Curling Iron Sizes and Results - What Size Curling Iron to Choose for Long, Medium & Short Hair

Do you want to curl your hair at home but don’t know what size curling iron to choose? Curling irons come in multiple sizes for creating various wavy and curly hairstyles. This article will introduce all common curling iron sizes and results with a chart in both inches and mm, also explain each size of curling tongs and recommend the best one for all hair lengths.

Curling Iron Sizes and Results - Curling Iron Size Chart in MM and Inches

The curls or waves are made by wrapping strands of your hair around the curling iron barrel, so the larger the barrel size, the bigger or looser your curls will be. The curling iron size refers to the diameter of the barrel. If you want to find the best hair curler size in a short time, please check out our quick curling iron chart that includes sizes, hairstyle results, and ideal hair length.

Curling Iron Sizes Guide

Each curling iron barrel size has a different result, which is a distinct hair curl pattern.

2-Inch (51mm) Curling Iron

The 2-inch curling iron is the biggest one you can find and is perfect if you want very loose, soft waves or just a little bend at the ends of your hair. It’s like when you see someone with big, bouncy hair that looks natural and full of volume. This size works best for people with long hair because the longer your hair, the more noticeable the waves become. If your hair is short, this big iron won’t make tight curls, just some gentle volume and a bend.

1 ¾-Inch (44mm) Curling Iron

A 1 ¾-inch curling iron is not a common size; it is a little smaller than the 2-inch, but still makes nice, big waves. It creates a more visible wave than the 2-inch, especially on longer hair, giving a romantic, loose wavy look. Similarly, for short hair, it will only add a soft bend rather than real curls. It’s great for those who want big, natural-looking waves without tight ringlets.

1 ½-Inch (38mm) Curling Iron

This size is excellent if you want big, pretty curls that add volume and texture. The 1 ½-inch curling iron makes your hair look thick and lively with soft, beachy waves. It is perfect for hair that’s shoulder-length or longer. If you want your hair to look healthy and full of body with gently curled strands, this size is a fantastic choice.

1 ¼-Inch (32mm) Curling Iron

The 1 ¼-inch iron is just right, not too big and not too small. It creates soft, natural waves or curls that look very relaxed and effortless. This size is great for medium to long hair and is popular among hairstylists for creating simple, everyday waves that feel casual but stylish.

1-Inch (25mm) Curling Iron

The 1-inch curling iron is the most popular and versatile size. It works well for all hair lengths, from short to long, and all hair types. On short hair, it makes loose waves, while on medium or long hair, it creates those cool, messy beach waves with nice texture. It’s like the all-rounder curling iron that can do many different styles.

¾-Inch (19mm) Curling Iron

A ¾-inch curling iron is perfect for creating deep, defined waves or curls that look very glamorous, think classic Hollywood starlets with shiny, polished hair. This size works well on shoulder-length hair and can handle both thin and thick hair. It’s a great choice when you want your curls to look tight and elegant.

5/8-Inch (16mm) Curling Iron

The 5/8-inch curling iron is a smaller size that gives you natural-looking curls with lots of bounce. It’s great for chin-length hair to make soft beach waves, but if your hair is longer, it can create tighter, spiral curls that look like you were born with naturally curly hair. This size helps add texture and volume, especially if your hair is medium to long.

½-Inch (13mm) Curling Iron

The ½-inch curling iron is excellent for making tight, spiral ringlet curls. If your hair is short, around chin length, it can create beachy waves, but on longer hair, it makes very tight curls that look dramatic and fun. This size also works well for enhancing natural curls, helping them look smooth and defined without frizz.

3/8-Inch (10mm) Curling Iron

The 3/8-inch is the smallest curling iron size and is perfect for making very tight, corkscrew curls. This tiny iron is great for short hair like pixie cuts, giving them a sassy little curl. For longer hair, it creates those fun, teeny-tiny curls that look like ringlets or spirals. It takes more time to style long hair with this size, but the result is super curly and full of personality.

What Size Curling Iron to Choose for Short, Medium-Length, and Long Hair?

The best size barrel for curling all hair lengths:

Best Curling Iron Size for Short Hair

For short hair, smaller curling irons are the way to go. Barrels under 1 inch, such as 3/8-inch or 3/4-inch irons, work best for short hair because they make tight, defined curls or waves that show up clearly on shorter strands. These sizes are easier to handle with short hair since wrapping your hair evenly around a tiny barrel is simple and helps your curls stay smooth and textured.

Best Curling Iron Size for Medium-Length Hair

For medium-length hair, hair that reaches your shoulders or just below, a slightly bigger curling iron is perfect. Sizes between 1 inch and 1 ½ inches are great because they create beautiful, loose curls or soft waves that look natural and full of movement. This barrel size gives your hair a nice balance: not too tight, not too loose. You can style your hair with different curl patterns by changing how much hair you wrap around the barrel or how long you hold it.

Best Curling Iron Size for Long Hair

For long hair, larger curling irons over 1 ½ inches, like 1 ¾-inch, or even 2-inch barrels, are the best choice. These bigger barrels create large, soft waves and voluminous curls that show off your hair’s length and thickness beautifully. The bigger the barrel, the looser and more relaxed your curls will be. People with very long, thick hair often find it easier to use these larger sizes because they can wrap more hair around the barrel at once.

Curling Iron vs Curling Wand

When it comes to styling your hair with heat, you might hear about curling irons and curling wands. Both tools help you create beautiful curls and waves, but they work a little differently and are better for different looks and hair types.

Curling irons have a clamp, a little clip that holds your hair in place on the heated barrel while you curl. This clamp helps keep your hair secure and safe from slipping or burning your fingers. Because curling irons have a uniform barrel size, they make curls that are all the same size and shape. If you want neat, spiral curls or elegant ringlets, a curling iron is a great choice. Plus, many curling irons let you adjust the heat, which is important if you have fine or thick hair, so you can protect your strands while still getting long-lasting curls.

On the other hand, curling wands don’t have a clamp. Instead, you wrap your hair around the smooth barrel by hand. This means you have more freedom to create different curl styles — from loose, natural waves to tighter curls. Curling wands are often easier for beginners because you just hold the hair on the barrel without fiddling with a clamp. However, they can feel like more work because you need to hold the wand and your hair at the same time, sometimes with both hands, which can make your arms tired. Wands are especially great if you want a more casual, beachy look with lots of texture. They also help you start curls higher up near your roots more easily than irons.

Deciding which tool to use depends on your hair type, length, and the style you want. If you have thick hair, a curling iron might be better since it holds hair firmly and you won’t get dents from the clamp easily. If your hair is fine or soft, a wand can be gentler and help your curls last longer without the clamp’s marks. Also, if your hair is shorter, smaller barrel sizes work best, and for longer hair, bigger barrels are easier to use.