How To Choose The Best Curling Wand For Long Hair: 7 Tips

How can you choose the best curling wand for long hair? Here are a few of our top tips.

Curling wands add a wonderful touch of magic and versatility to any style - from tight spirals to beach waves or loose curls, they are the perfect tool for any occasion, and there is hardly a hairstyle that you can’t achieve with them.

However, not all curling wands are made equal, and some options are superior to others when it comes to quality, efficiency, and most importantly - thermal hair styling without damage. In this article, we will give you our top tips on how to choose the best curling wand for long hair.

Need we say more? Let’s go:

How can I choose the best curling wand for long hair?

Having long hair means having a lot of options for achieving beautiful curly hairstyles, but it is not immune to its challenges. For example, the ends of long hair tend to be more prone to dryness and damage because they are further away from the scalp, which is where the hair's natural oils are produced.

For this reason, there are a few important things to consider when choosing the best curling iron for long hair:

1. Research the different types of plates

Choosing the right type of plates is very important, especially if you have long hair. Curling wands made from cheap materials don’t have the same level of temperature control as high-quality ones, which results in inconsistent heat and damage to the hair.

In addition, poor materials such as low-quality ceramic coatings may peel or flake off, exposing the hair to bare metal that can burn the hair. Cheap metal barrels may also heat unevenly or contain harmful materials like lead or cadmium.

When looking for the best curling wand for long hair, there are the most popular options:

• Ceramic plates - they are known for their ability to distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots and reducing hair damage. However, they have a longer heat-up time, and may not work well on thick or coarse hair because they don’t provide the same level of heat as other options, such as tourmaline or titanium.
• Titanium plates - these types of plates tend to heat up quickly, and are mostly known for their ability to maintain a consistent temperature. This material is also characterized by its light weight and durability, making it a common choice for curling wands.
• Tourmaline plates - tourmaline plates are made of crushed tourmaline, a semi-precious gemstone that emits negative ions when heated. They emit up to 6 times more negative ions than titanium and ceramic plates, and are great for locking in moisture and leaving the hair smoother and shinier.

While essentially your final decision will depend on your specific needs and requirements, tourmaline plates tend to be the best option when looking for the best hair curler for long hair due to their ability to emit negative ions.

This ability essentially seals in the moisture of the hair, minimizing hair damage and preventing the dryness which is usually a common problem for long hair.

2. Consider the barrel size

Another factor to consider when researching curling wands for long hair is the barrel size. Different barrel sizes achieve different results, so you will need to take into account the look that you are going for. Do you prefer beachy waves or tight curls?

Let’s take a look at some of the most common sizes:

• ¾ inch - the perfect barrel size for creating tight, defined curls and ringlets
• 1 inch - ideal for a variety of different hairstyles, from loose beach waves to tighter curls.
• 1 ¼ inch - a good option for looser, more relaxed waves with a natural-looking finish.
• 1 ½ inch - great for creating loose, voluminous waves and adding body to limp, flat hair.
• 2 inch - a good barrel size for large, voluminous curls & adding a lot of body to hair.

Hair length also matters when deciding the best barrel size for your curling wand. Longer hair can handle larger barrel sizes, especially if you want to create loose, flowing waves or curls. On another hand, smaller sizes are better for shorter hair.

If you are not sure which barrel size to choose, or you want to have more options in order to achieve a wider variety of hairstyles, a great option is the NuMe Octowand 8-in-1.

This powerful, tourmaline-plated curling wand comes with 8 interchangeable barrels for virtually limitless hairstyle possibilities. Our innovative tourmaline technology ensures that your hair always comes out looking sleek and shiny.

You can learn more in our curling wand guide for beginners.

3. Opt for a curling wand with temperature control

Next on our list of tips on how to choose the best curling wand for longer hair is opting for a wand with temperature control. Adjustable heat settings are extremely important if you want to achieve long-lasting results without significantly damaging your hair in the process.

Different hair types require different temperatures in order to achieve the desired result - for example, fine or already damaged hair should be heat-styled on a lower temperature (200°F or 90°C) than thick, healthy and coarse hair (350°F or 180°C).

Not being able to control temperature means you run the risk of overheating your hair and causing damage, such as split ends, breakage, or even burns.

4. Research features

If you want to buy the best curling wand for longer hair, another thing to consider are the features that you desire in a curling wand.

Extras such as an automatic shut-off can give you a peace of mind, especially if you are running late to an event and you forgot whether you turned off the heat styling tool or not.

Other features include auto-rotation, digital temperature display, dual voltage, interchangeable barrels, swivel cords, and sleep mode, among others.

5. Think about your desired hairstyles

Instead of buying a curling wand and figuring out what it can do later, try to think about your desired hairstyles before the actual buying process, and then choose the best curling wand for long hair based on that.

As we mentioned earlier, not all curling wands can achieve all hairstyles, and you don’t want to end up with a product that you are never going to use because you wanted an entirely different look. There are multiple hairstyles that you can achieve with a curling wand, including:

• Loose waves
• Tight curls
• Vintage waves
• Half-up, half-down
• Messy buns
• Side-swept curls
• Spiral curls
• Mermaid waves

If you are unsure about that, opt for a more versatile tool such as the NuMe Octowand 8-in-1, which will ensure that you always have the right barrel size for any hairstyle and occasion.

6. Choose between a classic or an automatic wand

Classic and automatic curling wands both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and styling needs.

• Classic wands - they are usually more affordable than automatic wands, provide you with more control over the curling process, and can be used to get a wider range of styles. However, they require more skill and practice in order to achieve the desired results.
• Automatic wands - they are easy and convenient to use, as they automatically wrap and release the hair around the barrel. They also have a quicker heating time and can save time on styling. However, they are generally more expensive than classic ones, and offer less control over the curling process.

7. Look for a curling wand with safety features

When looking for the best curling wand for long hair, don’t forget to go for an option with safety features such as an automatic shut-off, a heat-resistant glove, and a cool tip to prevent burns and accidents.

In addition, many curling wands have a heat-resistant casing or chamber that holds the hair away from the heated barrel, reducing the risk of accidental burns and hair damage. These features are extremely important, especially if you are a frequent curling wand user.

FAQs on How to Choose the Best Curling Wand for Long Hair

What curling wand is the best for long hair?

The best curling wand for long hair should have temperature control, safety features such as an automatic shut-off and a heat-resistant glove, and a cool tip. It should also be made from tourmaline plates, which means that more negative ions are emitted, locking in moisture and keeping the hair healthy and shiny.

How do I choose a curling wand?

To choose a curling wand, consider some important factors such as the type and length of your hair, the type of plates offered on the market, the different barrel size options you can choose from, as well as the desired hairstyle that you are looking to achieve.

What size curling wand is best for long hair?

When choosing a curling wand for long hair, consider a barrel size of at least 1 inch or larger. This size allows for creating voluminous waves and curls that complement long hair beautifully. Additionally, larger barrel sizes, such as 1 ¼ inch or 1 ½ inch, are ideal for achieving loose, flowing waves that enhance the length of long hair. Ultimately, the best size depends on the desired hairstyle, but opting for a larger barrel ensures versatility and ease of styling for long hair.

Which curler is best for long and thick hair?

For long and thick hair, you'll want a curler with a larger barrel size, like 1 ¼ inches or bigger. This size can handle the volume and length of your hair, giving you those gorgeous, bouncy curls that last. Look for one with adjustable heat settings too, so you can style without damaging your hair. Overall, a curler with a bigger barrel and heat control is perfect for long, thick locks!