The Comparison Between Curling Iron, Wand, Flat Iron And Hot Rollers

Curling Irons 

What is Curling Iron?

Curling irons are designed to create curls – so you know this tool is up to the task!

Curling irons can be great for beginners as the clamp holds hair easily in place while curling. Curling irons are great at creating even curls that go in a variety of directions, which will give you a more natural look.

One of the best things you can do is purchase a professional tool, this will allow you to adjust the heat setting, which can help minimize damage.

If you have sensitive hair that is prone to breakage, keep the heat settings below 200 degrees.

However, if you have super thick hair you can keep your iron hotter, as it will help your hair retain the curl better.

Curling irons are Best for: 

Anyone looking for defined, uniform curls on all hair lengths, types and textures.

Pros and Cons of Curling irons

Best Curling Iron Recommended

1.The T3 Curl ID curling iron (@$249 + T3 Micro)

The T3 Curl ID is the first professional curling iron that’s truly personalized. This game-changing tool uses advanced technology to simplify your styling experience, eliminate guesswork, and minimize damage.

2.Golden Titanium 1 ¼" Curling Iron (@$47.49 @ Amazon)

For a classic clamp curler, give the 1 ¼ -inch, highest-temp Ion a whirl — it won for forming lasting curls, even on coarse, thick hair.

3.Drybar 3-Day Bender Rotating Curling Iron (@$119.20 + Drybar )

Drybar's The 3-Day Bender Digital Curling Iron is made with a rotating clamp, which its product description says creates curls in half the time of a traditional iron. Additionally, the ionic technology works to reduce frizz and make hair shiny.

How to Use a Curling Iron?

• Section hair into clean, two-inch sections and begin styling at the front

• 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.

• 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.Twist the barrel away from your face, pulsing the clamp lightly to make the process easier.

• Hold for 10 seconds, then holding the iron vertically, gently open and close the clamp and pull downward to release the section.

• Release and let curl cool to set, then repeat on the remaining sections.

How to Find the Right Curling Iron?

• Barrel size: Depending on the texture of the hair and the type of curl you are looking for, then you would determine which size barrel to use.If you want relaxed, beachy waves, reach for a larger barrel (1 ¼-inch and above). The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl will be. If your hair is hard to curl, look for a 1-inch barrel for a curl that is less likely to fall flat through the day.

• Adjustable heat settings:As a rule of thumb, you should use low heat on fine, chemically processed, or fragile hair (180ºF to 370ºF); medium heat on easy-to-curl, healthy hair (375ºF to 395ºF); and high heat on thick, wavy, or natural hair (400ºF to 420ºF).
  

• Material: Titanium barrels are usually lighter than ceramic and can hold high temperatures longer, while ceramic barrels distribute heat more evenly and are less likely to damage hair, so they are more suitable for at-home consumers with different hair textures.
  

• Clamp: For ultimate versatility, look for an extended clip that spans the full length of the barrel. This way, the curling iron can also be used to straighten hair. 

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Curling Wands 

What Is Curling Wand?

Loose and dreamy beach waves might look effortless, but typically require a top notch hot tool — and a fair amount of elbow grease. You can use curling iron to achieve dream-girl waves (some even use a flat iron to curl their hair), but a curling wand is a clip-less hair tool that gives gorgeous, versatile curls and waves without looking overdone. 

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.

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 and Cons of Curling Wands

Best Curling Wands Recommended

1.GHD Thin Wand -  0.5" Curling Wand  (@$199 + ghd US )

ghd's new .5 inch thin wand features a thinner and longer barrel.  This versatile tool is perfect for enhancing naturally curly textures, transforming straight hair or creating waves, for a beautifully defined finish.

2.CHI Airtwist Curling Wand (@$108.98 + CHI)

CHI Twis It Curling Tool is a consumer-friendly tool that lets you curl hair like a pro, with fast and long-lasting results. This easy- to-use tool is ideal for consumers looking to ease the struggle of curling with a flat iron, while giving hair more body, bounce, and long-lasting style!

3.BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium ¾" Curling Wand (@ $74.99 + BaBylissPRO)

The Nano Titanium Barrel evenly distributes high heat up to 430ºF to create long-lasting curls with radiant shine. The slim design is lightweight and easy to handle for maximum comfort.

How to Use a Curling Wand?

A wand is the iron without the clips. Because of this I need to hold the strand of hair with my fingers. Here is a quick guide on how to use the curling wand:

• Hold the handle of the wand with one hand.

• Hold the strand of the hair with the other hand, preferably with gloves to avoid any chances of burning your fingers.

• Wrap the strand of hair from root to tip (in case of wand only) and hold it there for 5 seconds.

• Gently pull out the wand from between the curls.

How to Find the Right Curling Wand?

• Heat settings: You'll want to prioritize adjustable heat options when shopping for a curling wand. This allows you to tailor your heat to varying hair thicknesses not only across users, but on your own head. 

• Material: Stylists tend to prefer wands made of titanium for the material's ability to heat up quickly and evenly, though, that ceramic (and its "high-grade" iteration, tourmaline) are popular among the average consumer to use at home

• Barrel size: The size of your wand's barrel will have the greatest impact on the way your hair looks once you're finished styling. Generally, a smaller barrel results in a tighter curl and a larger barrel results in a larger curl.

• Barrel shape: Some wands have a cylindrical barrel that's the same width from base to tip while others are tapered to a smaller point at one end.  Tapered wands create different a curl that changes in size from top to bottom for a messier, more natural look. Some wands even change in shape along the length of the barrel.

Flat Irons

What is Flat Iron?

Flat irons are traditionally used to straighten hair but you can also use it to create some pretty amazing curls!

They’re a great all-in-one tool if you don’t want to spend a ton of money on hair tools. However, be aware that not all flat irons are perfect for making curls, so you might want to do your research before blowing your cash on one that’s not up to the task (or ask one of our hair stylists to recommend their favourite one).

Using a flat iron to curl your hair is kind of like learning to ride a bike – wobbly and awkward at first, but sexy and fun once you get the hang of it.

It can be tough to get tinier curls with a flat iron as they mostly come in larger sizes than curling irons.

Unlike curling irons, the heat on most flat irons often isn’t adjustable and people with more sensitive hair may find them too hot for curling.

Flat Iron are Best for: 

The type of locks you can expect to achieve include loose waves, classy waves, and curls of various sizes that aren’t as perfect, polished, and clean as the ones with a curler. 

Pros and Cons of Flat Irons

Best Flat Irons Recommended

1.ghd Platinum+ Styler 1-inch Flat Iron (@$279 +ghd US)

This gold ceramic-plated iron only operates on one heat setting of 355 degrees, which is considered optimal for styling by the pros at GHD. It’ll effortlessly straighten your hair without resulting in any frizz or damage.

2.T3 SinglePass X ½" Wide Flat Iron (@$235 + T3 Micro)

With wider plates and 50% more power, the T3 SinglePass X is specifically designed to quickly straighten long, thick or coarse hair. 

3.Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener (@$499 + Dyson )

It boasts unique flexing plates that conform to the shape of your hair to straighten it in less time and with less damage. Another perk? It can be used cordless for up to 32 minutes , making it easier than ever to style your hair wherever you are. 

How to Use a Flat Iron?

• Clamp your hair a little higher than mid-length and twist your wrist away from your face, so that your hair flows over (not under) the iron. Make sure that your hair continues to wrap around the flat iron’s barrel as you pull the iron towards your ends.

• Pull your hair through fast enough and make sure that it stays in the clamp in order to achieve a perfect curl every time.

• The smaller the section you use, the smaller your curls will be and the tighter you pull your hair through the iron, the tighter your curls will be.

• For a sneaky way to create perfect beach waves, braid your hair and then run you braid through your flat iron.

How to Find the Right Flat Iron?

• Plate size and shape:if you're unsure which size hair straightener is best for you, follow Bertin's tip: "Smaller plates are better for short hair, whereas larger plates are better for longer hair.”If you’re looking to use a flat iron for curls and beach waves, we recommended flat irons with rounded backs that allow you to curl your hair onto the back of the straightener without much tug and pull.

• Price:flat irons vary in price based on multiple factors, including plate quality, size and brand recognition. To determine whether you should splurge on a straightener or save your money, we suggested figuring out how many times you’ll be using it on a weekly or monthly basis.

• Digital display:flat irons typically feature different ways to select and maintain your desired temperature - and some methods are easier to read than others.

Hair Rollers

What is Hair Roller?

While people have always managed a way to curl their hair, hair rollers weren’t actually invented until the 1870s. However, today’s hair rollers aren’t like they used to be. With a range of options, including brush, self-gripping and hot rollers, you’ll be able to add body and curl to your hair with ease.

Hair rollers give you flawless curls. They may take time, but hot rollers create more enduring curls for the entire evening. Try using hair spray or a thermal styling gel to make your hair shine and help hold your curls for longer.

Rollers also offer a much longer curl and style than the traditional heated curling iron does. They’re somewhat gentler on hair and work on almost all hair types. Hair rollers can also help you save time—set the curls at night, sleep, and wake up to fresh curls!

Hair Rollers are Best for: 

Hair Rollers can help you achieve an almost effortless curl or wave and are ideal for both tightly curling your hair (think Shirley Temple), loosening already naturally curly hair, or just adding some volume while you sleep. 

Pros and Cons of Hair Rollers

Best Hair Roller Recommended

1.Conair XTreme Instant Heat Rollers (@$41.99 + Amazon)

 Create dynamic and dimensional curls with these multi size hot rollers, featuring dual heat that comes from both the clip and the roller for extra setting power.

2.BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Professional Ionic 30-Roller Hot Rollers  (@$99.99 + BaBylissPRO)

This 30-roller hairsetter includes Nano Titanium™ ceramic rollers in 4 sizes – small to jumbo. Cores generate far-infrared heat to eliminate damaging hot spots and keep hair looking healthy, and the setter’s dual ionic ports emit millions of negative ions, reducing frizz. 

3.T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers (@$139.99 + T3 Micro)

Roll with these (pun intended) hot rollers for the ultimate volumized curls. The ceramic curlers have two heat settings that instantly prepare the rollers to create bouncy, shiny, and soft curls. 

How to Use Hair Rollers？

Each hair roller is different, and each hair type will require unique steps. However, it's a good idea to keep these general tips in mind if you're looking to achieve a bouncy blowout at home:

• Start with a damp base to create even curls. 

• The way your hair dries is the way that it is going to flow. Place the rollers at the crown of the head and roll your hair under the curler, that way, you will get more volume and body. 

• Use a brush and rollers that are on the larger side in order to achieve a bouncy blowout. The smaller they are, the more curl they're going to leave in your hair. The larger they are, the more smoothing they're going to be. 

• Use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to gently heat the rollers back up after every roller has been placed. This will ensure that they are set perfectly. 

How to Find the Right Hair Rollers?

• Size: A good hair curler set is one that not only works well with your hair, but that will also give you the curl or look that you desire. Smaller rollers will give you tighter curls, while larger ones will provide a much flowier and larger curl appearance.

• Features: Foam rollers can be great to sleep in since they offer a little more comfort due to their plush feel. Heated rollers can give you a more voluminous look, although the curls might not stay as long as with traditional rollers.

• Security: Above all—make sure that the roller type you choose will stay in your hair long enough to set the curl you want, whether it be clips or Velcro. If the curler doesn’t stay put, you risk damaging or losing the curl.

Which Is Better? Curling Iron,Wands, Flat Iron or Hot Rollers?

Speed

The wand heats up faster, and gives results much faster than the iron.

Both hair rollers and curling iron take time to curl your hair, but hair rollers do not provide the results you want if you do not give the curls sufficient time to set in. As such, a curling iron is ideal if you are in a rush because hair managed with hair rollers take time to set.

Size

With curling irons, you usually find that the barrel or shaft is uniform in size, much like a tube. This means that the curls that result are also uniform in overall size. 

When it is a curling wand, the curls are going to vary in size because a wand is shaped more like a cone, and this allows for curls of varying sizes.

The length of your hair is an important consideration when picking up a curling tool. Hair rollers and curling irons come in various sizes ranging from ⅜ inch for soft bouncy curls to 2 inches for smooth waves. A hair strand should be able to wrap 1½ times around the barrel for perfect results.

Handiness

A curling iron holds you by the string, literally. You can set hair rollers and enjoy a cup of coffee on the patio. However, with a curling iron you need to maintain your curls while twisting them, constantly watching them in the mirror. 

A wand will create waves because it lacks the clip that presses an area of the hair against the heat. Again, depending upon the design of the wand, it can be a suggestion of waviness or a very tight set of wavy curls created.

However, curling irons are easy to carry whereas hair rollers may need plenty of space in your closet. As such, curling irons are handier if you don’t mind a little effort.

Ease of Use 

The ease of use of an iron when compared to a wand is a bit more subjective than actual. For example, a lot of people might argue that the clasp or clip area of the iron makes it a bit more difficult to use. On the other hand, just as many feel it is easier to control and set up the hair because of the clasp. 

With a curling wand, you are simply wrapping the hair manually around the barrel or shaft and holding it in place until the time needed has passed.

Hot rollers take time for your hair to set, so if time is a factor for you, you’re probably going to want to go with a curling iron.

Final Thoughts

Which tool is best for you?When making a decision, you have to take into account things like how much time you have, potential for damage, safety, ease of use, and cost of the tool and how much you want to spend. 

• If you want quick results in a short span time, and speed, convenience and versatility are important, and you have the money to spend, then invest in a high quality curling iron .

• If you are going for a quick curling session, yet want long-lasting curls, and bother less about shine, then curling wand is the better machine.

• A flat iron is a great multipurpose tool that creates sexy, beachy waves and curls, but takes practice. 
  

• However, if you want to save your hair from heat and you’re concerned about damage from heat, or price is factor, and you mainly want big bouncy curls, go with hot rollers.

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. we 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, 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. And you can power the tool up to 400ºF to 420ºF on this hair type.

Short hair: To avoid an overdone style, 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. 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. Release the ponytail and touch up the curls where needed.

When To Use A Curling Iron?

So if a curling wand is so versatile, why would you be compelled to swap it for a more traditional iron? While they might not be as revered as wands these days, an iron still remains a must-have hair product, according to the pros. For one, Fugate says an iron will deliver more consistent curls throughout your hair since the barrel is all one size (compared to the tapered effect of a wand).

When To Use A Curling Wand?

n addition to its simplicity, a wand delivers a looser type of curl.Sure, a wand might seem pretty self-explanatory when it comes to how to use it, but, it doesn’t hurt to learn some techniques from the experts.

FAQ

1.Do curls with a flat iron last longer?

Flat iron curls vs curling iron curls, which ones last longer? One of the significant pros of using a flat iron over a curling iron is that the curls will stay longer. This happens because the hair is exposed to heat evenly.

2.Can you curl with any flat iron?

Yes, you can curl your hair with any flat iron you have. Generally, it’s best to have a medium-sized iron because the ones with big plates will be too bulky and create loose curls. You should opt for plates between 1 inch and 1.5 inches.

3.Is a curling iron or flat iron better for beach waves?

You can create beach waves with both tools; however, a flat iron is a superior choice if you want messy, effortless waves.

4.Is It Healthy to Iron Hair Daily?

No. It could cause your hair to become dry and brittle. The truth is, using any sort of hot appliance on your hair will tend to weaken the hair and cause some damage. This includes your hair dryer and curling iron as well.

5.Can you use a curling iron to straighten hair?

Unlike straightening irons, curling irons have a single purpose, to create gorgeous curls. Therefore, a curling iron is not the tool you should reach for when you want to straighten your hair.

6.How Often Can I Straighten My Hair?

If your hair is healthy, you can straighten it every 2-4 days. You must ensure you are following safe

straightening techniques and are conditioning your hair well. That said, women use flat irons daily

despite the recommendations, so you will have to test and see what works best for you.

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

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.

8.Do hair rollers damage your hair? 

The short answer is yes. Technically, anything that you put on your hair that stresses the strands damages it. When it comes to curls, the roller will do less damage than a curling iron since there’s less or no heat, but it should still be used as intended. 

Read More:

7 Least Damaging Hair Extensions for Fine, Thin Hair That Look Natural and Real 2024

GHD Hair Straightener vs. Dyson vs. T3 vs. CHI: Which is Best for Frizzy Thick Hair?

Top 7 Curling Irons That Won't Damage Hair in 2024

Top 7 Hair Straighteners for Thick, Frizzy and Curly Hair 2024

GHD Gold vs. Classic vs. Platinum+ Flat Iron: Which One is Right for Your Hair?

Cloud 9 Hair Straightener vs. GHD Platinum vs. Dyson vs. Silver Bullet: Which is Best for Thick, Curly hair?

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