5 Tips to Choose The Best Curling Wand For Beginners

What are some things to keep in mind when choosing the best curling wand for beginners? Continue reading to learn more.

While straightening your hair is pretty…straight-forward, it is not as simple when it comes to curling hair. Not only are there multiple options on the market, but you can also have a preference for certain curly hairstyles that not any wand can make.

Do you need a versatile tool that gives you endless possibilities for spicing things up when it comes to styling your hair? Or do you tend to stick to a certain type of curls? In this article, we will give you our best tips on how to choose the best curling wand for beginners.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right into it:

1. Choose the right barrel size

If you are looking to buy the top curling wand for beginners, one of the most important factors that you will have to consider is the barrel size. Here are some things you will need to take into account when looking for the perfect barrel size:

1.1. Type and length of hair

Different types of hair require different barrel sizes in order to achieve the best results, as well as to ensure that it’s convenient to hold and use the curling wand. Let’s take a look at some examples:

• Fine hair - a barrel size of 0.75-1 inch is perfect for people with thin hair, because it helps to create tighter curls and add volume to the hair.
• Medium hair - since medium hair is neither too thick nor too thin, you can get the best results with a barrel size of about 1-1.25 inches.
• Thick hair - thick hair requires a larger barrel size to create curls that will hold their shape. In this case, a barrel size of 1.25-1.5 inches can be a great option.
• Curly Hair - if you have naturally curly hair, a larger barrel size of about 1.5-2 inches is a great option as it helps to loosen the curls for a more natural, beachy look.
• Short hair - short hair requires a smaller barrel size to achieve tighter curls or waves. A barrel size of 0.5-1 inch would be perfect for creating bouncy, defined curls.
• Long hair - it can handle a larger barrel size to create loose, flowing waves or curls. A barrel size of 1-1.5 inches would be ideal for creating natural-looking curls or waves.

1.2. Type of curls

If you are looking for the best curling wand for beginners, keep in mind that the type of hair is not the only factor that impacts the ideal barrel size for you. It also depends on the type of curls that you are looking to achieve.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common hairstyles that can be achieved with a wand:

• 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch - typically used to achieve tight, defined curls. It is also ideal for short hair or for adding volume to the roots of longer hair.
• 5/8 inch to 3/4 inch - great for achieving small, tight curls or loose waves, especially if you have shorter hair or want to add texture to your longer hair.
• 1 inch to 1 1/4 inch - this barrel size is versatile and can create a variety of looks, including loose waves, beachy curls, and soft, natural-looking curls.
• 1 1/2 inch to 2 inch barrel - generally used to create loose, voluminous curls. It is great for longer hair or for adding body and volume to shorter hair.

If you feel overwhelmed with the different choices for barrels, there is one easy solution - the NuMe Octowand 8-in-1. It comes with 8 interchangeable barrels of multiple sizes that you can switch for effortless styling and endless possibilities.

The Octowand will allow you to experiment with different barrel sizes to find the one that fits your hair type and desired look the best.

Made from the gemstone tourmaline, it emits up to 6 times more negative ions than regular curling wands, and allows you to style your hair without worrying about damage.

2. Look for a reputable brand

With multiple options on the market, finding the best curling wand for beginners can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially if you don’t have much experience with this type of thermal hair styling products.

For this reason, it’s important to choose a reputable brand that’s already established on the market and has years of experience in delivering high-quality products - like NuMe.

As one of the leading companies in heat styling advancements for over a decade, NuMe proudly serves over 2 million happy customers in 52 countries and growing.

By choosing a reputable brand, you will ensure that you are buying a high-quality product that won’t damage your hair as cheaper and low-quality alternatives.

3. Consider your budget

When shopping for the top curling wand for beginners, another thing you will need to consider is your budget. What is the maximum that you are willing to spend on a curling wand? Set a budget and look for the best options around it.

Just keep in mind that going for the cheapest options may not be the best investment if you are looking to use your heat styling tool frequently, or if you are worried about hair damage.

Curling wands made from cheap materials usually don’t distribute the heat evenly, causing hot spots on the barrel that can damage your hair, and lead to breakage, dryness and split ends. They also lack important features such as temperature control settings and automatic shut off.

It’s better to invest in a high-quality curling wand made from tourmaline - a semi precious stone which emits negative ions to neutralize frizz, smooth out the cuticle, and reduce heat damage.

Which leads us to the next point:

4. Consider the type of plate

If you are on the look to choose the best curling wand for beginners, another important factor that you will need to consider is the type of heating plate. The most common ones are ceramic plates, tourmaline plates and titanium plates:

4.1. Ceramic-coated plates

Curling wands with ceramic plates tend to be the most popular option on the market. They distribute heat evenly and maintain a consistent temperature, and are also a good choice for fine and thin hair.

However, they may not be as effective for thick and coarse hair, or for reducing frizz - that’s because they do not emit negative ions, the charged particles that can help neutralize the positive ions in the hair. Ceramic plates are also more fragile and break more easily.

4.2. Titanium plates

Titanium plates are lightweight and durable, being able to withstand high levels of heat without cracking or warping. They are a good option for styling thick and coarse hair, but can be damaging for thin or fine hair because they are harsher and more difficult to control.

Because curling wands with titanium plates can heat up fast and to very high temperatures, they are more likely to cause heat damage to the hair if not used properly, leading to one of the most common hair problems.

4.3. Tourmaline plates

If you are on the hunt for the best curling wand for beginners, wands with tourmaline plates are generally the best option for all types of hair. Tourmaline is a mineral that emits negative ions when heated, neutralizing the positive ions in your hair that cause frizz and static.

This helps your hair retain moisture, and allows for a more gentle heat styling without causing heat damage. You will also enjoy shinier and smoother hair!

A great option is the NuMe Classic Curling Wand - it is made with tourmaline plates, and uses a proprietary far infrared heat technology to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, and help with moisture retention.

5. Look for a curling iron with adjustable heat settings

Exposure to excessively high temperatures can lead to hair damage - so, when you are styling your hair with heat, it’s important to select the ideal temperature for your type of hair, and not a degree more.

Heat causes the moisture in the hair to evaporate, leading to dryness and making the hair more prone to breakage. It can also cause damage to the outer layer of the shaft - the cuticles.

However, not all curling wands have adjustable heat settings. So, if you are on the look to choose the top curling wand for beginners, keep in mind that having temperature control is essential if you want to style your hair without damage.

Take a look at the recommended temperatures depending on the type of hair:

Hair with fine texture

• Fahrenheit: 200°F - 300°F
• Celsius: 90°C - 150°C

Wavy hair

• Fahrenheit: 300°F - 375°F
• Celsius: 150°C - 190°C

Curly hair

• Fahrenheit: 350°F - 450°F
• Celsius: 180°C - 230°C

Bonus tips

Need some additional recommendations on choosing the best curling wand for beginners? Here are some of our pro tips:

• Buy a curling wand with an automatic shut-off feature to stress less when going out;
• Cable length is important to ensure a convenient and comfortable heat styling;
• Check the warranty for a peace of mind - for example, NuMe offers a 1-year-warranty;
• Opt for a curling wand with interchangeable barrels if you are unsure about the size;
• Read reviews on the options that you have chosen to evaluate the pros and cons;

While the choice of your curling wand will depend ultimately on your personal preferences, make sure to do your due diligence and evaluate all the important details and features.

FAQ

Which is the best curling iron that won’t damage hair?

The best curling iron that won’t damage hair is one made with tourmaline plates, such as the NuMe Automatic Curling Wand. Tourmaline plates emit up to 6 times more negative ions than other curling wands, helping with moisture retention and smoothing out the cuticle.

Is it better to curl with a flat iron or a curling iron?

You can use both a flat iron and a curling iron to curl your hair, and both have their pros and cons. Flat irons are more versatile and can be used for a wider range of curly and straight styles. Curling irons are specifically designed for curling hair, and create smoother and more uniform curls - they are also easier to use.

Which is the best curling iron size for natural curls?

If you already have natural curls and just want to enhance them, you may want to choose a curling iron size that is similar to the size of your natural curls. This will help you create a more uniform and natural-looking curl.