Barrel Size Guide For Perfect Hair Curls (2025)

Choosing the right curling iron barrel size is crucial to achieving the perfect curls. The size of the curling iron barrel determines the size and shape of the curls. Smaller barrels create tighter curls, while larger barrels create looser waves. The ideal barrel size also depends on your hair type, including its length and texture. For instance, smaller barrels are recommended for shorter hair to add volume and curl, while larger barrels are better for longer hair to prevent curls from ending abruptly.

Barrel size for tight curls

The size of the curling iron barrel you use will determine the type of curls you get. If you want tight curls, you should opt for a smaller barrel. A 3/4-inch (or 19mm) barrel is the standard size recommended for creating tight curls or corkscrew curls. A 3/4-inch barrel is also a good option if your hair is short, as it will give you a decent amount of curl without making your hair look abruptly curly.

If you want even tighter curls, you can go for a super-thin barrel, which is typically around 10-13mm in width. This will give you spiral curls.

To create tight curls, it's recommended that you take small sections of hair (around the same width as the barrel) and wrap them around the barrel for three to five seconds. You should then release the curl and allow it to cool before touching it, as touching the curl while it's still warm can damage its shape.

If you want to create a natural-looking texture, you can try alternating the direction of the curls as you go. For example, you could curl the hair towards your face and then away from your face for the next section.

Barrel size for beach waves

When it comes to curling your hair, the barrel size of your curling iron matters. The larger the barrel, the bigger the wave, and a skinny barrel will give you spiral curls.

For beach waves, a curling iron with a barrel size of 1 inch to 1.5 inches is ideal. This size is perfect for creating a relaxed wave pattern, resulting in a natural yet stylish look. It is suitable for any hair length, from short to medium and long hair.

If you have thin, straight, medium-length hair, a 1-inch barrel will be sufficient to create beach waves. However, make sure you curl at least 1-inch wide sections of hair to achieve waves rather than curls.

For a more defined beach wave, a 1-inch curling iron is a great option. It creates a loose, tousled wave on short hair and works well for beach waves on long hair. If your hair already has a natural wave, this size can help enhance and perfect the look. It is also a good way to add lift to greasy hair.

For those with fine hair who struggle to hold volume, a 1-inch barrel can be used to create the appearance of natural movement. Hold the hair on the iron for a short time and let the curl cool in your palm before releasing it.

A 1.25-inch curling iron is also a good option for creating beach waves, especially if you're going for looser, more relaxed curls, and is ideal for long hair.

For a more textured beach wave look, you can use beach wave hair products to enhance definition and hold, ensuring your style stays perfectly textured all day.

Barrel size for glam waves

When curling your hair, the barrel size you use will depend on the type of curls or waves you want to create.

A 1-inch curling iron is a popular size for creating a classic curl look, often referred to as Hollywood Glam Waves. This size is perfect for shoulder-length to medium-length hair and can also be used to create a tighter curl look for long hair. It can also be used to create loose beachy waves—just remember to pull the curls out to avoid too much bounce.

For a simple yet elegant look, a 1 1/4-inch barrel is ideal for creating Hollywood Glam Waves. This size is perfect for any occasion and can be achieved by curling all your hair in the same direction, away from the face.

If you're going for a glam look, a 2-inch curling iron can help you achieve this. This size is not suitable for short hair unless you just want to add a slight bend to the ends. It is mostly used for long hair and will create body waves, especially when paired with a great hairspray.

For loose curls or glam waves, a 25mm barrel is recommended.

Barrel size for loose curls

When curling your hair, the barrel size you use will depend on the type of curl you want to achieve. The larger the barrel, the looser the curl. So, for loose curls, you'll want to opt for a larger barrel.

A 1-inch curling iron is the standard and most versatile barrel size. It can be used to create loose waves on shorter hair or beachy waves to full curls on medium to longer hair. This size is perfect if you're looking for a natural, lived-in wave.

If you want to create big, volumizing curls, a 1 1/2-inch curling iron is the way to go. This size is best for those with shoulder-length hair or longer. It will add texture while gently curling each strand, creating those coveted beach waves.

For a slight bend and a more subtle, loose texture, a 1 1/2-inch barrel is a good option. This size is best for those with medium to long hair. You can alternate curls throughout your hair and then brush them out to create soft waves.

A 1 1/4-inch curling iron is another option for loose curls and waves. This size is perfect for creating a slight bend on short hair and more natural, lived-in waves on medium to long hair. It's a very versatile size and can be used to add a soft, natural wave to medium to long hair.

Barrel size for a bouncy blowout

A bouncy blowout is a hairstyle that creates volume and body, often imitating the look of a professional blowout. To achieve this style, a two-inch curling iron barrel is recommended to add the perfect amount of volume, bend and movement without creating defined curls.

For those with long hair, a 2 1/8-inch round brush is also a good option for creating a bouncy blowout. This brush size is perfect for adding maximum volume and achieving a sleek, straight look. The larger barrel allows you to lift the hair at the roots and smooth out the lengths, resulting in a full, bouncy appearance.

Additionally, using a round brush hair dryer can help you achieve a bouncy blowout, especially if you have thick hair. It is important to note that your hair should be about 90% dry before using this tool for the best results.

If you prefer to use rollers, Velcro rollers are a great option for creating a bouncy blowout. They are easy to use and can be applied to damp or dry hair. It is recommended to let your hair cool down for 10-15 minutes before removing the rollers.

For those with shorter hair, such as a pixie cut or a bob, a 1 3/8-inch round brush is ideal for creating volume and definition. This brush size gives you more control over your style and helps to create curls at the bottom of your hair.

Ultimately, the right barrel or brush size for a bouncy blowout will depend on your hair length and texture. Experimenting with different sizes and techniques will help you achieve the desired volume and style.

Frequently asked questions