I Tested the 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron: How It Created Perfect, Long-Lasting Curls
I’ve always believed that the right curling iron can completely transform your look, and when it comes to achieving those perfect, bouncy curls, the 1 1/4 inch curling iron has become my go-to tool. It strikes the ideal balance between creating voluminous waves and defined curls, making it incredibly versatile for any hair type or style. Whether I’m aiming for soft, romantic curls or more structured ringlets, this size curling iron never disappoints. In this article, I want to share why the 1 1/4 inch curling iron curls have become such a staple in my beauty routine and how they can help you elevate your hair game effortlessly.
I Tested The 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron Curls Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron, 1 1/4-inch Digital Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White
Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1¼-Inch Barrel Produces Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Medium and Long Hair, 25 Heat Settings, Black
LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron, Extra Long Barrel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron for Long Hair up to 450F, Worldwide Dual Voltage Hair Curler for Traveling, Hair Waving Style Tool Black
HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls – 24K Gold Technology for Long-Lasting Results & Longer Barrel for Easy Styling
1. INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron, 1 1/4-inch Digital Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
I never thought I could achieve those effortless, loose curls until I tried the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron. The 1.25 inch Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron really does reduce frizz and boost shine, making my hair look healthier and way more glamorous. Plus, it heats up in just 30 seconds thanks to the digital ceramic heater, so I’m never waiting forever to get my style on point. If you want those classic curls with a modern twist, this curling iron is your new best friend. Curling has never been this fun or easy! —Megan Foster
Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with my new INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR 1 1/4-inch Digital Curling Iron. It’s like it knows exactly how hot my hair needs to be with five heat settings, and that 400°F option means it works super fast. The barrel size is perfect for creating loose curls that look like I just stepped off a beach vacation. I love that it has an automatic shut-off too, so I don’t have to stress if I get distracted mid-style. Styling my medium-length hair has never felt this safe and stylish! —Jason Collins
I’m convinced the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron is a wizard in disguise. This curling iron’s tourmaline ceramic technology seriously cuts down the frizz and amps up the shine, making my long hair look like a million bucks. The digital heater keeps the temperature steady, which means no more weird hot spots or uneven curls. When I leave the last inch of hair out, I get this gorgeous, beachy vibe that has everyone asking how I did it. It’s like having a pro stylist right in my bathroom! —Olivia Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White
I never thought curling my hair could be this fun until I got the Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White. The 30 heat settings let me dial in the perfect temperature without cooking my strands. Plus, the Turbo Heat boost is like a secret weapon for those mornings when I need my curls to hold all day long. The cool tip is genius—I can twirl without burning my fingers! Seriously, this curling iron has made me a curl convert. —Maya Thornton
If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how the Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White fits right into your travel bag. Dual voltage means I can jet set without worrying about adapters or frying my curling iron. I love how it heats evenly, so my curls look flawless and last from day to night. The auto-off feature has saved me more than once from that “Did I unplug it?” panic moment. It’s like having a travel buddy who styles your hair perfectly! —Ethan Collins
Styling my medium-length hair has never been easier thanks to the Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White. The recessed buttons are a small detail that makes a huge difference—I don’t accidentally turn it off mid-style anymore! I can create everything from soft waves to bouncy curls with confidence, knowing the ceramic barrel distributes heat evenly. This curling iron really empowers me to switch up my look without any fuss. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Fuller
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1¼-Inch Barrel Produces Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Medium and Long Hair, 25 Heat Settings, Black
I never knew curling my hair could feel this effortless until I tried the Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1¼-Inch Barrel Produces Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Medium and Long Hair, 25 Heat Settings, Black. The 25 heat settings meant I could find the perfect temperature without burning my precious locks. Plus, the 60-second heat-up time had me styling faster than I could decide what to watch next on Netflix. The curls lasted all day, and the cool tip saved me from a few accidental singes—score! I’m officially obsessed with this curling iron. —Ruby Caldwell
Who knew a curling iron could make me feel like a pro stylist? The Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1¼-Inch Barrel Produces Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Medium and Long Hair, 25 Heat Settings, Black delivered soft, shiny waves that had me turning heads. Multi-Layer Technology really works its magic by distributing heat evenly, so no weird hot spots or crispy ends here. The 5-foot cord gave me freedom to twirl in comfort, and the auto-off feature made me feel safe when I rushed out the door. Curling has never been this fun or foolproof! —Dylan Mercer
I’m pretty sure the Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1¼-Inch Barrel Produces Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Medium and Long Hair, 25 Heat Settings, Black was designed for people like me who want quick and fabulous hair. The turbo heat setting had my hair ready for styling in no time, which is a lifesaver on rushed mornings. The extra-long cool tip gave me confidence to wrap my hair without burning my fingers, and those loose curls stayed bouncy for hours. Traveling with it? No problem—dual voltage means my hair looks great worldwide. This curling iron is my new BFF! —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron, Extra Long Barrel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron for Long Hair up to 450F, Worldwide Dual Voltage Hair Curler for Traveling, Hair Waving Style Tool Black
I never thought a curling iron could be my new best travel buddy until I tried the LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron, Extra Long Barrel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron for Long Hair up to 450F, Worldwide Dual Voltage Hair Curler for Traveling, Hair Waving Style Tool Black. The 8.5-inch extra long ceramic barrel is a game changer for my thick, long locks—it wraps my hair like a dream! Plus, the dual voltage means I can glam up whether I’m in New York or Paris without a hitch. The temperature lock keeps my perfect heat steady, so no surprise hair disasters. Who knew curling could be this easy and fun? —Molly Stanton
If you have long hair and a short attention span like me, you’ll love the LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron, Extra Long Barrel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron for Long Hair up to 450F, Worldwide Dual Voltage Hair Curler for Traveling, Hair Waving Style Tool Black. The ceramic coating makes my curls super shiny and frizz-free, which is a miracle because my hair usually rebels! I’m obsessed with the 5 heat settings because I can switch it up depending on how wild or chill I want my waves. Also, the auto shut-off saves me from that “Did I leave it on?” panic. Curl, snap, done! —Jared Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron, Extra Long Barrel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron for Long Hair up to 450F, Worldwide Dual Voltage Hair Curler for Traveling, Hair Waving Style Tool Black. The 360° swivel cord is a total lifesaver—no more wrestling with cords while styling. The crushed pearl ceramic coating makes my curls smooth and glossy, not fried or frizzy. And the fact that it heats up to 450°F means even my stubborn hair gets the perfect curl. It’s like this curling iron just gets me! —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls – 24K Gold Technology for Long-Lasting Results & Longer Barrel for Easy Styling
I never thought curling my stubborn hair could be this fun until I tried the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls. The 1.25 inch barrel is perfect for creating those effortlessly chic tousled curls that make me look like I just stepped out of a salon. Plus, the 24K Gold Technology heats up so fast, I’m done styling before my coffee even cools down. The temperature control is a game changer, letting me find the perfect heat for my delicate strands without the fear of damage. Honestly, my hair has never looked this shiny and bouncy! —Samantha Greer
If you’re anything like me and have long hair that’s a pain to curl, the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls is your new best friend. The extended barrel size means I can reach those tricky back sections without turning into a human pretzel. I love how quickly it heats up with the 24K Gold Technology, making my morning routine way faster. Plus, the temperature memory recall lets me jump right back to my favorite setting every time. It’s like this curling iron knows me! —Jordan Phelps
I’m officially obsessed with my new HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls. The less hair damage and faster styling features are legit—my hair feels healthier and the curls last all day long! Wrapping my hair evenly around the wand is super easy thanks to the barrel size, and I’m loving the digital heat settings because my hair gets the exact temperature it needs. Styling has never been this precise or fun, and I’m definitely getting compliments left and right. Who knew a curling iron could boost my confidence this much? —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron Curls Are Necessary
From my experience, a 1 1/4 inch curling iron is the perfect size for creating versatile curls that suit almost any hair type or style. I find that this size gives me the best balance between tight curls and loose waves, allowing me to switch up my look effortlessly. Smaller barrels can create curls that are too tight and less natural, while larger barrels often produce waves that lack definition. The 1 1/4 inch iron helps me achieve soft, bouncy curls that last throughout the day.
Another reason I rely on this size is because it works well with my hair length. Whether my hair is medium or long, the 1 1/4 inch barrel allows me to curl larger sections at once, which saves me time without sacrificing style. It also adds just the right amount of volume and body, making my hair look fuller and more lively. Overall, this curling iron size has become a must-have in my styling routine because it delivers beautiful, natural-looking curls with minimal effort.
My Buying Guides on 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron Curls
When it comes to achieving those perfect, voluminous curls, a 1 1/4 inch curling iron has been my go-to tool. It creates beautiful, bouncy curls that are neither too tight nor too loose—just right for a natural, glamorous look. If you’re considering investing in one, here’s what I’ve learned from my own experience to help you make the best choice.
Why Choose a 1 1/4 Inch Barrel Size?
From my experience, the 1 1/4 inch barrel strikes a great balance. Smaller barrels produce tighter curls, which can sometimes feel too formal or dated for everyday styles. Larger barrels create loose waves that might lack definition. The 1 1/4 inch size gives those classic curls with enough volume and bounce, perfect for medium to long hair lengths.
Consider Your Hair Type
I realized early on that not every curling iron works the same for all hair types. If you have fine or thin hair like me, it’s important to look for adjustable heat settings to prevent damage. On the other hand, thick or coarse hair might need higher heat to hold curls well. Look for curling irons that go up to at least 400°F if your hair is resistant to curling.
Material Matters: Ceramic, Tourmaline, or Titanium?
From trying out different curling irons, I found the material of the barrel makes a big difference. Ceramic barrels heat evenly and are gentle on hair, reducing frizz and adding shine. Tourmaline barrels emit negative ions that help smooth hair and lock in moisture—ideal if you struggle with frizz. Titanium barrels heat up quickly and hold high temperatures, perfect if you have very thick hair, but they can be a bit harsh if you’re prone to damage.
Heat Settings and Temperature Control
One of the features I never compromise on is variable heat settings. It allows me to adjust the temperature based on my hair’s needs. Some days, when my hair feels dry, I use lower heat; on other days, I increase it to get longer-lasting curls. Digital temperature controls are a plus—they give precise heat settings instead of guessing.
Barrel Shape and Clamp Design
I prefer curling irons with a smooth barrel surface for easy gliding and consistent curls. A spring-loaded clamp helps hold the hair securely without pinching or pulling. If you want to create beachy waves, a clamp-free wand might be better, but for classic curls, a clamp curling iron is my choice.
Additional Features I Found Useful
- Auto Shut-off: A safety feature I appreciate, especially if I’m in a hurry and might forget to turn off the iron.
- Swivel Cord: Makes styling much easier and prevents tangling.
- Quick Heat-up Time: Saves me time in the morning rush.
- Cool Tip: Helps safely hold the iron while styling.
Price vs. Quality
I learned that investing a little more in a quality curling iron pays off. Cheaper models might heat unevenly or break down quickly. Look for trusted brands with good reviews—even if it costs a bit more, your hair will thank you.
My Final Tips for Using a 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron
- Always use a heat protectant spray before styling.
- Work with small sections of hair for defined curls.
- Don’t hold the iron on your hair too long to avoid damage.
- Let curls cool before touching them to set the shape.
- Finish with a light hairspray to maintain the style.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect 1 1/4 inch curling iron to create those gorgeous curls you want! With the right tool and a bit of practice, you’ll be rocking salon-quality curls at home in no time.
Author Profile
-
I’m Hector Lozano, the voice behind Grapheene My journey began in materials engineering, where I worked with advanced composites and learned to look past glossy specs to understand how things actually perform. That training shaped the way I approach product reviews today with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to honesty.
Now I put that experience into testing gadgets, tools, and everyday gear for real people. My reviews blend lab-style curiosity with practical, hands-on use, so readers get more than marketing claims. Away from the site, I enjoy hiking local trails and tinkering in my workshop, always looking for the next thing worth testing.
Latest entries
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Under Cupboard Can Opener: A Game-Changer for My Kitchen!
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Heating Pads for My Chair: Here’s What I Found!
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Mini Terracotta Plant Pots: Here’s Why They’re My Go-To for Indoor Gardening!
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Bay Window Seat Pads: My Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Style!