How To Choose the Perfect Curling Iron Size [Guide + Chart]

Choosing the perfect curling iron size can be tricky. Each barrel size creates variations of curls and waves, but only some sizes work on all hair lengths.

You could choose a ½-inch curling iron to create tight curls if you have short hair, but folks with longer hair will spend much more time styling their hair with this barrel size. 

Thankfully, there are curling iron sizes for short hair, long hair, and everything in between. In our guide, we cover all of the curling iron sizes, so you can figure out what’s best for your hair type and length. We even created a curling iron size chart to help you look and feel your best.

Curling iron size chart

Choosing the right curling iron size determines the type of hairstyle you will achieve. The smaller the curling iron barrel, the tighter your curls will be. Check out our curling iron size chart to find out which is best for your hair goals.

What are the different sizes of curling irons?

Not sure which curling iron size you need? We created this curling iron size guide to help you style your hair perfectly. From ½-inch to 1 1/2-inch curling irons, here’s everything you need to know about curling iron sizes.

3/8 inch

The tiniest curling iron size out there is a ⅜-inch, and it’s perfect for creating tight, spiral curls. People with short hair will benefit from this small barrel curling iron, but that doesn’t mean folks with long hair can’t use this size — your curls will just be small and tight. Keep in mind that if you have long, straight hair, it will take significantly longer to style your whole head with this barrel size.

Best for: short, thin hair

Creates: tight, spiral curls

1/2 inch

Depending on your hair length and texture, a ½ inch curling iron can create tight, ringlet spiral curls if you have long, straight hair or loose waves on short to chin-length hair. This size of styling tool works best to enhance naturally curly hair.

Best for: Short to chin-length, naturally curly hair

Creates: tight, ringlet spiral curls on long hair or beach waves on short hair

5/8 inch

Create natural-looking curls with a ⅝-inch curling iron. Embrace the bouncy spiral style that creates volume on straight hair. This barrel size also helps enhance naturally curly hair and adds more texture.

Best for: medium to long hair

Creates: tight curls

3/4 inch

Transform your hair texture to create glamorous Hollywood waves using a ¾-inch curling iron barrel. This curling iron size is great for those with thin or thick hair. It also works best if you have shoulder-length hair to create perfectly polished curls. 

Best for: shoulder-length hair

Creates: vintage, textured curls

1 inch

A 1-inch curling iron is the standard and most versatile barrel size. This barrel size is not too big or small, which makes it the perfect size for all hair types and lengths. You can create loose waves on shorter hair or beachy waves to full curls on medium to longer hair. 

Best for: all hair types and lengths

Creates: loose waves to full curls

1 1/4 inch

The 1 ¼-inch curling iron creates loose curls and waves on medium to long hair. This barrel size creates a slight bend on short hair. Hair stylists love using this barrel size for more natural, lived-in waves.

Best for: all hair types

Creates: loose curls and waves

1 1/2 inch

Looking for big, volumizing curls? The 1 ½-inch curling iron adds texture while gently curling each strand. It’s also one of the best for creating those coveted beach waves. This barrel size is best for folks with shoulder-length hair or longer.

Best for: shoulder length or longer hair

Creates: big, volumizing curls

1 3/4 inch

While it’s not easily accessible, the 1 3⁄4-inch curling iron is worth having in your styling toolkit to create big, loose waves. This large curling iron barrel creates a slight bend on short hair and dream waves on long hair.

Best for: short to long hair

Creates: big, loose waves

2 inch

The large and mighty 2-inch curling iron can create the ultimate blowout look or relaxed, loose waves depending on the length of hair. This large barrel size adds volume and slight waves to long, straight hair or loose waves to medium-length hair.

Best for: medium to long straight hair

Creates: relaxed, loose waves

The relationship between curling iron barrel size and hair length

The right curling iron size for you will vary depending on your hair length. People with shorter hair should opt for smaller barrel sizes to create the ultimate curl or wave. Stick to curling iron sizes under 1 inch to style your hair length. If you have medium to long hair, larger barrel sizes over 1 ½ inches are more suited for your hair length. 1-inch curling irons are the neutral ground when it comes to sizes — people with short, medium, or long hair can all use this curling iron size.

The relationship between curling iron barrel size and hairstyle

Different sizes of curling irons will result in various hairstyles.

For example:

• 2-inch curling irons create loose, beachy waves.
• ⅜-inch curling irons will create tight curls.

The larger the curling iron barrel, the looser the waves will be:

• If you’re looking to achieve tight, ringlet curls, stick to a barrel size between ⅜ and ½ inch.
• Create bouncy, voluminous curls with a 1 ¼ or 1 ½ barrel size.

Hair tip: The exact curl or wave you achieve will vary depending on your hair type and the temperature you set your styling tool.

Is a curling iron vs. wand better?

While curling irons and curling wands look similar in shape, they create different hairstyles and use different techniques. Curling irons are designed with a clamp you use to create the curl or wave. Curling wands are designed without a clamp, but still have the same barrel sizes. 

So is a curling iron vs. wand better? The answer comes down to the look you’re hoping to achieve.

• Curling irons create smoother curls due to the clamp, which keeps each strand of hair in place.

Wands give a more relaxed, lived-in result.

FAQ: Curling iron sizes

Deciding between the different curling iron sizes can be tricky. Here are a few answers to common curling iron questions.

What is the standard size of a curling iron? 

The 1-inch curling iron is the universal and standard size for styling tools. This is the most versatile curling iron size because it works on all hair lengths to create defined waves or full curls.

Should I use a 1- or 1-¼-inch curling iron?

One-inch curling irons create defined waves or full curls, whereas 1 ¼-inch curling irons create loose curls or defined waves. The size of curling iron you choose depends on personal preference, hair length, and desired type of curl.

Is a ¾- or 1-inch curling iron better? 

¾-inch curling irons are better for tight curls, but if you’re looking for defined waves or full curls, then the 1-inch barrel size is for you.

Final thoughts

There are many different curling iron sizes to choose from to create any look, from tight curls to loose waves. While a 1-inch curling iron is the standard size, barrel sizes range from ⅜ inch to 2 inches. Create big, volumizing curls with a 1 ¼ or 1 ½-inch curling iron or opt for ringlets with a ½-inch barrel. Regardless if you choose a curling iron vs. wand, make sure you are using a heat protectant to keep your hair healthy. 
You can curl your hair at home, but for even better results, we recommend visiting a hairstylist near you for the ultimate look.