It can be confusing to decide which size barrel to buy when you’re buying your first curling iron machine. We can all relate. You may feel frustrated if you don’t get the beachy waves or curls you want. The problem may lie in the size of your curling iron barrel.
These were the mistakes I made when I was younger and used a flat iron to curl my hair instead of my new wand. But now I’m a celebrity stylist and I know how important heat styling is to me. Let me tell you about the most popular sizes of curling irons so you can find the right one for you and your curl goals.
What are the different sizes of curling irons?
The barrel’s diameter will determine the size of curls you get. The smallest barrel measures just one-third inch (9 mm) in diameter and will give you tight curls with corkscrew curls. The largest barrel measures 2 inches (or 55 mm) wide, which will allow for looser curls on longer locks.
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There are barrel sizes that range from one inch to one and a quarter inches at one end to the other, and vice versa. This barrel-sized variation would be easily found with a curling iron or wand.
Below I’ll be reviewing the most popular sizes of curling irons: 1/2 inch to 1 inch, 1 1/4 inches to 1 1/4 inches, and 2 inches. You will get a very different result with different barrel sizes. This will allow you to determine the impact of any in-between barrel sizes, such as 3/4″ or 5/8″.
1/2 Inch Curling Iron
A half-inch curling iron is the smallest size. This size is ideal for creating super tight curls. This size curling iron is ideal for short hair, such as a pixie or a bob that doesn’t reach the shoulders.
Once your hair is brushed out, you can use this to create fun hairstyles such as an afro or tight kinky waves. This iron is great for creating funky looks. This iron is great for long hair. Although it may take some time, it is well worth it.
Charity Grace LeBlanc, the beauty blogger, shows how Hot Tools Professional Curling Iron 1/2 inch works.
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1 Inch Curling Iron
A one-inch curling Iron is the next size up. This is a popular size for curling irons. For Hollywood Glam, the one-inch curling Iron is perfect for classic curls. This size curling iron works best with hair that is between shoulder-length and medium-length. Even if your hair is long, you can use it to create a tighter curl.
This size curling iron can create loose waves that look like a beach. You can achieve loose waves by making sure you don’t make the curls too stiff. If you’d prefer to curl with a smaller iron, this is the size that you will find on a wand.
Chris Jones shows you how to use Hot Tools Pro 1-Inch Barrel Curling Iron to transform a short blunt bob into an easily textured bob.
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1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron
An inch and a half is the next size. This is the second most popular size of a curling iron. It is not too big or small. This iron can be used on any length of hair, including long and short. It gives you beautiful straight curls but also makes your hair look amazing with loose curls.
This curling iron has many uses. When a client asks me “What size curling iron would you recommend?” or wants to know what size I use, I always recommend an inch-and-a-quarter size.
Take a look at this Hot Tools Signature Series 1.25 Inch Curling iron example to create loose waves
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2 Inch Curling Iron
A two-inch curling Iron is the next size up. This size of curling iron is not suitable for short hair unless you are looking to add a little bit of volume to your hair. This curling iron can be used for long hair.
You can create nice curls depending on the length of your hair. However, because the curling iron’s size is so large, most people will end up with body waves. This size curling iron can be used with great hairspray to achieve a glamorous look.
Dawn Warner, a hairdresser, loves to create hairstyles using her 2 Inch Hot Tools PRO:
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How do I know what size curling iron I need?
The hair type, length, as well as style you desire will all play a significant role in choosing the right curling iron. A larger barrel curling iron will create a looser look for hair with longer hair. If your hair is very thick or difficult to curl, you may want to use a smaller barrel and a higher heat. Also, curl your hair tighter, as the strands will be less flexible under their own weight.
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The 1.25-inch and 1-inch barrels can be used for bouncy curls. This hair curling guide will help you learn how to curl your hair and avoid common pitfalls.
This article is for you if you are as lost as me trying to find the right size curling iron to achieve the desired look. Follow me on Instagram to get hair tutorials, tips, and more.
