Tired of struggling with your curls? Finding the right size curling iron for thick hair can be a game-changer. Say goodbye to frizz and hello to perfect curls.
In this guide, we’ll unravel the secret to achieving stunning, long-lasting curls for your thick locks.
What Size Curling Iron For Thick Hair?
For thick hair, opt for a curling iron with a larger barrel, around 1 1/4 inches or even 2 inches in diameter. These sizes can handle thicker strands more effectively, producing voluminous curls and reducing the risk of frizz and heat-related damage.
Curling iron barrel size chart for thick hair:
| Hair Type | Recommended Curling Iron Barrel Size | Curl Type | Styling Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin/Fine | 0.75 – 1 inch | Loose Curls | Use a lower heat setting and wrap larger sections of hair around the barrel for soft, natural-looking curls. |
| Medium | 1 – 1.25 inches | Defined Curls | Opt for medium-sized sections of hair and hold the curling iron longer for well-defined curls. |
| Thick/Coarse | 1.5 – 2 inches | Voluminous Curls | Take smaller sections of hair and use higher heat settings for longer-lasting, voluminous curls. |
Choosing the Right Size Curling Wand for Thicker Hair
Here are the different barrel sizes to consider and their unique benefits:
1. 1.5-Inch Curling Wand: Voluminous Curls
A 1.5-inch curling wand is ideal for creating big, voluminous curls in thick hair.
The larger barrel size allows for more hair to wrap around the wand, resulting in fuller curls that make a statement.
To achieve beautiful curls with a 1.5-inch wand, section your hair and wrap each section around the barrel, holding it for a few seconds before releasing.
This size is perfect for adding glamour and bounce to your hairstyle.
2. 1-Inch Curling Wand: Versatile Waves
A 1-inch curling wand offers versatility when styling thick hair. It is suitable for both shorter and longer hair lengths.
For tighter, defined curls, take smaller sections of hair and wrap them tightly around the wand, holding for a few seconds before releasing.
To create looser waves, use larger sections of hair and wrap them more loosely around the barrel.
The 1-inch wand is perfect for achieving beachy waves, adding texture, and creating a variety of curl styles.
3. ¾-Inch Curling Wand: Tighter Curls
If you desire tighter and smaller curls, a ¾-inch curling wand is your best bet.
This smaller barrel size allows for more precise styling, resulting in tighter and more defined curls.
Take small sections of hair and wrap them tightly around the wand, holding for a few seconds before releasing.
The ¾-inch wand is excellent for creating a more formal or retro-inspired look with well-defined curls.
4. 1.25-Inch Curling Wand: Soft and Natural Waves
For a softer and more natural wave appearance in thick hair, opt for a 1.25-inch curling wand.
This barrel size strikes a balance between tighter and looser curls, resulting in effortless waves.
Take medium-sized sections of hair and wrap them around the wand, holding for a few seconds before releasing.
The 1.25-inch wand is perfect for achieving those coveted “just-got-out-of-bed” waves or adding subtle texture to your hairstyle.
>> What size curling iron for loose curls?
How To Use A Curling Wand On Thick Hair?
The following are the most common uses of curling wands for thick hair:
Apply on dry hair
It’s the safest decision to apply a curling wand to dry, thick hair. However, you must make sure the hair is prepped properly.
Don’t dare to apply a curling wand to wet hair. Doing so will heat the hair directly and end up frying the hair literally. So dry the hair completely before making it curl.
It is also a good idea to add a layer in between the hair cuticles. This will protect the hair from the damaging heat of the curling wand.
Thicker hair generally needs a high temperature. If you don’t protect the hair, the hair can get damaged easily.
In this case, you can apply a heat-protectant serum. Along with protecting the hair, you should also wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.
>> What size curling wand for medium length hair?
Separate Hair Into Sections.
Curling thick hair is slightly more overwhelming than thinner. So working on one smaller section is the best way to deal with the thick hair.
So set the hair apart into a couple of sections to better define the curls. Use duckbill clips to secure the top section of the hair.
>> What curling iron size for short length hair?
Work one section at a time
Take one section of the hair and try to work from the back of the hair to the front, leaving the top section for last.
Doing so will prevent the other section from interfering with the working one that you have already made curl.
Start by holding the wand with one hand and wrapping it with the other one.
Place the curling wand around two inches from the base of the hair section. Then wrap the hair down the barrel through the end of the hair.
You can be creative and experiment with wrapping the hair around the curling barrel. A general rule is that the thicker the barrel, the looser the curl will be.
If you wish for tight ringlets, use a thinner barrel. On the other hand, a tapered barrel will give you a different texture.
>> What size curling wand for beachy waves?
Start creating curling
For your thick hair, set the heat setting at its maximum level to get it to curl quickly. This will ensure minimal contact with the hair and get the job done.
While wrapping, release the hair slowly that you are holding in your hand. This will let the wanted slide out automatically.
Repeat the same technique for the rest of the section.
Show off those curls!
After creating waves on all the sections, apply some spray so the curl can stay in place. To do this perfectly, comb through the hair with your fingers, but don’t overdo it.
>> What size curling wand for thick hair?
Benefits of Using the Correct Curling Iron Size for Thick Hair
1. Enhanced Curl Definition:
Using the correct curling iron size for thick hair ensures that your curls are well-defined and long-lasting.
The appropriately sized barrel allows for optimal heat distribution and ensures that each strand of hair receives enough heat to create a beautiful curl.
2. Reduced Styling Time:
With the right curling iron size, styling thick hair becomes more efficient.
The larger barrel size enables you to work with larger sections of hair, covering more ground with each curl.
This reduces the overall styling time, allowing you to achieve your desired look more quickly.
3. Voluminous Curls and Waves:
Thick hair has a natural tendency to hold volume, and using the correct curling iron size can enhance this effect.
A larger barrel size creates bouncy and voluminous curls, adding depth and body to your hair.
You can achieve stunning waves that appear full and luxurious, giving your hair a glamorous and voluminous look.
4. Versatility in Styling:
Choosing the right curling iron size for thick hair offers versatility in styling options.
A larger barrel size can create loose waves, while a smaller barrel size can produce tighter curls.
By having a collection of curling irons with different sizes, you can experiment with various looks, from casual to formal, and easily switch up your hairstyle for different occasions.
5. Longer-Lasting Curls:
Thick hair tends to be heavier and can cause curls to drop more quickly.
However, using the correct curling iron size helps combat this issue.
The right size allows for better curl retention, ensuring that your curls last longer throughout the day or night.
This means you can enjoy beautiful curls for extended periods without having to constantly touch up or re-style your hair.
6. Minimized Heat Damage:
Using a curling iron with the appropriate barrel size for thick hair reduces the risk of heat damage.
The right size allows you to apply heat evenly to each section of hair, reducing the need to repeatedly expose your hair to excessive heat.
This helps maintain the health and integrity of your hair, minimizing the potential for dryness, breakage, or split ends.
7. Seamless Blending with Natural Hair Texture:
When you select the correct curling iron size for your thick hair, the curls blend seamlessly with your natural hair texture.
This creates a cohesive and polished look, making it appear as if the curls naturally belong in your hair.
It allows you to enhance your natural beauty and embrace the unique characteristics of your thick hair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Curling Iron Size for Thick Hair
1. Neglecting Hair Length:
One common mistake is not considering the length of your hair when choosing a curling iron size for thick hair.
Longer hair typically requires larger barrel sizes to create well-defined curls, while shorter hair may benefit from smaller barrels for tighter curls.
2. Choosing an Inappropriate Barrel Size:
Selecting the wrong barrel size can result in unsatisfactory results.
Using a barrel that is too small for thick hair might make it challenging to wrap the hair around, leading to uneven or loose curls.
On the other hand, using a barrel that is too large may not provide enough heat to effectively curl thick hair.
3. Ignoring Hair Texture:
Another mistake is overlooking your hair’s texture.
If you have coarse or stubbornly straight hair, a larger barrel size may be required to achieve long-lasting curls.
Fine or thin hair, on the other hand, may benefit from smaller barrels that create more defined and voluminous curls.
4. Overlooking Heat Settings:
Not paying attention to the heat settings on your curling iron can have negative consequences.
Thick hair typically requires higher heat settings to ensure that the curls hold their shape.
Failure to adjust the heat appropriately may result in curls that quickly fall flat.
5. Rushing the Process:
One mistake to avoid is rushing through the curling process.
Taking your time to section the hair, wrap it evenly around the barrel, and hold it for the recommended time will yield better results. Rushing may lead to uneven or unattractive curls.
6. Neglecting Heat Protection:
Failing to use heat protection products can be detrimental to the health of your hair.
Applying a heat protectant spray or serum before using a curling iron helps minimize damage and keeps your hair looking healthy and shiny.
7. Forgetting to Clean the Curling Iron:
Regularly cleaning your curling iron is important to maintain its performance and prevent product buildup.
Use a damp cloth or a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol to wipe away any residue from styling products.
FAQs on What Size Curling Iron For Thick Hair
Is A Curling Wand Safe For Thick Hair?
Not all curling wands are safe to apply to thick hair. You should use a hair curler that can reach its maximum heat setting.
Can I use the same curling wand for both loose and tight curls on thick hair?
Yes, you can use the same curling wand to create different types of curls on thick hair.
Should I use a higher heat setting for thick hair?
Yes, start around 375-400°F to ensure the heat fully penetrates and sets the curl on thick density hair.
Is a tapered or cone-shaped barrel better?
A tapered iron allows both tight and loose curl looks. But uniform barrels work fine for basic curl sets.
How wide should sections of hair be for curling?
Part thick hair into 1-2 inch wide segments before wrapping on the iron to enable even heat distribution.
Should I use a clamp or clamp-free curling iron?
A clamp provides grip which is helpful to wind longer thick hair around the barrel and hold it in place.
How do I boost curl longevity on thick hair?
Use thermal protectant sprays and finish with a firm hold hairspray after curling. Avoid touching curls until cooled.
Final words
Styling thick hair is quite challenging as it is unruly and difficult to manage.
Using the wrong tool can bring extra difficulty to the hair and even can end up causing damage.
Now you know what size curling is best for thick hair to avoid any kind of difficulty and only enjoy the desired curl and waves for a long.
Apart from picking the right size, getting the perfect curl on thick hair also depends on picking the best curling wand for thick hair as well.
