# What size curling wand should I get?

Source: https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/what-size-curling-wand
Published: 2026-10-11
Publisher: Plate and Curl

**In short:** For most people a 25 mm (1 inch) barrel is the safest all-round choice, giving classic curls on shoulder-length to long hair. Pick 13 to 19 mm for tight, defined curls or short hair, 32 mm for looser curls, and 38 mm for soft waves on long hair. Longer, heavier hair drops curls faster, so you may want to go a size smaller.

Barrel size is the single biggest factor in the curl you get from a wand or tong. A narrow barrel makes small, springy curls. A wide barrel makes loose curls and waves. Hair length matters too, because the hair has to wrap around the barrel enough times to form a curl. This guide explains the common barrel sizes in millimetres and inches, what each produces, and how to pick one for your hair. It also covers tapered wands and why the same barrel can give different results on different hair.

## Barrel sizes at a glance

Converting a US listing? Our [barrel and plate size converter](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/tools/barrel-and-plate-size-converter) turns inches into millimetres and snaps to the nearest common size.

| Barrel | Inches | Curl it gives | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 13 mm | 1/2 in | Tight, ringlet-style | Short hair, defined curls |
| 19 mm | 3/4 in | Defined, springy | Short to medium hair |
| 25 mm | 1 in | Classic curls | Most lengths; the all-rounder |
| 32 mm | 1 1/4 in | Loose curls | Medium to long hair |
| 38 mm | 1 1/2 in | Soft waves, volume | Long hair |

Common barrel sizes

## Curling wand 32 mm, 25 mm or 38 mm?

These three are the most searched sizes. A **25 mm** barrel is the best first wand for most people: tight enough to hold on most hair, loose enough to look natural once brushed out. A **32 mm** barrel gives the bouncy, loose curls many people want from a salon blow-dry. ghd's Curve soft curl tong uses a 32 mm barrel for this reason. A **38 mm** barrel gives soft waves and volume rather than true curls, and works best on hair well past the shoulders.

If you are unsure between two sizes, choose the smaller one. Curls relax over the day, and brushing out a tighter curl gives you a looser look, but you cannot make a loose curl tighter.

## Matching barrel size to hair length

Hair needs to wrap around the barrel at least once or twice to form a curl. On short hair a large barrel cannot get enough wraps, so you get a bend rather than a curl.

Hair weight matters too. Long, thick hair pulls curls down, so it often needs a slightly smaller barrel than you might expect to hold the shape.

- **Chin-length or shorter:** 13 to 19 mm
- **Shoulder-length:** 19 to 25 mm
- **Below the shoulders:** 25 to 32 mm
- **Long, past the shoulder blades:** 32 to 38 mm for waves, or 25 mm for defined curls

## Tapered wands and thin wands

A tapered wand is wider at the base and narrower at the tip, so one tool can make a range of curl sizes: looser at the root and tighter at the ends. They are popular for natural, undone curls.

Thin wands go the other way. ghd's Curve classic wave wand, for example, lists a 14 mm barrel for tight, defined curls, and a longer barrel so it can handle longer hair. Very thin barrels take longer to work through a full head, as each section must be small.

## Wand or tong?

The barrel size advice is the same for both. The difference is how you hold the hair. A tong has a clamp that grips the ends, which suits beginners. A wand has no clamp, so you wrap the hair by hand and wear a heat glove; it gives a more natural finish with no clamp crease. See [curling wand vs curling tongs](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/curling-wand-vs-curling-tongs) and [how to use a curling wand](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-curling-wand).

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

## Getting the most from any barrel size

Section size changes the result as much as the barrel. Smaller sections make tighter, longer-lasting curls; larger sections make looser waves. Let each curl cool in your hand or pinned before you touch it, as curls set as they cool. Most premium wands hold around 185 °C, so you do not need long contact: a few seconds per section is usually enough.

If you would rather use one tool for straight and curled styles, our [best straighteners for curling](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-straighteners-for-curling) guide covers stylers with rounded edges.

## Frequently asked questions

**What size curling wand is best for beginners?** A 25 mm (1 inch) barrel is the easiest place to start. It suits most hair lengths and gives curls that look natural.

**What size curling wand for beach waves?** Use 32 to 38 mm on medium to long hair, and leave the ends out of the barrel for a more relaxed look.

**Are 38 mm curling tongs too big?** Not for long hair, where they give soft waves and volume. On short hair they produce a bend rather than a curl.

**What size barrel gives tight curls?** 13 to 19 mm barrels give tight, defined curls, and work well on short hair.

## Buying guides on this topic

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

## Sources

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