When To Use A 1 ¼-Inch Curling Iron?

The barrel size of a curling iron determines the type of waves or curls you make. When you specifically want tighter, full-bodied, messy locks, the 1 ¼-inch barrel would be ideal. It creates curls that not only last longer but also look natural and effortless. Sectioning your hair into three parts and adding more volume can give you the best results. The following section highlights how you can use a 1 ¼-inch curling iron.

How To Use A 1 ¼-Inch Curling Iron?

Start close to the roots. Take a section of hair and twirl it around the curling barrel and clamp it. Ensure you do not start at the ends (doing so will damage the hair and cause split ends). Starting at the ends will also keep the roots from receiving enough heat. Switch on the heat and hold for a few seconds. Lightly roll out the barrel. After curling a section, gently hold the curled locks in your hand and allow them to cool before you leave them. Doing this keeps the curls tight and ensures they do not open out due to gravity. You can also clip your coils on top of your head after taking off the barrel. Holding your curler horizontally (instead of vertically) can change your look by giving you spring-like locks. Use a light oil or serum on your hair after the entire curling process is done. This keeps away frizz and holds your style. Comb or brush only after the entire hair has cooled down.

Using a 1 ¼-inch curling iron is simple. While the market has too many such irons, we have listed the 9 best in the following section. Read through the reviews and choose your pick.

9 Best 1 ¼-Inch Curling Irons

1. Best Auto Heat Sensor:Revlon Salon Advanced Copper Ceramic Curling Iron

The Revlon Salon Advanced Copper Ceramic Curling Iron is a great option to create full-bodied curls that last long. It has a unique copper ceramic styling surface that offers durability and better heat transfer. This barrel offers tight bouncy curls that do not open out easily. It heats up quickly, and its maximum temperature is 425o degrees F. The heat is distributed evenly. The heat sensor monitors temperature and switches between heating up and cooling down when required. It gives your hair a smooth, silky finish and shiny curls with the least heat damage. This curling iron has an extra-long cool tip that protects your hands from getting burnt. Its auto shut-off feature offers added safety. The professional swivel cord offers tangle-free styling. Specifications

Material: Ceramic and copper Dimensions: 3.1×4.5×15.3 inches Weight: 3 ounces Temperature: Upto 425oF

Pros

Auto shut-off feature Tangle-free cord Auto heat sensor Even heat distribution

Cons

Barrel is too short for very long hair.

2. Best Dual-Side Curling:Kiss Instawave 101 Automatic Curler

The Kiss Instawave 101 Automatic Curler is constructed with the Pearl Ceramic Ionic Technology that protects the hair’s natural moisture. It prevents split ends and damage to the hair cuticles. It also controls hair frizz. Its one heat setting reaches 400oF in 60seconds automatically. Its blue light indicator tells you when the curler is ready. The Instawave Curler has the advantage of dual-side curling that can be controlled by a curl dial. It allows you to curl your hair inwards or outwards with the push of a simple button. The device also helps untangle your hair. It is suitable for different hair lengths and textures. You may check this video for a better understanding of this product. Specifications

Material: Ceramic tourmaline Dimensions: 14×2.5×5.5 inches Weight: 2 ounces Temperature: upto 400oF

Pros

Auto-rotating barrel Blue light indicator Tangle-free cord Heat-proof curl dial Auto shut-off feature Heats up in 60 seconds Suits different hair lengths and textures

Cons

No temperature settings

3. Best For Beach Waves:MINT Professional Series curling Iron

The MINT Professional Series Curling Iron is designed with an extra-long barrel that allows quick styling and even heat distribution. This curling iron has temperature settings ranging from 270℉ to 430℉ that assist in styling thin, thick, and medium hair. The curling irons come with two heaters that stay hot for long and offer fast heating. It is ideal for beach waves, curls, and volumes as the device produce constant heat. In addition, the easy-glide clamp glides smoothly in controlling the hairstyle. This video review will help you learn more about the product. Specifications

 Material: Ceramic  Dual voltage: 120 to 220 V  Temperature: 270℉ to 430℉

Pros

 Easy to use  Quick styling  Long barrel  Suitable for all hair types  Auto shut off  Long-lasting

Cons None

4. Best For All Hair Types:Conair Infinitipro Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand

The Conair Infiniti pro Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand has a clamp-free tapering barrel that gives you curls without creases and kinks. It creates free-flowing and defined curls, beachy waves, and twisted spirals. The barrel tapers from 1.25 to 0.75 inches and can also give you naturally loose curls. It features a tourmaline ceramic technology that controls frizz and gives your hair a silky shine. It also offers even heat distribution and prevents hot spots or burns. The curler heats up in 30 seconds. Its five heat settings allow the curler to work on any hair type. It has a long cord that accommodates easy maneuvering. The heat-proof glove keeps your hand safe from scalding. This video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase. Specifications

Material: Ceramic Dimensions: 63x5x15 inches Weight: 08 ounces Temperature: Upto400oF

Pros

LED light indicator Auto shut-off feature Suits all hair types Even heat distribution Heats up in 30 seconds Heat-proof glove included

Cons None

5. Best For Traveling:MiroPure Curling Iron

The MiroPure Curling Iron allows you to flaunt stunning, bouncy curls. The ceramic coated 1 ¼-inch barrel removes frizz and minimizes heat damage. It offers seven heat distribution that produces soft and manageable curls. The six different heat settings range from 320o to 410oF. They lock in the curls and make the curler suitable for all hair types. The curler also has an insulated tip, an indicator light, a safety grip, and an auto shut-off function for added safety. It comes with a built-in stand for better storage. The MiroPure Curler has a universal voltage capacity of 100 to 240 volts and can be used for travel purposes. Specifications

Material: Ceramic tourmaline Dimensions: 35×1.25×1.25 inches Weight: 7 ounces Temperature: Upto 410oF

Pros

Auto shut-off feature Even heat distribution Suits all hair types Insulated tip for added safety Has a safety grip Built-in stand for better storage Includes a heat-resistant silicone storage bag Includes a heat-resistant glove

Cons None

6. Best For Long-Lasting Curls:Kristin Ess Soft Wave Pivoting Wand

The Kristin Ess Soft Wave Pivoting Wand has a 1 ¼-inch barrel that helps you create voluminous curls and soft waves. It has an innovative handle that rotates from 90 to 180 degrees and minimizes stress on the arms. The curler has a titanium barrel that delivers negative ions that reduce hair frizz and enhance shine. It also has a temperature sensing heat technology that provides rapid and even heat transfer, creating consistent and longer-lasting curls. A digital display allows you to customize the temperature settings. The curler has a 9-feet long swivel cord for easy movement. Specifications

Material: Ceramic tourmaline Dimensions: 4x15x2 inches Weight: 24 ounces Temperature: Up to 425oF

Pros

Auto shut-off feature Even heat distribution 180orotating handle Customizable temperature

Cons None

7. Best Fast Heating:Hot Tools Professional Nano Ceramic Curling Wand

The Hot Tools Professional Nano Ceramic Curling Wand emits far-infrared heat that directly reaches the hair cortex. It emits gentle heat and protects the cuticle from heat damage. Nano-sized ceramic particles give your hair a super-smooth, micro-shine, and slippery surface. The multiple temperature settings make the curler suitable for all hair types. The curling iron comes with a Pulse Technology that gets the barrel hot fast. It has an extra-long cool tip for safety and comes with a foldable stand and heat-proof glove. It also has a power indicator light. Its 8-feet long swivel cord enhances safety. Specifications

Material: Ceramic Dimensions: 15.4×2.32×5.5 inches Weight: 1 ounce Temperature: Upto 450oF

Pros

Powerful spring clamp Power indicator light Fast heating Cool tip for added safety Heat-proof glove included Separate On/Off switch

Cons

Better for waves than curls

8. Best Dual-Voltage:SABUY Curling Wand

The SABUY Curling Wand helps achieve various styled curls and waves. It has a tourmaline-coated ceramic iron that distributes heat evenly throughout the hair and creates beautiful, long-lasting curls. It also eliminates frizz and hair damage. This curler is travel-friendly with a dual voltage option of 100 to 240 volts. It comes with adjustable heat settings and suits all hair types. Specifications

Material: Ceramic tourmaline Dimensions: 7 inches Weight: 6 ounces Temperature: Upto 450oF

Pros

Interchangeable barrel Auto shut-off feature Even heat distribution Detachable unit Suits all hair types Dual-voltage

Cons None

9. Best For Fine And Coarse Hair:SwanMyst Curling Iron

The SwanMyst Curling Iron is powered with 3X ceramic technology that releases millions of negative ions that deliver heat evenly. These ions reduce static and fizz and moisturize hair. Your curls get a luminous luster. The 1 ¼-inch barrel creates bouncy, long-lasting curls. The curler has various temperature settings ranging from 265o to 430oF. It heats up in just 30 seconds. It is suitable for fine, coarse, or thick hair that is medium or long. It comes with a large insulated tip and a heat-resistant glove for added safety. Specifications

Material: Ceramic Dimensions: 93×4.02×2.2 inches Weight: 5 ounces Temperature: Upto 430oF

Pros

Three-second auto-lock Auto shut-off feature Heats up in 30 seconds 19 heat settings Extra-long barrel Dual-voltage Insulated tip for added safety Includes a heat-resistant glove

Cons

Cord is not tangle-free.

Conclusion

Whether you want beachy waves or loose or tight curls, a1 ¼-inch curling iron can do the trick. We believe this list has given you enough options to pick from. Choose one with the most advanced technologies and safety features. We are sure you will enjoy sleeker, shinier, and more polished curls.

Why Trust Stylecraze?

Vaishnavi Kothuri, a haircare enthusiast with a passion for reviewing hair care products, has compiled this list of the best 1/2 inch curling irons in the market. She has scanned user feedback on trusted platforms and looked closely at numerous well-rated products to make her choices. The products she recommends are well designed with various valuable features that help to make long-lasting, and healthy curls. Should I use a 1 or 1.25- inch curling iron? Curls will be tighter with the 1-inch barrel than with the 1.25-inch barrel. Use the 1-inch barrel curling iron if you’ve got medium to short hair. Use the 1.25-inch curling iron if your hair is shoulder-length or longer. Is gold or ceramic better for curling iron? Ceramic is the most popular curling iron material because it evenly distributes heat and smoothes out the hair while being less damaging to the hair. Can you use a 1 ¼-inch curling iron on your hair everyday? It is not recommended that you heat-style your hair everyday no matter what rod size you use. Always use a heat protectant on your hair before using a hot curling rod. How many seconds should you hold while curling with a 1 ¼-inch curling iron? Hold your curl on the rod for 5 to 8 seconds while using a 1 ¼-inch curling iron.

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