It’s time to tackle the growing dilemma of curling iron vs. curling wand. When the curling wand came out, my guess is many of you (like me) were quite confused. I had finally mastered my curling iron and then this new tool comes along. What is this thing? Is it really that different from a curling iron? What should I be using each of them for? Do I even need to use both? If you’re on the same page as me, then let’s walk through today’s breakdown of curling iron vs. curling wand.
Which is which?
First, let’s decipher which tool is which. A curling iron has a clasp and is used to create polished ringlets (tight or loose). A curling wand has no clasp and is used to create natural waves.
What are they used for?
The curling wand creates polished ringlets – hair that spirals downward (think Shirley Temple). You can create everything from tight curls to voluminous waves to piece-y waves. While the tool does create ringlets, you can break them up using your fingers to look more like waves.
The curling wand creates natural waves. Think of a wavy line – it curves back and forth, but stays flat. The tool is meant to create natural looking waves (like beachy waves) to mimic a more natural hair texture.
How do I use them?
You hold a curling iron differently than a curling wand. With a curling iron, the cord should be down, and with a curling wand, the cord should be up.
See the difference
The waves the curling iron created are a bit more polished and bouncy, while the curling wand created more relaxed, natural waves. I like having both in my tool box so I can use the iron when I want my hair to look more polished, like for an event or for work. The wand is my favorite for weekends or casual hangouts.
So, what do you think? Which do you prefer or would you use both?
Laura Says
G
reat advice and loving the curls. Just thought you might want to know it “cord” not “chord”. ;)
Take care!
Amanda Says
Post authorOoo thanks, Laura!
OKONGEORG Says
Thank you for your this great article, i will recommend it to my friends.
Laura Says
Oops my G from the word great got separated!
Lindsay Ava Says
I use a curling iron and love it as I don’t have to hold my hair with my other hand (so it comes down to laziness for me!) I think they both look pretty much the same and I would use both :)
Dacia Says
I actually use my curling iron like a wand – I don’t use the clamp and I hold it with the cord up. It works pretty well!
Diane Says
I love this post. It took me the longest time to figure out how to hold each and you made it so simple by indicating where the cord goes on each. Genius. FYI – You say “wand” in both paragraphs under What are they used for?
jenna Says
Or you could save your money and use your curling iron as a wand simply by not clamping the hair.
Brittany Says
I have tried both and I have not gotten the technique down with the wand… I usually burn my finger and I hate wearing the gloves they give. I use a flatiron daily to curl but it makes smaller curls/waves and I’d like to try for larger waves instead. I may need to just keep practicing!
Kerry Says
I feel like I’ve mastered the curling iron but my curls don’t hold up. What is your advice/product for making them last?
Amanda Says
Post authorGreat question! I recommend using a texturing spray first. Dirty/textured hair is better to curl than silky smooth hair. I love Oribe Texturing Spray. Then definitely finish with a hairspray. Tresemme makes a strong hold one that still leaves your hair feeling natural.
Maria Says
I love this type of posts, it helps so much because I never knew the difference. The timing of this post is also great because I was thinking on getting a curling thingy but didn’t know if I should go for iron or for wand. Thank you
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Curling Wand Lover Says
Great article!!!!! Gonna reccomend this article to many of my friends..
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Kaely Says
My curling iron clamp broke off so I guess I have a wand now. Thanks for the advice and information!
Tamara Says
Karmin is my favorite :D
Miranda Says
Curling wands are really great..Everytime i use this provides me an uneven happiness…I just love using my conair curling wand.
anja suistola Says
Personally I prefer curling wand . most of my friends have it and they recommended it . I bought a good curling wand 2 months ago now I feel good . We don’t have to give out tons of money to salons to give us fabulous curls because now WE CAN. We have our little wands to make us have tiny little bouncy curls or to give us big fancy beachy waves but always make us feel confident, make us love our hair.
Sophia Thomas Says
I think I like curling wand better because it looks naturally on my already wavy hair.
Lucy Says
I agree, I too would choose the curling wand, but only by a whisker.
Christy Says
I personally think the curling wand Karmin is the best ;)
Elchim Says
Great compared article. Personally, I like curling iron. But have not used the curling wand in the past. reading your post, I will give it a try.
Flavia Laos Says
I prefer Karmin.
Pamela Says
I really like my Karmin .
Drawyne Says
Well, I prefer the curling wand, for me is more easy to handle and I specially I have the one from amazon, is easy and fast.
Betinna Says
Karmin is my preference.
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Lisa A Ross Says
Nobody ever told me this!! Finally, an explanation lol.
Fatemah Says
Thanks for an informative and well researched article
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