hair styling · women
How to Use a Curling Wand: Beachy Waves toBouncy Curls
How to use a curling wand without burning your fingers, which barrel size to choose, and how to get beachy waves or bouncy curls that last.
Hairover Team
To use a curling wand, hold the wand pointing down, wrap a 1-inch section of hair around the barrel away from your face, hold it for a few seconds, then slide the wand out and let the curl cool. Leave the last inch of the ends out for a modern, beachy look. Wear the heat glove, use a heat protectant, and don’t touch the curls until they’re cool.
Choosing a barrel size
| Barrel | Result | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 in (19 mm) | Tight, defined curls | Short hair, ringlets |
| 1 in (25 mm) | Classic curls | Most lengths |
| 1.25 in (32 mm) | Loose curls | Medium to long hair |
| 1.5 in (38 mm) | Soft waves, volume | Long hair |
| Tapered | Mix of tight and loose | Natural, varied curls |
Step by step
- Start with dry hair and apply heat protectant.
- Section. Clip up the top half.
- Hold the wand vertically, pointing down.
- Wrap a 1-inch section around the barrel, away from your face, starting near the root.
- Leave the ends out for beachy waves, or wrap them in for full curls.
- Hold for a few seconds. Fine hair needs less time than thick hair.
- Slide the wand out and let the curl drop into your hand or hang.
- Let it cool completely.
- Alternate directions at the back for natural texture.
- Break up the curls with your fingers, not a brush, and finish with hairspray.
Beachy waves vs. bouncy curls
- Beachy waves: bigger sections, leave out an inch of the ends, shake out with sea salt spray.
- Bouncy curls: smaller sections, wrap the ends too, pin each curl up to cool.
Making curls last
- Use a light mousse or setting spray before curling.
- Pin each curl while it cools for maximum hold.
- Use smaller sections on straight, slippery hair.
- Avoid heavy oils, which weigh curls down.
Keep the heat down
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests limiting curling irons and using low or medium heat with a heat protectant. If you curl daily, try heatless curls on some days.
Related guides
See which cut suits waves
Layers make curls look fuller and bouncier. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.
FAQ
What is the difference between a curling wand and a curling iron?
A curling iron has a clamp that holds the ends. A wand has no clamp, so you wrap the hair around it by hand. Wands give a more relaxed, beachy curl.
What size curling wand should I get?
1 inch (25 mm) is the most versatile. Smaller barrels give tighter curls; 1.25 to 1.5 inches (32 to 38 mm) give loose waves on longer hair.
How do I stop burning my fingers with a wand?
Wear the heat glove that comes with most wands, and hold only the very ends of the hair, away from the barrel.
Why do my wand curls fall out?
Try smaller sections, hold each one for a few seconds longer, let curls cool fully before touching them, and use a light hold spray before and after.
