25mm vs 32mm Curling Wand (2021): Which Size Is Better For Your Hair?

Different curling wand sizes result in different curls or waves. Different hair lengths will benefit from different wand sizes, too. Two of the most popular curling wand sizes today are the 25mm (1-inch barrel) and 32mm (1.2-inch barrel). Which size is right for your hair and the kind of curls you want to achieve? We compare the difference between the two below to help you decide which barrel size to get. We also added a list of the best curling wands for each size to make choosing the best one easier for you.

25mm vs 32mm Curling Wand Comparison Chart

Difference

The slimmer 25mm can create tighter curls while the 32mm curling wand can achieve loose beach waves

The above screenshot from a L’Ange sponsored video shows the clear difference when using their Lustre 25mm and 32mm barrel curling wands. Since the 25mm is slimmer, it’s easier to achieve tighter curls, which is great if you want a more polished look for your curls. They also tend to hold longer.

On the other hand, the 32mm barrel curling wands are perfect if you want more subtle beach wa. If you have longer hair, the 32mm barrel is also better for you since its wider diameter can have more hair coverage in one go.

Between the two, the 25mm is more versatile as it can achieve more defined curls and can also help you get looser waves if you comb through the hair after curling. With the 32mm, you’ll only get more natural-looking loose curls. However, if you want to achieve tighter ringlets, neither will work as those can only be achieved if you use a curling wand with a much slimmer barrel.

Curling Wand vs Curling Iron

Curling wands don’t have the clamp you’ll see on curling irons

Curling wands and curling irons can confuse many because they pretty much do the same thing: curl your hair. Both have different barrel sizes and materials, but their major difference is in their design. If you notice in the photo above, the ghd Creative Curl wand doesn’t have the clamp mechanism which is found on the ghd Classic curling iron. Since curling wands don’t have a clamp, you won’t get the clip mark on your hair, unlike when using a curling iron. Most curling wands heat up faster as well.

In terms of hair style, the curling iron can achieve more defined curls than the curling wand. If you want more loose waves and curls, the curling wand suits you better. On the other hand, if you want a more fabulous, evening time look, the curling iron’s more defined curls will work better.

Best 25mm Curling Wands

L’Ange Hair Lustré Curling Wand with titanium barrel and NuMe Magic 25mm curling wands are among the best in their class

Both the L’Ange Lustré and the NuMe Magic Wand boast a titanium barrel that ensures heat is distributed evenly when curling your hair. Titanium helps tame the frizz so you can get smooth, shiny curls or waves. Both curling wands feature far-infrared heat technology that helps protect your hair and an automatic shut-off feature in case you forget to turn them off after using. In addition, the NuMe Magic Wand offers negative ion therapy that helps smooth frizz.

Meanwhile, the L’Ange Hair Lustré curling wand lets you control its heat settings from 170 F to 450 F. Its Cool-Tip (the black tip at the end of the barrel) lets you touch the other end of the barrel safely without needing protective gloves.

Best Budget 25mm Curling Wands

The Conair and the Bed Head Curlipops curling wands are both under $50

The Conair Double Ceramic curling wand doesn’t look like it’s under $20 at all, thanks to its 25mm (1-inch) rose gold ceramic barrel and white handle that give it a premium look. It also comes with 30 heat settings, helps control frizz, and is designed to protect hair from heat damage. Similar to the L’Ange Lustre, the Conair Double Ceramic curling wand also has a cool tip so you won’t need to wear gloves when curling your hair.

Another popular and budget-friendly 25mm curling wand is the Bed Head Curlipops ceramic curling wand. Its tourmaline-infused ceramic barrel helps reduce frizz and create shiny waves and curls that can hold for days. It also gets hot enough (up to 400F) that the curls it creates can last long. Since the Bed Head Curlipops can get really hot, you may want to use the protective gloves that come with the curling wand when styling your hair.

Best 32mm Curling Wands

The Dyson Airwrap Styler and L’Ange Hair Lustré Curling Wand are hard to beat in terms of heat protection and styling features

The Dyson Airwrap Styler is not your run-of-the-mill curling wand. Technically speaking, it isn’t even a curling wand. The Airwrap dries and styles your hair simultaneously. With this, not only do you save time, but you also save your hair from excessive heat damage that typically happens with blow-drying and styling. The Airwrap comes with two Airwrap barrels, including a 32mm one. You’ll also get different attachments designed to achieve different styles, such as smooth straight hair or more subtle, softer waves.

One of Dyson’s biggest competitors in the hairstyling field, L’Ange is another trusted hair styling tool brand. The L’Ange Hair Lustré Curling Wand is another excellent option if you’re looking for a 32mm curling wand without the premium price tag of a Dyson Airwrap Styler. Its far-infrared heat technology and negative ion technology help minimize hair damage and tame frizz for that shiny, smooth curls. Its Cool-Tip also ensures you won’t burn your hand while styling your hair, even without the use of a glove.

Best 32mm Curling Wands Under $50

Conair’s and L’Ange’s 32mm curling wands are a steal at under $50

If you’re looking for 32mm curling wands from trusted brands, Conair and L’ange both carry reliable tools. The Infinitipro by Conair is a 1.25-inch (32mm) curling wand has a titanium barrel that helps distribute heat evenly. It heats up in seconds and features 20 heat settings, so you can adjust the temperature according to your hair type.

Another option that won’t break the bank is the L’Ange Hair 32mm Ondulé curling wand. Its titanium barrel evenly heats up to avoid damaging specific spots of your hair. It can get as hot as 410° F and since it’s thicker than the 25mm L’Ange curling wand, it’s easier and more efficient to use if you have long hair.

Summary

If you’re new to curling your hair and want a more versatile hair styling tool, get the 25mm curling wand. But if you have long hair or prefer looser beach waves, then the 32mm better suits you

You can’t go wrong with a 25mm curling wand as it’s good for short, medium, or long hair. Since it can achieve tighter, more defined curls, you can try to comb your hair if you want a more relaxed look. If you have long hair, however, the wider barrel of a 32mm curling wand will make it easier and faster to curl your hair.

L’Ange and Conair carry 25mm and 32mm curling wands that won’t break the bank. If cost is no object, the Dyson Airwrap styler, ghd curling wand, and L’Ange Lustre are solid options for 32mm curling wands.

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