Curling Iron Versus a Curling Wand

I’m a lover of both of these styling tools which makes it difficult to have a tug of war against them.

I’ve had a look at some reviews and opinions of what people think of them and have decided to put myself back in the salon and tell you why I am using the Wand or the Curling iron on my client.

There are a few subtle differences between the Curling Iron that won’t damage your hair and the magicurl wand, being that the iron has a clamp and the wand does not.

If I’m doing a client who is getting married and she wants wavy soft flowing curls I use my Curling Iron. I do find it takes a lot longer to do these curls as it isn’t a matter of clamping the hair at the bottom and winding the hair all the way to the root.

For a much nicer classic curl that flows I put the iron at the base of the hair, open the clamp, and wind the hair onto the barrel. I then clamp the hair making sure the ends are in and wait a minute or two.

I then open the clamp and release the curl into my hand and let it cool before I drop it.

Once the whole head is curled – I use a big tooth comb to comb the curl, followed by hair spray.

The result from the curling iron is amazing and the curls do last.

If I’m styling a younger woman who’s going to a high school dance or graduation, I use my wand. The Wand is more popular with the younger generation and more advanced when it comes to creating different curls. Because it has a cone-shaped barrel you are able to give volume to the root and by turning the hair right down to the narrow part you create a perfect spiral pattern. I don’t often comb this hair out. Instead, I ask my client to put her head upside down and shake it out.

These curls do not move and if they drop they usually fall into soft “S” patterns which look great.

I’ve decided to make a list of pros and cons for each style to make it easier for you to make a decision when purchasing your new product.

Curling Iron Vs Curling Wand

Curling Iron Pros:

• Gives classic bouncy curls
• Can be used on any hair type
• Forms a spiral pattern
• Has a clamp
• Can be used similar to a wand where you can wrap the hair around the clamp
• Better for short hair as the clamp allows you more control
• Softer flowing curls
• Great for beach waves
• Gives volume to your hair

Curling Iron Cons

• Limited to size of curl as the barrel is one size from base to end
• Have been around for years and is a little outdated
• No record of how long they last
• Usually only has one heat setting

Curling Wand Pros

• Variety of different curled styles
• Can be used on any hair type
• Creates an “S” pattern
• The barrel increases or decreases in size giving different size curls
• Newer on the market and more modern
• Far easier to use without a clamp to worry about
• Last between 500 – 1000 hours
• Better for looser styles
• Great for beach waves
• Gives volume to your hair
• Has various heat settings

Curling Wand Cons

• Doesn’t come with a clamp to tuck the ends in.
• You are more prone to burning your hand

Remember when choosing the best curling iron for beach waves that the way you part your hair will also help in creating your gorgeous curls. Remember to part your hair vertically for a wavy look and to hold the curl in your hand to cool down first before you let it drop. Finish your style off with hairspray to hold it in place.

There are many curling irons that don't damage hair if you always use a heat protector and style your hair from dry before you use it.

The Wand has the same instructions to follow. Use a heat protector and make sure your hair is dry before creating your desired look. I encourage you to section your hair vertically or horizontal.

Tip: When using your wand, after you have made your curl and removed the wand from your hair, shake the curl out while still holding the end of your section of hair, this loosens the curl and also creates an amazing look. Finish your curls off with a finishing product and hair spray.