With so many curling wand options, how do you know which one is going to be the best option for your hair type? Whether you’re a fan of simple curls, a wavy look, or defined curls that make a statement, choosing the right curler will make all the difference in ensuring you get your desired style while also protecting your locks. So, what do you need to know when choosing the right hair curler?
Understanding barrel sizes
One of the first things you’ll need to familiarise yourself with as you hunt for the right curler is barrel size. The right barrel size will typically depend on two things. Firstly, the length of your hair, and secondly, how defined of a curl you want to achieve.
Typically, the shorter your hair is, the smaller the barrel size you would use. Here is a breakdown of some barrel sizes you can choose from:
0.5” to 0.75”
Being the smallest option in the general range of curlers, the 0.5 to 0.75 barrel is ideal for short hair and is suitable for creating vintage hairstyles or even the classic pin curl hairstyle. It may take some practice to get used to how it works.
0.75” to 1”
The 0.75 to 1” barrel is a small barrier, allowing you to create tight spiral curls with long hairs. In addition, it’s also ideal if you want a barrel that can add some texture to hair that is already slightly curly.
1” to 1.75”
Known as a medium barrel, the 1” to 1.75” barrel is ideal if you want to go for the classic wavy look. As a rule of thumb, the larger the barrel, the looser the curls will be. If you have long hair, then this barrel size will work well for you as you’ll be able to work with more hair at a time.
2”
Lastly, the 2” barrel is considered the largest option. You’ll want to use this barrel if you’re going for a tousled look. This barrel is only suitable for long hair, allowing ladies with straight hair to create long, rounded curls.
Understanding the shape of your wand
Like the barrel size, there are also multiple wand shapes that you’ll need to factor into your choice. This includes the following:
- The cone-shaped wand
- Straight shaped wand
- Spiral barrel wand
The cone-shaped wand has a thin upper and thick lower section, making it a versatile wand that can make various curls. Generally, you would use this wand for tighter curls on the thin side, while the thicker, larger side would be used for fuller, larger curls.
If you want to make equally sized curls, the straight wands are the ones you want. This wand helps ladies with straight hair create perfect beachy curls and can be used both inward and outward.
Spiral barrel wounds have a raised spiral or ridge that allows you to guide your hair around the barrel. When you release the hair, it holds a spiral shape. As you can imagine, this would work wonderfully on longer hair, but it is possible for shorter hair, depending on the barrel size.
Understanding the material of your wand
The last factor we encourage you to consider is the wand material, particularly the part of the wand that heats up. This is because some materials tend to conduct heat better and are gentler on your hair. Here are some of the common materials used for curling wands:
- Ceramic
- Tourmaline
- Titanium
Ceramics is often used as a material for medium to premium-range curling wands. It’s popular because it’s safe, it handles temperature well, it is usually more affordable. Tourmaline is usually used on premium products as it emits negative ions that help reduce your hair’s frizz and give it a shine. Lastly, titanium wands are generally good for thicker hair. They disperse and keep heat well while heating up fast, making curling your hair more convenient.
Read Also: How to Choose the Right Hair Care Set for You
How to use a curling wand
Buying the right curling wand isn’t going to do much for you if you don’t know how to use it. Here are some steps to follow that will help you use a curling wand:
- Ideally, you should curl your hair when it’s dry. You may want to let it air dry for a bit and then blow dry it. Also, slightly dirtier hair is usually more helpful for curling because it allows the curls to hold better
- If the curler you have has adjustable temperature settings, set them to the temperature that suits your hair. If the curls don’t form at the selected temperature, you may need to increase it
- We recommend getting a heat protectant spray to ensure your hair is mostly projected while curling it. Some protectant sprays also include vitamins and other nutrients to improve hair health.
- When you curl your hair, face the curling wand down, starting from the roots of your hair (depending on the curl you’re trying)
- Finally, start curling your hair from the back to the front, layer by layer, until you reach the desired result.
Where to find the right hair curler
When it’s time to start shopping for the right one, we recommend looking at GHD’s range. Here is a helpful page that allows you to check out all of GHD’s curlers, curling wands, and tongs. Known for their quality and range, we’re confident you’ll find what you’re looking for through GHD.
Final thoughts
It can be challenging to find the right curling wand, especially if you have a unique hair type and style that you want to go for. However, by understanding what barrels influence curls, the shape of your wand, and its materials, you can now find the ideal curling wand for your needs. Happy curling!
