How To Curl Hair With a Wand: Step-By-Step Guide and Tips!

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Tired of plain hair day after day? Luckily, perfecting the curling wand technique is simple once you know the basics! 

Woman curling her hair with a curling wand

With a basic curling wand, you can achieve glamorous curls and waves at home. We all want styles that look like they could grace magazine covers. 

In this guide, we’ll teach you the easiest way to curl hair with a wand and share our best tricks for making curls hold up all day. 

Different Types of Curling Wands

There are various kinds of curling wands. In this section, we’ll delve into the details so you can choose which one is for you.

Types According to Shape

Curling wands come in various shapes, each designed to create specific types of curls. 

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of curling wands based on their shape, along with a description of each and the type of curls they produce:

TypeDescriptionCurls It Makes
StraightUniform barrel diameterUniform curls; loose, beachy, soft waves
ConicalTapered barrel that narrows towards the endLarge curls near the base; tight ringlets towards the tip
BubbleWith spherical bubbles along the length of the barrel; great for beginners as the bubbles guide hair placementTousled, natural-looking waves
SpiralBarrel with raised ridges along its length that guide the hair into perfect spiralsTight, defined spiral curls

Types According to Size

Curling wands also vary in size, some are perfect for curling short hair with a wand, while some are made for super long tresses.

Below is a guide detailing the types of curling wands according to size, their diameters, the kind of curls they produce, and the recommended hair length for each:

TypeDiameterCurls It MakesRecommended Hair Length
Slim/SmallAround 13 to 19 millimetersCorkscrew curlsShort
MediumAround 25 millimetersSofter, less tight curlsMedium
LargeAround 32 millimetersBigger, looser curlsLong
Modern clipless curling iron and brown hair lock on pink background

Things You Need Before Curling Your Hair With a Wand

Preparing all the products and tools you need when you curl your hair with a wand is crucial.

Keeping them within your reach allows for a smooth curling process, so make sure you have the following items:

  • Detangling brush. The soft, flexible bristles of a detangling brush can separate hair strands without disrupting curls. Used before and after curling, it removes knots and frizz while preserving beautiful curls.

    For an even smoother and tangle-free experience, consider using the Wet Brush Original Detangler.
  • Curling wand. Consider your hair length and desired curl type to determine which wand best suits your style. After all, there are different ways to curl hair with a wand. 

How To Curl Hair With a Wand: Step-By-Step Guide

Once you have all the tools ready, it’s time to get into business with your hair. 

We listed all the steps on how to curl your hair with a wand by yourself:

1. Apply Heat Protectant. 

Before drying, spray a heat protectant evenly throughout your hair to protect it from the heat of the wand. 

Young Female Applying Hair Spray While Standing Near Mirror In Bathroom

2. Dry Your Hair.

Fully dry your hair with a hair dryer in a cool or warm heat setting. This step ensures your hair is dry before curling.

3. Section Your Hair. 

When styling hair with a curling wand, work in sections. Clip up the hair you aren’t currently curling.

Quick Tip

For curling thick hair with a wand, 1-inch sections are recommended. Meanwhile, fine hair can be sectioned up to two inches. 

4. Adjust the Temperature. 

Set the wand to the appropriate temperature for your hair type, usually between 300 to 350°F.

Note

Of all the hair types, three of the most difficult to curl would be the 1a, 1b, and 1c.

Hair types 1a and 1b tend to be extremely fine so they might need to be curled at 200°F. Meanwhile, 1c can be quite resistant to curling due to its straight structure, so you might need the wand’s highest heat settings.

5. Wrap the Hair Around the Barrel. 

Grab a section of hair and wrap it around the barrel of the heated curling wand, going from root to tip. 

Woman holding clipless curling hair iron on yellow background

6. Hold in Place.

Hold the wrapped section on the barrel for 10 to 20 seconds to allow it to heat up and set the curl.

A close up image of a woman using a curling iron to curl her hair.

7. Release the Curl.

Slowly slide the wrapped section off the barrel and allow the curl to form on its own.  

8. Repeat on All Sections. 

Continue curling each section of hair, working around your head from front to back.

portrait of woman getting hair done by hair dresser isolated on white

9. Cool Your Hair Down. 

After completely curling your hair with a wand, you have to wait around two minutes for it to cool down to allow the coils to set in place.

After all, prematurely combing right through your strands will straighten your hair and undo all your efforts to curl it.

10. Brush Your Hair. 

Once cooled, brush curls gently section by section from ends to roots with a detangling brush for a neat, curled style.

11. Finish Your Style.

Once all hair is curled, separate the curls with your fingers and spray with a flexible hold hairspray.

If you want a tutorial on how to curl hair with a curling wand, watch the video below:

Tips for Curling Hair With a Wand

Apart from the step-by-step process on how to do curls with a wand, there are also a few bonus tips you may want to keep in mind:

  • You may brush while your hair is still hot. If you have tightly curled your hair and want it looser, you can gently run your brush through the strands until you get the desired waves, no need to wait for it to cool.
  • Use a texturizing spray to add volume. Creating curly hair with the wand may not be enough effort to add volume to your tresses, especially if you have thin hair. 

    If such is the case, use a texturizing hair spray after curling. Lift a section of your hair and spritz it from root to tip. 

    This product will keep your hair in place and make your curly or wavy hair bouncy, voluminous, lifted, and textured.  
  • Keep your wand free of residue. If you want to have the same perfect curls in the future, make sure you thoroughly maintain your wand and keep it free from product buildup. 

Quick Tip

Soak a towel in lemon juice and gently wipe the surface of your curling wand. You may also use alcohol or baking soda mixed with water instead of lemon juice. 

Avoid using steel scrubs as these may damage the outer layer of your wand.   

A woman is using a hair wand to curl her hair in front of a mirror.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Curl Hair Extensions With a Curling Wand?

Whether you can curl extensions with a curling wand depends on the type of extensions. 

Human hair extensions are more heat-tolerant and can typically be curled with a wand, while synthetic hair extensions may be sensitive to heat. Ensure that your synthetic extensions are heat-resistant before using a curling wand.

Always check the care instructions provided with your extensions.

Can I Use a Curling Wand on Bangs?

Yes, you can use a curling wand to style your bangs. It’s a great way to add texture, volume, or shape to your fringe. 

However, it’s recommended to use a curling wand with a smaller barrel size, typically around half to one inch in diameter. Smaller barrels allow for better control and help create tighter, more defined curls or waves on shorter hair.

Styling Hair With a Curling Wand Has Never Been Easier!

The best way to curl hair with a wand is by following all the steps in this article. 

If you do so, your curls last throughout the day. 

Investing in high-quality hair products and using a curling wand that can give you the kind of curls you want with adjustable heat settings is equally important. 

Once you have all the things you need in hair curling and the knowledge to do it properly using a wand, you’ll be able to develop confidence in marvelously transforming your locks.  

Want To Read More About Styling Your Hair?

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Author

  • Stephanie Martin

    Stephanie Martin blends her beauty industry background with expertise in communications to lead in the fashion and beauty world. As a fashion and beauty editor, she is known for engaging and informative articles. Her lifelong passion for fashion, makeup, and hair shines through her work, earning her widespread respect among readers and clients. Stephanie's style, a mix of classic and contemporary, makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the industry, inspiring others with her knowledgeable and approachable insights.

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