How to Pick the Right Curling Iron Size

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When it comes to heat-styling tools, we’re sure you know there’s more to it than grabbing the first flat iron or curling iron you see in the beauty aisle. But with the latter, making your pick is complicated by the fact that knowing what size curling iron you should have in your arsenal can be a bit tricky. The key to stocking your bathroom cabinet with the right curly hair tools is understanding the different curling iron sizes on the market and the specific beauty look they can be used to recreate. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to give you a brief lesson on everything you need to know, so you’ll be able to tell whether you should reach for a ½-inch curling iron or a 2-inch curling iron without batting an eye.

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WHEN TO USE A ½-INCH CURLING IRON

Have you ever dreamed of having natural, tight ringlets? While you may not have been born with them, you can use a ½-inch curling iron to achieve the look you fancy. By curling one-inch sections of hair with this super small barrel curling iron, you’ll be left with a head full of tiny, bouncy spirals that’ll leave people questioning if you've always had such perfectly curly tresses. Be sure to spritz your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray to ensure your ringlets don’t fall throughout the day (or night).

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WHEN TO USE A ¾-INCH CURLING IRON

If ultra-tight curls are your style but the curls from a ½-inch curling iron are a bit too tiny for you, consider adding a ½-inch curling iron to your arsenal instead. You’ll still be left with a head full of small ringlets, but they will be slightly looser than the ½-inch alternative. The result? Beautiful, springy spiral curls, like those pictured here. Keep in mind, since this curling iron is small in size, it’ll take a bit more time to curl your mane in comparison to curling irons with a larger barrel.

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WHEN TO USE A 1-INCH CURLING IRON

Want to achieve a classic curled hairstyle? You can use a 1-inch curling iron to do so. This curling iron size will leave you with defined yet soft curls throughout your mane. It’s the perfect option for those who want their hair noticeably curled, but aren’t quite ready to commit to those small ringlets we mentioned earlier.

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WHEN TO USE A 1.5-INCH CURLING IRON

Prefer a big, loose curl? We have you covered—or a 1.5-inch curling iron does, that is. This curling iron size will leave you with a head full of voluminous, bouncy curls that look like red carpet curls. Since this curling iron is larger in size, it’ll take less time to use than the smaller barrel curling irons we’ve talked about. To take your volume up a notch after breaking out this hair tool, consider misting the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray throughout your mane to build body.

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WHEN TO USE A 2-INCH CURLING IRON

Of course, there may be times where you want to use a curling iron to create the subtlest waved texture throughout your mane. When that’s the case, reach for a 2-inch curling iron. Your strands will be left loose with a slight curve throughout for the perfect, barely-there curl. This type of curl is so loose in style that it pairs well with a volumizing hairspray. You don’t want the little definition you have throughout your mane to fall throughout the day, right? Mist the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Volume over your strands. If you’re looking for a curling iron that’ll add a bit of bounce to your hair without dedicating a lot of time, this is the tool for you.

Next up: Now that you’re a pro at curling iron sizes and the look they can create, let’s talk about how to care for your heat-styling tools. Check out our article on How to Clean Your Hot Tools.