Using a Curling Wand Instead of a Curling Iron Makes a Big Difference (2024)

Most of us don't wake up with perfect beach waves or curled hair, which is where curling wands and curling irons come into play. But it can be a bit confusing to figure out the difference between these similar-looking hairstyling tools — and how to decide between the two, depending on your hairstyle goals.

"Choosing to use a curling iron versus a styling wand depends on the desired style or overall finished look," says Anna Kimble, director of product education and events at Drybar. "A curling iron creates classic, bouncy curls, while a styling [wand] can create a variety of wave styles." That's because, she says, "curling irons form a spiral pattern in the hair, while a styling wand creates more of an 'S' pattern."

Here's everything you need to know about curling wands and curling irons, including when to use them, pros and cons of each, and, of course, how to curl long hair as well as short and medium lengths with either.

What's the difference between a curling wand and a curling iron?

A curling iron has a clamp to hold hair flat against the tool, creating curls that are typically polished, precise and long-lasting. "Clipping the hair before curling provides needed tension to create tighter and defined spiral curls," explains Sabina Wizemann, a senior chemist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. Curling irons tend to be more versatile since they also "can be used as wands [by wrapping hair] over the clip to produce loose curls and waves rather than curls," she notes. Plus, if the iron has a clip that extends the full length of the barrel, the curling iron can also be used to straighten hair.

• Curling irons are best for: Anyone looking for defined, uniform curls on all hair lengths, types and textures.
• Pros: Resulting curls tend to be longer-lasting than wand curls, plus curling irons are more versatile since they can be used as wands and/or straightening irons.
• Cons: Curling iron results can often look pageant-y perfect, and hair's extended close exposure on the hot tool subjects it to damage more quickly.

A curling wand on the other hand lacks a clamp, so hair is instead manually wrapped and twisted around the hot barrel then held in place with fingers. These wands or rods usually produce looser, flat curls and beach waves since the hair is curled with less tension than a traditional curling iron, says Wizemann.

With a curling wand, you can start styling hair mid-strand instead of pressing the entire hair shaft into the same shape, as you do with a curling iron clamp. That means hair styled with a wand retains more of its natural texture, especially the ends, which gives that effortlessly beach-y look instead of one that's super coiffed. Plus, there's no risk of dents from styling, since there's no clamp. This also makes wands great for fine-tuning naturally curly styles, since you can curl small or partial sections of hair.

• Curling wands are best for: Anyone with medium-length hair or longer looking for beach-y waves, or naturally curly-haired folks who want to touch up curls.
• Pros: Perfect for messy, undone waves for many hair textures. Plus, since hair isn't clipped to a hot barrel, wands are less likely to damage hair, says Wizemann.
• Cons: Wands are one-trick ponies, and are challenging to master on short hair since they require the use of both hands. There's also a higher burn risk.

How to use a curling iron

These tips will guarantee perfect curls every time, according to GH Beauty Lab experts and pro stylists:

1. "Section hair into clean, two-inch sections and begin styling at the front," says Kimble.
2. Grab a piece of hair that's no wider than the width of your tool. Near the roots, clamp the curling iron down with the clamp pointed downward and facing you in the mirror.
3. "Pull [the iron] through to the end of the section to create tension and roll upward, holding the iron horizontally and wrapping the hair evenly around the barrel," says Kimble. Twist the barrel away from your face, pulsing the clamp lightly to make the process easier.
4. Hold for 10 seconds, "then holding the iron vertically, gently open and close the clamp and pull downward to release the section," says Kimble.
5. Release and let curl cool to set, then repeat on the remaining sections.

Pro tip: Choose the right barrel size for your desired style," says Kimble. For a tighter wave/curl, use a smaller barrel (1-inch or smaller). For a looser wave/curl, grab a larger barrel (1.25-inch or larger).

How to use a curling wand

Using a curling wand can be intimidating at first (hi, burn risk!), but these pro tips make it simple:

1. "Section hair into clean, 2-inch sections and begin styling at the front," says Kimble.
2. Hold the tool vertically and "point the tip of the wand downward. Starting at the root, wrap the hair around the barrel, leaving about one inch at the end of the hair section free to hold on to with your fingers," says Kimble.
3. "Hold in place for several seconds and release hair by pulling the tool upward," says Kimble. "For hair that does not hold curl well, allow the curl to set and cool off in the palm of your hand before releasing."

Pro tip: "Practice curling with the hot tool turned off," says Kimble. "This helps get the technique down before heat styling."

Tips for using curling irons and wands based on hair type

• Fine hair: The most important thing is to protect your hair. "Use a curling iron or wand with a digital temperature control to allow for customized styling," suggests Kimble. Our Beauty Lab pros suggest setting the temperature between 180ºF to 370ºF, and Kimble says to hold hair on the barrel for 3-5 seconds, max.
• Thick hair: First and foremost, says Kimble, "be sure that hair is 100% dry prior to curling to help prevent curls from falling." Then, "work in small, manageable sections and hold the section for a few seconds longer to ensure hair is heated thoroughly and evenly." Our Beauty Lab pros say you can power the tool up to 400ºF to 420ºF on this hair type.
• Short hair: To avoid an overdone style, Kimble suggests using "a smaller barrel size and work from mid-shaft to ends." Otherwise, "starting the curl at the ends can cause hair to be too curled and appear shorter." She adds that you can achieve a single wave look (perfect for this length) by wrapping hair around the barrel of a styling wand just once.
• Long hair: If your hair is lengthy, you'll want to make the process as fast as possible. To do so, "curl your hair in a while it is in a high ponytail," says Kimble. "Release the ponytail and touch up the curls where needed." Another pro tip: "Hold the barrel of the iron vertically. This helps create longer-lasting, bouncy curls!"