# How to use a curling wand

Source: https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-curling-wand
Published: 2026-10-11
Publisher: Plate and Curl

**In short:** Put on the heat glove, take a section about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide, and hold the wand pointing down with the cool tip at the bottom. Wrap the hair around the barrel away from your face, keeping the ends in your gloved fingers, hold for a few seconds, then slide the wand out and let the curl drop. Let curls cool before brushing through. Smaller barrels need shorter wraps and give tighter curls.

A curling wand has no clamp, so you wrap the hair yourself. That can feel awkward the first time, but the technique is simple and quickly becomes faster than tongs. The barrel size sets the curl, and the way you wrap sets the style. This guide explains how to set up, how to wrap safely with the heat glove, roughly how long to hold, and how to finish. Holding times and heat settings vary by wand, so follow your manual.

## Before you start

Hair should be clean, fully dry and detangled. Apply a heat protection product as directed. Plug in and let the wand heat; fixed temperature wands such as ghd's reach 185 °C (365 °F), while adjustable wands let you choose. On fine or lightened hair, start at a lower setting if yours allows it.

Put the heat resistant glove on the hand that will hold the hair ends. Most premium wands include one. Section your hair with clips, leaving the bottom layer free to start.

- Curling wand and its heat glove
- Heat protection product
- Sectioning clips
- Optional pin clips and flexible hairspray

## Step by step: curling with a wand

Wrapping away from the face opens the face and is the most flattering default. For a more natural, lived in look, alternate the direction section by section.

1. Take a section about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide. Smaller sections give tighter, longer lasting curls.
2. Hold the wand vertically, cool tip pointing down, near the root but clear of the scalp.
3. Wrap the section around the barrel, working down towards the tip. Turn away from your face on both sides.
4. Hold the hair ends against the cool tip with your gloved fingers, or leave the last few centimetres out for an undone finish.
5. Hold for a few seconds, then gently slide the wand down and out of the curl.
6. Catch the curl in your palm and let it drop, or pin it in a coil to cool for extra hold.
7. Work around the head, layer by layer, finishing at the front.
8. When all curls are cool, rake through with your fingers or a wide tooth comb and set with a light spray.

## Holding times by barrel size

There is no single correct holding time, because it depends on your hair, the temperature and the wand. As a starting point, fine hair needs only a few seconds and thick hair a little longer. Smaller barrels heat a wrapped section faster than large ones. Start short and add a second or two only if curls drop. Holding longer than necessary does not help the curl and adds heat.

Barrel size decides the curl shape. Our [barrel size guide](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/what-size-curling-wand) explains each size, and you can convert inches to mm with our [barrel size converter](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/tools/barrel-and-plate-size-converter).

| Barrel | Curl | Suggested hold to start |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 13 to 19 mm (0.5 to 0.75 in) | Tight, defined ringlets | A few seconds |
| 25 mm (1 in) | Classic curls | A few seconds |
| 32 mm (1.25 in) | Loose curls | A few seconds, a little longer on thick hair |
| 38 mm (1.5 in) | Soft waves and volume | A little longer on thick hair |
| Tapered, e.g. 28 to 23 mm | Natural, varied curls | As for the wider end |

Barrel sizes and typical results

## Using a wand without a clamp: tips for beginners

If you find the wrap hard, tongs with a clamp can be easier; our [wand vs tongs](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/curling-wand-vs-curling-tongs) comparison explains the difference. To choose a premium wand by barrel size and heat, see the [best curling wands](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-curling-wands).

- Practise with the wand switched off to learn the wrap.
- Keep the wand vertical for spirals and angled for softer waves.
- Wrap flat ribbons of hair, not twisted ropes, for smoother curls.
- Use a mirror and work in the same direction on each side first.
- If curls fall out, use smaller sections or let each one cool pinned.

[See the best curling wands](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-curling-wands)

## Heat safety with a wand

With no clamp, your fingers are close to the barrel, so always wear the glove. Keep the barrel away from your forehead, ears and neck, use the cool tip for holding and stand the wand on its stand or a heat mat between sections. Unplug after use and let it cool before storing.

Note: Curling barrels burn skin quickly. Keep wands away from children, never leave them switched on unattended and follow the safety section of your manual.

## Frequently asked questions

**Which way should I wrap a curling wand?** Away from your face is the classic choice. Alternate directions for a more natural, beachy result.

**How long should I hold hair on a curling wand?** Usually just a few seconds. Start short and only add time if curls drop. Fine hair needs less time than thick hair.

**Do I have to use the glove?** Yes. Without a clamp, your fingers are close to the hot barrel, and the glove protects them.

**Why do my wand curls fall out?** Sections may be too big, hair may not be fully dry, or curls are being brushed while warm. Let them cool first.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-curling-wands
- https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-straighteners-for-curling
- https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-hair-straighteners

## Sources

- [ghd UK](https://www.ghdhair.com/uk)