4.20.2015

This or That: Curling Iron Vs. Curling Wand--Which is Better?

Hey you! How was your weekend? Mine was a rainy one, mostly spent inside, minus a date with myself to Target. More on that at the end of the post. But first--today's post is inspired by two of my most popular posts: How to Use a Curling Wand and FAQ Guide to Curling/Clipless Wands. And it is inspired by a question my friend Ashley had that I get asked often: which is better? Curling iron or curling wand? Which one do I need? After owning and using many of these, I'm here to give you my opinions on which could be best for you!



Curling Iron

Pros:

  • You can do multiple hairstyles with a curling iron, like curls of different types and waves.
  • Curling irons come in different barrel sizes.
Cons:
  • I have found that most drugstore curling irons just don't get hot enough to produce a curl that lasts.
  • The clips on curling irons can cause bumps/marks in hair if not used properly.
  • Not as user friendly (they aren't difficult to use) as a curling wand. 
Additional Info:
  • Yes, you can remove the clip to make your own curling wand. Just be sure the curling iron is a newer one and/or that it will get hot enough. As mentioned above, most drugstore curling irons just don't have the heat to hold curl.
  • My fave brands: Hot Tools, GHD (pictured above), Babyliss, T3

Curling Wand

Pros:
  • They hold waves better than most curling irons since the technology is newer and they get hotter.
  • If you only want waves or a spiral curl, a curling wand is best for you.
  • The wands are sometimes longer, although there is a new long curling iron from Hot Tools.
  • Drugstore wands are inexpensive and work well, but most of these are tapered (I don't prefer tapered, so possible con).
Cons:
  • Generally, 2 barrel sizes (1in and 1 1/2 in are standard). You would have to buy a set with interchangeable wands to get different sizes.
  • Your styling options are limited since there is no clip.
  • Easier to burn yourself if you don't use a protective glove
Additional Info:

  • They come in several wand types: straight, tapered, inverted, bumpy, etc. See this post to see each type of wave they produce.
  • My fave brands: Conair, Remington, Hot Tools, NuMe, HerStyler
This or That:  Despite the pros/cons list, it comes down to personal needs and preference here. I feel a curling iron gives you more bang for your buck, but a curling wand is more affordable and easy to use. You can't go wrong with either!

Extra Elle:



50 comments:

  1. I don't know what my deal is but curling wands don't hold my curls for some reason. When I use an iron my curls last longer through the day. Maybe I'm just not good at using my wand?
    Also I call target the $100 store because that always happens when I go in there too somehow! It's like little invisible target fairies put things in our cart and we just buy them because why not.

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  2. Curling irons don't work well with my hair. Usually the curl falls out almost before leaving the house. I swear I always spend way too much at Target, it's a curse!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  3. I've been meaning to try the wand just coz it looks so easy to use. I might give it a go someday. Cool comparison, Elle:)

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  4. I have short hair so I typically use my flat iron to add curls. My daughter has a wand and you have inspired me to try it out! Susan

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  5. I have a wand but have not yet mastered how to use it properly! I'll have to check out your tutorial next! It's not hard to over spend at Target! There is always something extra that makes it into the cart!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  6. I am the worst at curling irons! I need a ton of practice. The wand scares me because I'm sure to burn myself! Hope you were able to snag some Lilly at target!

    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

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  7. Every time I pass by a curling wand I consider buying one, then remember I don't know how to use them. Will have to re-look at the tutorial. I need to go on a spending freeze this week too. I'm going crazy this spring!

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  8. I really want to try new ways to style my hair and have been curious about the curling wand. I worry that my hair is too short. I have the cheapo drug store curling iron and that's probably why it doesn't exactly curly my hair, but gives it a straighter look. When I tried a Hot Tools curling iron, I got those annoying crimps in my hair. I think I just need more talent.

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  9. I love my wand because I can't deal with the clamp lol!!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  10. Funny I just read a post on this last night on I forget which website but yours is way better! I'm pro wand all the way!!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  11. I typically use my curling iron as I haven't quite gotten the hang of my wand yet. What are you up to in True Detective? I just started bingewatching that as well and I'm through episode 4 - soooo good!

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  12. I had to watch a lot of you tube videos for the wand, but really like it! Just need to figure out if I can make it work with my hair now since I chopped it all off!

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  13. This is such a helpful post! I've always been a curling iron girl, but maybe I'll pick up a wand to give it a try. As my hair continues to get longer, a wand sounds like it might be faster for curling!

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  14. I am terrified to use the wand after burning myself really badly a few years ago. I'm not great with hair. I can do my own hair, but that's because I know what it's doing (for the most part). Most of my curl is natural. So when getting ready I just touch up the spots that dont have the best curl and brush them out. (:

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  15. I still haven't used a curling wand but would definitely try it. I bought hot rollers that I still have to use!

    I'm very sad I didn't get a single thing from Lilly for Target!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  16. I love my wand, specially if you have shorter hair it works better I find. I find they hold the curl better as well compared to a curling iron with clip.


    http://ktmcgworld102.blogspot.ca

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  17. Spending $100 at Target can happen in the blink of an eye haha
    Tomas and I usually make our yearly trip to Target when we are in the States around the holidays and we always come out with more than we went in for...Oh well, can't pass up a good deal!
    I know you didn't mention them in this post (and I checked your other curling wand post too), so I figured I would ask...what bubble curling wand would you recommend? I really want to get one next time I am in the States, and I know pretty much close to nothing about curling wands, but I know that I want a bubble one haha
    I appreciate any suggestions you have! Thanks!

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  18. Definitely curling wand for me, had zero luck with curling iron except for burning my hair. :-/ I wish Target is still open here, no idea why they couldn't break through Canada's market.


    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  19. This is really good to know! I have only ever used a curling iron before!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

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  20. This is great! I've been wondering if I should get an iron or wand!

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  21. I always spend a ton at Target! It's so easy to do so. So interesting about the differences of the curling wand versus iron. I don't use either, but I think they would be fun to try out!

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  22. The wand is a total no go for me. It does nothing on my hair!

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  23. I def prefer curling wands! I would always cause kinks in my hair with curling irons.

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  24. Great post! Personally, I prefer using straightening iron to curl hair. I find it easier. :D

    BEAUTYEDITER.COM
    FACEBOOK
    BLOGLOVIN

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  25. I'm scared to death I'd burn myself on those things, but I know the wands make beautiful curls... I just need to practice I guess.

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  26. The wands make me so afraid of burning myself. I love curling irons and use it almost daily. I am not a LP fan so I skipped it too, heard it was madness!!

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  27. you know, i have never seen a curling wand that wasn't tapered, which is why i don't like them. i'll have to have a look and see if i can find one that isn't tapered. i do like my curling iron but yeah the curls really don't last very long.. that's also just me and my not being very good at hair lol. and yeah i totally skipped the lilly madness as well!

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  28. I remember you suggesting a Hot Tools curling iron for me awhile back. I have a want (I think Remington or Conair...cant remember) that I got last year and I just suck at curling my hair with it. I am thinking about pulling the trigger on the Hot Tools one soon :)

    I was at Target at 9am and didn't even look for Lilly stuff. It is so easy to spend $100 like nothing at Target. In fact, while I was there...I saw a ton of home things I really want and need to go back for. Have a great week!

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  29. I never used number 2, the wand, just the Iron. It is really good, but takes sometimes a long time to get really warm, so the curls will be faster to make, It really can cause bumps/marks in hair, but I find it a nice thing to use, anyway!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  30. definitely a curling wand; i think they get a bit hotter which is what my hair needs to hold a curl.

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  31. My hair never holds a curl no matter what. I have tried everything. #stickstraighthairproblems haha.

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  32. Out of all the curling irons and wands I've used (which aren't that many honestly), I think i prefer the curling wands. I always end up binging at Target too, deciding I need cool straws and new cups even though I don't.

    Breakfast at Gracey's

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  33. I have such fine hair that only hold a curl when I use a wand. Luckily, it gives me the look I am going for!

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  34. You READ MY MIND. Seriously, I was just at Target looking at curling irons/curling wands and wondering what to get. Now that my hair is getting longer (yay!!) I'm starting to experiment with waves. My straightener is actually doing a decent job, but I'd love to try a curling iron/wand. After your great tips I'm going to go with a wand! I want something inexpensive but that will work well, plus being user-friendly is pretty important to this not-so-talented hair person. Thanks Elle!!

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  35. I can see I wasn't the only one spending hard earned cash over the weekend... Phew... You made me feel so much better! :)
    x

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  36. love this post. I have been in the market for a curler iron and wasn't sure what to buy. So this post sure helped me decide what I want to buy.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

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  37. This post was really helpful! I just chopped all my hair off so I won't be curling it for a while, but I know so many others will find it so useful.

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  38. I own both and completely suck at using both but your comparisons are great! Thanks girlie!

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  39. I love my wand and iron. And I did go to target to get some Lily items but mine didn't have not one single item in the store! Maybe because I live in such a "touristy town" or something. :(

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  40. I'd love to try a wand, nothing seems to help my hair hold curls!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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  41. I was the worst about getting crimps in my hair from using curling irons. I think I just didn't practice enough, haha! Ever since I got my first curling wand a couple of years ago I have LOVED them. :)

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  42. Thanks, for this post, so helpful. ^^
    New outfit is online...

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  43. I was never able to get a curl to hold until ceramic tools started coming out. With all the years I spent trying to make my curling iron work, I typically use my flat iron or a wand when I want curl.

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  44. I've wanted a curling wand for a while now but have used my curling iron as a wand. I never thought to take the clip off...good idea! I have naturally curly hair so I don't have to worry about my hair holding curl and as long as my iron still works, I'll save the $$$ on a wand. I am interested in learning more about the tapered and what kind of curl it gives, so I'll be checking out that post!

    Honestly, all this Lilly madness kind of makes me want to gag.

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  45. My curling want died this weekend in the middle of doing my hair. It was so sad, lol. I guess this means I'm in the market for a new one. :-)

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  46. No matter what I use, I'm somehow always terrible at curling my hair. I probably just don't practice enough. I'd still like to get a Curl Secret, which might be easier for me.

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  47. I don't know how to use a curling iron anymore. When I tried with a friend's recently I got so many crimps from the clip! That being said, I don't really know how to use my wand either. Haha! I tend to use my flat iron if i want some waviness.

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  48. I love Hot Tools! How did I not know that they make a long wand? I think I need that!

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  49. Great post!! I have a Wand and it's easy to use although I must admit I've burnt myself quite a few times, specially at the beginning when I was learning to use it!
    xx
    Ingrid
    www. ingridhughes .com

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