10Best.Guide

Curling Iron 1 1/2 Inch

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Holds curls well
  • Smooth and healthy hair
  • High quality and durable
  • Good temperature control
Cons
  • Hair can get caught in the base
  • Clamp doesn't hold hair tightly enough
Bottom Line
The Ella Bella curling iron is a high-quality and durable product that is easy to use and holds curls well. However, it may not be suitable for fine, straight hair and the clamp may not hold hair tightly enough.
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to use for those with injuries or thinning hair.
  • Good for thick, coarse hair that is hard to curl.
  • Affordable compared to other curling irons.
  • Has a long cord for convenience.
  • Separated power button and heat controls for easy use.
Cons
  • May not hold curls well for those with thin, fine hair.
  • Paint may come off the barrel and cause an odor.
Bottom Line
This curling iron is a good option for those with thick, coarse hair or those who want to create defined, bouncy curls quickly. However, it may not hold curls well for those with thin, fine hair and may be difficult to use for those with little experience. The paint may also come off the barrel and cause an odor.
Pros
  • Temperature control
  • Good for short hair
  • Gets hot quickly
  • Easy to use
  • Great for beach waves
Cons
  • Small tip for holding
  • Temperature adjustment in the wrong spot
Bottom Line
This curling iron is a good option for those who want temperature control and have short hair. However, it may not be the easiest to use due to its small tip and sensitive buttons. The cord is also shorter than expected.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Gives volume to hair
  • Heats up fast
  • Grips hair well
  • Good for face framing layers
Cons
  • Doesn't get hot enough for thick hair
  • Doesn't glide through hair easily
Bottom Line
This curling iron is easy to use and heats up fast, but may not be suitable for thick or frizzy hair. It provides volume and good grip, but may snag hair and not glide through easily. It is a good option for face framing layers and has a rotating base and heatless tip for convenience. However, it may not be durable and soft curls may not hold well.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Creates soft and amazing curls
  • Has adjustable heat settings
  • Comes in a smaller size for tighter curls
  • Holds hair in place without being too hard to release
Cons
  • Cord material feels concerning
  • Handle can get warm even after turned off
Bottom Line
The Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Curling Iron is a good choice for those looking for a curling iron with adjustable heat settings and a smaller size for tighter curls. However, buyers should be aware of potential issues with the cord material, handle, and metal on the handle.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for 1 1/2 Inch Curling Irons: How to Choose the Best One for Your Hair Type

Overview

A 1 1/2 inch curling iron is a versatile tool for creating loose, beachy waves or voluminous curls. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your hair type and styling needs. In this buying guide, we'll break down the different types of 1 1/2 inch curling irons, key considerations to keep in mind when shopping, must-have features, and tips for achieving the best results.

Types

- Ceramic curling irons: These curling irons distribute heat evenly and are gentle on hair. They are great for those with fine or damaged hair.

- Tourmaline curling irons: Tourmaline is a type of gemstone that emits negative ions, which can help reduce frizz and static. These curling irons are ideal for those with thick or coarse hair.

- Titanium curling irons: These curling irons heat up quickly and are great for those with thick, hard-to-curl hair.

- Marcel curling irons: These curling irons have a clamp-free design and require more skill to use. They are great for those who want more control over their curls.

Key Considerations

- Hair type: Consider your hair type when choosing a curling iron. For fine or damaged hair, a ceramic curling iron may be best. For thick or coarse hair, a tourmaline or titanium curling iron may be more effective.

- Barrel size: A 1 1/2 inch barrel is ideal for creating loose waves or big curls. If you want tighter curls, consider a smaller barrel size.

- Heat settings: Look for a curling iron with adjustable heat settings so you can customize the temperature to your hair type.

- Swivel cord: A swivel cord will prevent tangling and make it easier to maneuver the curling iron.

- Auto shut-off: This safety feature will turn off the curling iron after a certain amount of time to prevent overheating.

- Dual voltage: If you travel frequently, look for a curling iron with dual voltage so you can use it internationally.

Features

- Temperature control: Adjustable heat settings allow you to customize the temperature to your hair type.

- Barrel material: Ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium are popular materials for curling iron barrels.

- Cool tip: A cool tip will prevent burns and make it easier to grip the curling iron.

- Auto shut-off: This safety feature will turn off the curling iron after a certain amount of time to prevent overheating.

- Swivel cord: A swivel cord will prevent tangling and make it easier to maneuver the curling iron.

Prices

1 1/2 inch curling irons range in price from around $20 to $150. Higher-end models often have more features and may be made with higher-quality materials.

Tips

- Use a heat protectant spray before curling your hair to prevent damage.

- Section your hair before curling to ensure even curls.

- Hold the curling iron vertically for looser waves and horizontally for tighter curls.

- Don't hold the curling iron on your hair for too long to prevent damage.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a 1 1/2 inch curling iron on short hair?

A: A 1 1/2 inch curling iron may be too large for short hair. Consider a smaller barrel size for shorter hair.

Q: How hot should my curling iron be?

A: The ideal temperature for your curling iron will depend on your hair type. Fine or damaged hair should be curled at a lower temperature, while thick or coarse hair may require a higher temperature.

Q: How do I clean my curling iron?

A: Allow the curling iron to cool completely, then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Do not submerge the curling iron in water.

Q: Can I use a 1 1/2 inch curling iron on wet hair?

A: No, you should never use a curling iron on wet hair. Make sure your hair is completely dry before using a curling iron.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right 1 1/2 inch curling iron can make all the difference in achieving the perfect curls or waves. Consider your hair type, barrel size, and must-have features when shopping for a curling iron. With the right tool and a few tips, you can achieve salon-worthy curls at home.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Heats up quickly
  • Large barrel size for looser curls
  • Can curl big sections of hair at a time
  • Holds curls for days
  • Thick base and goes smaller for versatile curls
Cons
  • Short cord
  • Design flaws, such as the stand and temperature dial
Bottom Line
This is an inexpensive curling iron that heats up quickly and has a large barrel size for versatile curls. However, it has design flaws and can be heavy and hard to maneuver for some users. The short cord and hot tip can also be problematic.
Pros
  • Gives beautiful curls
  • Heats up quickly
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Trusted brand
  • Marcel handle works better than regular curling iron
Cons
  • Learning curve to use
  • Curls don't last all day
Bottom Line
The Hot Tools Pro Curling Iron is a trusted and durable brand that heats up quickly and gives beautiful curls. However, there is a learning curve to use it and some units may have quality control issues.
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Can be used to straighten hair
  • Adjustable heat settings
  • Ceramic and tourmaline materials for hair protection
  • Heats up quickly
Cons
  • Hair can get caught in the screw
  • Clamp and plastic tip can get too hot
Bottom Line
The Conair curling iron is an affordable option with adjustable heat settings and ceramic/tourmaline materials for hair protection. However, it may have some design flaws such as hair getting caught in the screw and the clamp and plastic tip getting too hot.
Pros
  • Creates nice curl shape
  • Good quality
  • Easy to use
  • Great for thin hair
  • Lasts a long time
Cons
  • Takes longer to curl hair
  • Curls fall flat
Bottom Line
The Bed Head Curlipops Curling Wand is a good quality and easy to use product that creates a nice curl shape. It is great for thin hair and lasts a long time. However, it takes longer to curl hair and there is no temperature control. It is perfect for creating loose wavy curl looks and tight voluminous curls.
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Quick heating
  • Long barrel
Cons
  • Inconsistent heating
  • Doesn't get hot enough
Bottom Line
The Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron is an affordable and durable option that heats up quickly and is easy to use. It is best for short hair and creates tight curls without a Teflon coating. However, some users have reported inconsistent heating and the plastic housing can break easily.
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