If you like full, beautiful curls and you’re finding your curling iron to be a bit of a challenge, you might consider a curling wand. The wand is a little easier to manage if you’re still developing your curling skills. And, the results you get will be just as satisfying.

 

So, what’s the real difference between a curling iron and a curling wand? It’s pretty simple, actually. A curling iron has a clamp, and a curling wand does not. A curling iron creates a more structured curl, while the curling wand makes more natural-looking waves. Some curling wands have a tapered barrel that produces a curl that’s loose at the top and more curly toward the end. Other curling wands have a straight barrel, just like a curling iron, allowing you to create a more uniform curl from top to bottom. Also, some curling iron clamps can leave dents, kinks and creases in your hair, especially if your curling technique still needs a little work. With a curling wand, that’s nothing to worry about.

But which one should I use, you ask? Well, remember that a clamp iron is better for creating more structured, classic curls and is also great for shorter hair. The clamp holds the hair on the barrel and helps keeps shorter hair sections in place. If your hair is fine and very straight, the gentle grip of the clamp can be useful to help control hair that tends to slip off the barrel.

 

If you have longer hair, prefer a looser curl, or like to leave your ends out and uncurled for a more natural, undone look, then a curling wand is a good choice. And, if you’re the kind of person who likes to try different styles for different occasions, then having both a curling iron and a curling wand in your styling arsenal is not a bad idea.

How Do I Wield My Wand?

Ok, so you’ve decided you want to use a curling wand. Now what? It might take a little getting used to, because you will hold and use a curling wand a little differently than the traditional iron. When you use a curling wand, you hold it with the tip of the wand pointing down, with the cord pointing upward. Starting near the roots, wrap your hair around the barrel near the handle and work down to the ends. With a curling iron, you wind hair sections from the ends up to the roots, rotating the curling iron as you work your way up the hair section.

 

With a curling wand, you start by winding the hair around the barrel starting near the roots and working down to the ends. Because there is no clamp, you won’t run the risk of getting any kinks in your hair, but will achieve smooth, silky curls and waves.

 

Choose a tapered (conical shaped) or straight barrel depending on the look and type of curl you want. With a tapered barrel, you can create several different-sized curls with just one tool, depending on where on the barrel you wrap your hair sections.

 

Size Matters

Curling wands also come in different sizes to create different-sized curls. Conair offers wands with straight barrels in multiple sizes and those that taper from 1" to ½" or from 1¼" to ¾".

 

Use a 1" straight barrel for classic curls or beachy waves with more texture. It can also transform your shoulder-length hair from a lob to a curly bob. It’s a versatile, all-purpose barrel size in both curling irons and curling wands.

 

The 1¼" barrel size is perfect for longer hair, looser curls and waves or glamorous, Hollywood styles.

 

Scale down to ¾" for tighter curls, which also look great in an updo! You can use it to create a more uniform look on natural curls as well. 

 

Other styles to try ­– wind your hair sections about ¾ of the way down the barrel and leave a few inches straight at the root, for a natural undone look, or start wrapping hair farther down from the roots for a contemporary look with curls that start at ear level.

 

A few good guidelines to keep in mind for tapered or conical wand use! For loose, free-flowing curls, wrap a larger section of hair on the larger end of the barrel; and for tighter, bouncier curls, roll a smaller section of hair around the smaller end. To keep curls tighter and defined, just unfurl and let them cool. For even looser curls, run your fingers through and shake them out! And don’t try to curl too much hair at once. The heat won’t be even and your curls will fall flat! And who wants flat curls? Another variation is the twisted curl. To create them, you simply twist the hair section in your fingers as you wind it around the barrel. The result is a curl that flips and turns creatively in different directions.

 

Finish Up!

But size isn’t everything. What kind of barrel finish should you pick?  The array of choices can be dizzying, but Conair has a manageable selection of specialty finishes to tackle any type of curl challenge.

 

A silicone barrel has antistatic properties for smooth, flowing curls. A flocked barrel adds shine while holding hair taut. Tourmaline ceramic provides a polished, frizz-free look and lessens damage to hair. You’ll also discover the rainbow titanium, rose gold titanium and double ceramic finishes. To learn more about the variety of choices you have in curling wands, visit the curling wand collection at Conair.com.

 

Don’t Get Burned

First-time users of curling wands might be a little nervous about burning themselves. Not to worry, Conair has you covered with a heat-protective glove that can be worn on either hand. If you’re a novice, start slowly and always keep the wand a safe distance away from your scalp and hairline. Once you become accustomed to using a wand, you’ll be up to speed in no time at all.

So, for curls that are smooth and flowing, a clamp-free curling wand from Conair provides endless styling options.