Curling Wand Barrel Size Guide: Beach Waves to Tight Curls

If you have ever bought a curling wand online and your curls came out totally different than the inspo pic, it is usually not your technique. It is the barrel size.

This curling wand barrel size guide breaks down what the most popular sizes actually do (19mm, 25mm, and 32mm), plus which one to buy based on your hair length and the look you want. If you have been searching “what size curling wand should I get,” start here.

QUICK TAKEAWAYS (Save this!)

19mm curling wand: tight, defined curls that last longer
25mm curling wand: classic curls and bounce, the best first wand size for most people
32mm or 1.25 inch curling wand: loose curls and beach waves, best for medium to long hair
Long barrel curling wand: faster styling on long hair because you can wrap more hair at once

CURLING WAND SIZE CHART (19mm vs 25mm vs 32mm)
19mm (about 3/4 inch)

Look: tight curls, ringlets, defined texture
Best for: short hair, fine hair, hair that usually drops curls fast

25mm (about 1 inch)

Look: classic curls, bouncy volume, soft glam
Best for: most hair lengths, everyday curls, a curl that brushes out nicely

32mm (about 1.25 inch)

Look: loose curls, beach waves, blown out waves
Best for: medium to long hair, big waves, soft movement

HOW TO PICK THE BEST CURLING WAND SIZE FOR YOUR LOOK

If you want tight curls and definition (and you want them to last)
Choose 19mm.
This is the move if your hair is fine, your curls fall fast, or your hair is short and you want shape that holds.

Tip for a more modern finish:

Alternate directions as you curl (one section away from your face, the next section toward your face)

If you want classic curls (the easiest “I cannot mess this up” size)
Choose 25mm.
This is the safest first curling wand size because it gives you bounce and volume without looking too tight. It also brushes out into that soft, blended “expensive hair” look.

If you want beach waves and loose curls (soft glam, effortless, pretty)
Choose 32mm (1.25 inch).
This size is the easiest way to get loose curls and waves that look current, especially on medium to long hair.

Wave hack:

Leave the last 1 to 2 inches out
Curl the mid lengths a little more than the ends
Let everything cool completely before brushing it out

HOW TO CHOOSE A CURLING WAND SIZE BY HAIR LENGTH

Best curling wand size for short hair (bob to shoulder length)

19mm if you want definition and longer lasting curls
25mm if you want softer, classic curls

Best curling wand size for medium hair

25mm for everyday curls
32mm for looser waves

Best curling wand size for long hair

32mm for loose curls and beach waves
Consider a long barrel wand so you can wrap more hair at once and style faster

LONG BARREL VS REGULAR BARREL (DOES IT MATTER?)
Yes, especially if your hair is longer than your shoulders.

A long barrel curling wand helps because:

You can wrap more hair without stacking it on itself
Your curl pattern comes out smoother and more consistent
Styling is faster because you take fewer sections

If you have long hair and curling always takes forever, a long barrel is one of the best upgrades you can make.

ONE WAND OR AN INTERCHANGEABLE CURLING WAND SET?
If you wear one signature look all the time, one wand is perfect.

If you like switching it up (tight curls one day, beach waves the next), an interchangeable curling wand set makes more sense. You get more styles without buying multiple tools.

HOW TO MAKE CURLS LAST LONGER
If your curls fall out fast, it is usually prep and cooling time.

Try this routine:

Start on fully dry hair
Use heat protectant
Take smaller sections than you think you need
Hold each section on the barrel for about 5 to 10 seconds
Let curls cool completely before brushing or combing
Finish with a light hold hairspray for soft, touchable hold

BEGINNER CURLING WAND TIPS (SO IT LOOKS EFFORTLESS)

If you are new to curling wands, start with 25mm or 32mm, they are more forgiving
For modern waves, leave the ends out
Do not crank heat to the max if you do not need to
Brush out curls for a soft, blended finish

KARMA HAIR BEAUTY PICKS (BY GOAL)
For loose curls and beach waves on medium to long hair:

Tropical Twist 1.25" Long Barrel Curling Wand

For switching curl sizes (tight to loose and everything in between):

Glam Curl 7 in 1 Titanium Hair Curling Wand

For quick, beginner friendly curls that feel effortless:

Cutie Curl, Infrared Automatic Curler

For travel days and touch ups:

Style n' Fly Travel Kit

Ready to upgrade your hair tool lineup?
Shop the Curling Tools collection and pick the barrel size that matches your vibe.

FAQ

What size curling wand is best for beach waves?
A 32mm (1.25 inch) curling wand is best for beach waves, especially on medium to long hair.

What size curling wand is best for short hair?
For short hair, 19mm gives more definition and hold, and 25mm gives softer classic curls.

What size curling wand should I buy first?
If you want a do it all option, choose 25mm. If you mainly want loose waves, choose 32mm (1.25 inch).

Is a long barrel curling wand better for long hair?
Yes. A long barrel curling wand is better for long hair because it styles faster and helps curls look smoother and more even.

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