- What size curling iron will give me loose curls?
- How do I keep my hair from looking frizzy like a bad 80s perm?
- The size of your curling iron is only one factor in finding a curling iron for loose curls. What else do you need to know?
We will answer these questions and review some tools to help you achieve your look.
Size Matters
A key to choosing the right size curling iron for loose curls is; choose one that is slightly smaller than the curl size you want.
Hair Length
- You can make loose curls with any hair length except very short hair like a pixie cut.
- The longer your hair, the heavier your hair becomes, and the curl pattern will expand. Choosing a curling iron that is too large, the curls will fall out after only a short time. So a medium-size curling iron is preferred. 1-1.5”
Hair Thickness
- Thinner hair can use a bigger curling iron size.
- Since fine hair is not as dense, less hair per section will be true to barrel size, and the curl pattern won’t stretch as much. So you can use a larger curling iron for loose curls.
- Thicker hair needs a smaller barrel size.
- More hair per section will make your curls larger than the barrel size.
- Thick hair also needs more time and heat to set the curls.
Curling Iron sizes
- The smallest curling iron to choose for loose curls is a 1” barrel.
- Bigger barrels makes the hair look longer and give a more natural texture
- With Smaller barrels the waves last longer.
- Larger curling irons need more time and heat to set the shape so that curl will last.
- Different irons will give you different effects with loose curls.
What kinds of curling irons give you loose curls?
Standard Curling Irons
Most people feel comfortable with regular curling irons since they have been around the longest.
Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron
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No products found.
- 25 heat settings up to 400°F
- 30-second heat-up
- Turbo Heat feature; increases the temperature up to 36°F
- Patented non-slip grip handle
- Extra-long cool tip
- Auto-Off feature
- Dual voltage
- NOT Ionic
HOT TOOLS Professional Nano Ceramic Curling Iron
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No products found.
- Voltage: 110V.
- Heat-resistant glove includeda
- 8ft. swivel cord
- one-year warranty.
- Rheostat control dial variable heat settings up to 450°F
- Gets Hot and Stays Hot
- Extra-long cool tip and thumb grip
- Separate on/off with power indicator light
- Foldaway safety stand helps to protect countertops
- Not Dual Voltage
HOT TOOLS Professional 24K Gold Marcel Iron/Wand
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No products found.
- Distributes heat evenly for consistency and long-lasting results
- Touch Guard™ protector for easier handling close to neck and face
- Control dial with variable heat settings 280 -430 °F
- Soft handle for a comfortable grip
- Separate On/Off switch with “On” indicator light lets you see at a glance.
- 8ft swivel cord
Why Would I Choose A Marcel Handle Curling Iron?
Marcel irons don’t have a spring clamp, like traditional curling irons and only require one hand to use them.
Marcel curling irons take some time getting used to it. But marcel irons are the easiest curling irons for the one-handed curling method you can find.
3 Curling Irons for Loose Curl Compared
Curling wand
Curling wands are clamp-free so they are easier to use than a curling iron but require both hands to use.
Top 3 Curling Wand For Loose Curl
3 Barrel Waver For Loose Curl
3 barrel wavers are very simple to use. Insert hair and clamp down. Much like crimping your hair or using the Voloom volumizing iron. No need to wind the hair around the barrel or rotate it.
Revlon 3 Barrel Jumbo Ceramic Hair Waver
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- Unique, Extra Wide Middle Barrel for the Deepest, Smoothest Waves
- 420 degrees Fahrenheit High Heat for Fast Styling and Optimal Results
- 3 Tourmaline Ceramic Jumbo Waver Barrels for faster results
- Locking Ring / Storage Loop
- Tangle Free Swivel Cord.
- Heat settings: Fine, Thin Hair level 1 to 6. Wavy to Medium Hair: Heat level 7 to 14. Thick Hair: Heat levels 15 to 22. Coarse, Hard to Style Hair: Heat level 23 to 30
2-in-1 Flat Iron.
Although it takes some practice using a 2-in-1 straightener, it can give you very nice loose curls. It is not easier but it is more versatile if you don’t want to have too many hair tools in your drawer.
KIPOZI Hair Straightener, 2 in 1 Straightener and Curling iron
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No products found.
- Nano Titanium floating plates never pull your hair
- Twist adjustment prevents accidental temperature changes
- safety lock design
- 30-second heat-up
- 4 Heat settings with LCD Screen for accurate temperature control
- PTC smart temperature ensures a constant temperature
- Auto shutoff after 60 minutes
- 360-degree swivel cord (8ft)
- Dual Voltage
- Comes with: Comb, glove, 2 clips, and pouch
Curling Iron Techniques For Getting Loose Curls
- Always make sure to use hairspray or other hair styling products for hold.
- Style your hair in the direction you want it to fall.
- Make sure your curling iron/wand is hot enough
- Twist curls with your finger and let them cool.
- Use a hard bristle brush to soften the curl pattern.
- If you want to keep definition, your fingers to separate and soften curls
For loose curls determine how big you want the result will be, then go with a curling iron that is slightly smaller. Thick and long hair use a smaller barrel. Thin, fine hair and shorter hair can use a larger barrel.
Don’t forget there are easier options to get loose curls other than the standard curling iron like a curling wand or beach wavers (3 barrel waver).
