How to Use Each for Perfect Curls and Waves with Curling Irons vs. Curling Wands

Because most people don’t have perfectly coiffed hair or beach-ready waves when they wake up, curling wands and curling irons are useful. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between these two hairstyling tools that have a similar appearance and how to choose between them depending on your hairstyle objectives. The final look or desired style will determine whether to use a curling iron or a Curling wand. While a styling wand can produce a wide range of wave designs, a curling iron produces traditional, bouncy curls. A styling wand produces more of a “S” pattern in the hair than do curling irons.

What distinguishes a curling wand from a curling iron?

The hair is held flat against the curling iron by a clamp, which produces curls that are usually polished, precise, and long-lasting. Before curling, clipping the hair adds the necessary tension for tighter, more defined spiral curls. Curling irons are typically more adaptable because they also can be used as wands by wrapping hair around the clip to create waves and loose curls instead of curls.

Contrarily, a curling wand lacks a clamp, requiring the hair to be manually wrapped and twisted around the hot barrel before being secured with fingers. Since the hair is curled with less tension than with a conventional curling iron, these wands or rods typically produce looser, flat curls and beach waves. Instead of forcing the entire hair shaft into the same shape as you do with a curling iron clamp; you can begin styling hair mid-strand with a curling wand.

Curling iron

This means that hair styled with a wand keeps more of its natural texture, especially at the ends, giving it a carefree beachy appearance as opposed to one that is perfectly coiffed. Additionally, since there is no clamp, there is no chance of dents from styling.

Utilizing a curling wand

Although using a curling wand initially seems intimidating hey, burn risk! These expert tips make it simple.

  • Start styling your hair at the front in neat, 2-inch sections.
  • Point the wand tip downward while holding the tool vertically. Wrap the hair around the barrel starting at the root, leaving about an inch at the end of the hair section free for your fingers to hold onto.
  • After a few seconds of holding, release the hair by pulling the tool upward. When styling hair that struggles to hold a curl, wait until the curl has had time to cool and set in your hand’s palm before releasing it.