG-zXBAoSo_KOTbiaRyklkUuwn2Grb42iTMbjO5VDT9URY7Kljv-tXEVRYINpuLB_1P6yklny1aRS7ZRLeBOZTVM4kXTpkWwZjXx23Keq7fzD3BM-unmT6tsK8ydQc-oUdsad4_2IVOYiLgEasKov14eiNB0Td6hJPWVA0OiG7gwqnryeiYwUDyL6n7ntsNwB-WDxVMSl_RLq_n7Yfh19fL0V3CMKNnlYr56YxkKOoQBvP804MJxPplZC5o_LfJjLCRhEHFRSM8w54lMELjXZINAJKtZrmMo1R0Y.kH73_NGVxNDylu27T-3mzF3KCwpzyVcs9-e5kd_n-0g&dib_tag=se&keywords=conair%2Bdual%2Bvoltage%2Bcurling%2Biron&qid=1757958393&sprefix=conair%2Bdual%2Bvoltage%2Bcurling%2Biron%2Caps%2C1059&sr=8-1&th=1

Written as a daily curling iron user!!!

If they bring a dual voltage appliance from the states make sure the appliance is set to correct voltage ( if they still work that way) and then reset on return to US

That is still not a guarantee that it won’t melt or catch on fire

A new curling iron purchased in Europe is probably less expensive than any converter they might need ( in case they decide to bring a non dual voltage appliance appliance)

My wife requires such devices and we always get one upon landing if needed

A dual voltage curling iron needs an adaptor, not a converter. For my dual voltage hot rollers, I use the same adapter that I use for my phone and ipad, so there is no extra cost. Like ORD I have successfully used a dual voltage hair appliance for 15+ years.

I know that

I mentioned cost of converter in case they bring a non dual voltage appliance
I have edited by post to include that

Christine, I hope they (and others) don’t do the converter/single voltage option as that definitely fries the hair appliance and increases other outlet risks:).

The frequency is different, not just the voltage.

I think the young ones need to practice doing their hair all in one room, not a bathroom, and figure out the particulars. What do they need to do their hair while sitting on the floor, next to an outlet, and without a wall mirror?
And I agree, buy the curling irons in Europe, or see if EBay has any available.
Have a great family trip!

Thanks again to everyone who offered advice. I learned a lot. I don't think I need anymore information. Tremendous response!! We will have a great time.