I’ve had my hair at all different lengths. I wore it long growing up, and then tried the famous Alexa Chung hairdo just past my shoulders. Then I thought I was brave enough to go shorter, but ended up looking like a softball coach. It wasn’t the best choice I’ve ever made. Throughout each phase, I’ve struggled to achieve the perfect wave since I’ve been so used to doing it on long hair. And then I realized the problem: I was using the wrong curling iron size. Most of us own one curling iron and mine was always the 1 1/2 inch barrel. This worked perfectly for my long locks, but when I’d try it on my shorter hair, it just wouldn’t curl. So rather than struggling with the wrong tool, follow these guidelines to achieve those perfect waves on any hair length.
For tighter curls like the ones on Charlize Theron, opt for the 3/4″ curling iron. If you want something a bit looser and undone, try the 1″ barrel.
I’ve found that the 1 1/4″ inch curling iron is perfect for messy waves like the ones Alexa Chung is always sporting. Just make sure not to curl the ends so they stay straight like hers above. If you want more sleek curls, try the smaller 1″ barrel.
In my opinion, Lauren Conrad is the holy grail of long wavy hair. If you want something piecey and beachy like the photo above, use the larger 1 1/2″ inch iron, just with smaller sections of hair. For a more glamorous and smooth wave, use the 1 1/2″ inch on larger sections of hair. And if you want curlier locks, opt for a smaller iron like the 1 1/4″ inch.
Here are some of my favorite curling irons:
This is such a great post Amanda! I wish I had the guts to pull off the long bob like Alexa Chung. I lover her short curls.
Julia
This is so great! I sometimes forget how important it is to tailor your tools to your style. Lucky for me, I usually stick with similar lengths, but I did buy a smaller barrel iron when I chopped a decent amount off over summer. Great post!
-Alyssa
The Glossy Life
oooh i’ve always wondered what kind of curling iron i should get, i am seriously clueless when it comes to things like this! perfect though, lauren conrads hair looks amazing! THANK YOU!
xxx
http://eleanorcos.blogspot.com/
great, thank you so much for the tips, I think I have the right curling iron for my hair, I use the Karmin g3 clipless curling iron and it has worked pretty good, makes beautiful long lasting curls and it’s easy to use. :D
I only have a karmin g3 styling iron but it’s 1 inch wide and it curls too, so I think I can curl with it! Thanks for the info btw!
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your site. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d
really like to write some content for your blog in
exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested.
Cheers!