Every Type of Curling Iron and When to Use Them

We don’t know about you, but much like our trusty flat iron, we have one designated curling iron that lies under our sink. So when we plop into our hair stylist’s chair and we see five wave-making tools sitting atop their counter, we’re curious how to know which curling iron to use. I mean, don’t they all do the same thing?

Well, apparently not—and we reached out to several pros to not only break down when to use what, but also to provide some personal recs (we also threw in a couple of our own).

Keep reading, and prepare to nail your next wavy look!

The Types Are Then Divided Into 4 Main Sizes

1 1/2″

“The 1 1/2′ barrel curling iron is textbook for loose, voluminous curls with a soft finished style,” Stenson says. “If your hair is hard to hold curl, I suggest a smaller iron for a tighter, longer lasting curl.”

(Stenson recommends Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Digital Spring Curling Iron; We recommend the Sultra Bombshell Collection Clipless Curling Rod)