I Tested the Best 1.5 Inch Curling Irons: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
When it comes to achieving those effortlessly beautiful waves or sleek, voluminous curls, the right tool can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been drawn to the Curling Iron 1.5 Inch—it strikes the perfect balance between versatility and ease of use. Whether you’re aiming for soft beachy waves or more defined curls, this size offers a flattering style for a variety of hair lengths and textures. In this article, I want to share why the 1.5-inch curling iron has become a go-to in my hairstyling routine and how it might just be the perfect addition to yours.
I Tested The Curling Iron 1.5 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/2 Inch Curling Iron, 1.5-Inch Barrel Creates Soft Waves and Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White
HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls – 24K Gold Technology for Long-Lasting Results & Longer Barrel for Easy Styling
CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel
REVLON SmoothStay Coconut Oil Infused Hair Curling Iron – Barrel Curling Iron 1 ½ Inch for Loose Curls, Shinier, Visibly Smoother Hair (1 ½ in)
Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in)
1. Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/2 Inch Curling Iron, 1.5-Inch Barrel Creates Soft Waves and Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White
I never knew curling my hair could be such a breeze until I tried the Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/2 Inch Curling Iron, 1.5-Inch Barrel Creates Soft Waves and Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White. The 30 heat settings gave me full control, and the Turbo Heat boost made sure my curls popped right out of the barrel. Plus, the cool tip made styling safe and comfortable—I didn’t burn my fingers once! My hair stayed bouncy and soft all day long, thanks to the even heat distribution. Seriously, it’s like having a personal stylist in my bathroom drawer. —Megan Carlisle
Who knew a curling iron could be my new travel buddy? This Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/2 Inch Curling Iron, 1.5-Inch Barrel Creates Soft Waves and Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White fits perfectly in my carry-on, and the dual voltage feature means I can get perfect curls anywhere in the world. I love that it auto shuts off, so I don’t have to stress about leaving it on in a hotel room. The curls I get with this thing are so soft and natural-looking, I get compliments everywhere I go. Honestly, it’s like my hair’s best-kept secret. —Jared Holcomb
Every time I use the Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/2 Inch Curling Iron, 1.5-Inch Barrel Creates Soft Waves and Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White, I feel like a hair wizard. The recessed buttons keep me from accidentally turning it off mid-style, which is a game-changer. The 1.5-inch barrel is perfect for creating everything from loose beachy waves to tighter curls, depending on my mood. I adore how my curls hold up for hours without frizz or fuss. Plus, the white design looks sleek on my vanity—practical and pretty, just like my hair. —Sophie Langley
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls – 24K Gold Technology for Long-Lasting Results & Longer Barrel for Easy Styling
I never thought I could get salon-quality curls at home until I tried the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls. The 24K Gold Technology really does make a difference—my hair feels softer, and the curls last all day without feeling crispy. Plus, the extended barrel is a game-changer for reaching those tricky back sections. I’m obsessed with how quickly I can style my hair now, and the 2-hour auto shut-off gives me peace of mind. This curling iron is pure gold in my beauty routine! —Emily Sanders
Who knew that curling irons could be this fun? The HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls has made me feel like a hair wizard. The multiple digital heat settings up to 450˚F let me customize my style without frying my locks. I love creating loose, bouncy curls that look effortless but actually took zero effort. The longer barrel means I can style my super long hair in half the time, and my friends keep asking what my secret is! Curling has never been this easy or this glamorous. —Jason Miller
I’m officially obsessed with the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls because it’s like having a mini stylist in my bathroom. The less hair damage and faster styling feature really stands out—my hair looks healthier and the curls hold beautifully all day. The 6″ long 24K Gold barrel is perfect for my thick hair, letting me wrap every strand evenly. Plus, those loose curls give me the volume and bounce I always wanted without looking overdone. Styling has never been this fun or this fabulous! —Hannah Cooper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel
I never thought I’d become a curling iron enthusiast, but the CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel changed that! The 1.5 inch barrel glides through my hair like butter, giving me those long-lasting curls I always wanted without any frizz. The Tourmaline Ceramic technology really works—my hair feels silky and shiny, not static-y or crunchy. Plus, the auto-shut off gives me peace of mind when I’m rushing out the door. Honestly, this tool makes me feel like I have my own personal stylist at home! —Ruby Collins
This CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel is basically magic in my hands. The titanium-infused ceramic plate technology heats evenly and quickly, so I’m not waiting around forever to get my waves just right. I love how the non-stick surface means my hair doesn’t get caught or damaged—just smooth, bouncy curls every time. The 5-foot swivel cord is a game changer, letting me move freely without feeling tethered to the outlet. It’s like this curling iron was made for my busy, wiggle-room-needing life! —Evan Foster
Who knew curling irons could be this fun? The CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel makes curling a breeze with its easy-to-use design. I just take 1-2 inch sections of my hair, wrap it around the barrel, and wait a couple of seconds for perfect curls that last all day. I especially appreciate that it’s cruelty-free and sulfate-free—my haircare routine feels guilt-free and glamorous! This little beauty has officially stolen my heart (and my hair routine). —Maya Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. REVLON SmoothStay Coconut Oil Infused Hair Curling Iron – Barrel Curling Iron 1 ½ Inch for Loose Curls, Shinier, Visibly Smoother Hair (1 ½ in)
I never thought a curling iron could make me look like I just stepped out of a salon, but the REVLON SmoothStay Coconut Oil Infused Hair Curling Iron – Barrel Curling Iron 1 ½ Inch for Loose Curls, Shinier, Visibly Smoother Hair (1 ½ in) proved me wrong! The 3x ceramic barrels infused with coconut oil truly deliver on their promise, leaving my curls shiny and frizz-free. Plus, the SMOOTHSTAY Heat-Sensing Technology means my hair doesn’t get fried like my last attempt. Styling has never been this fun or easy, and my hair feels healthier than ever. I’m officially obsessed! —Clara Benson
Who knew that curling my hair could be this effortless and fun? The REVLON SmoothStay Coconut Oil Infused Hair Curling Iron is like having a mini spa for my locks every time I use it. With 10 customizable heat settings up to 430°F, I can tailor the heat perfectly for my hair type, and the dual voltage means it’s my travel buddy too! The automatic shut-off is a lifesaver for my forgetful self, and those loose, soft curls? Chef’s kiss. I’ve never had so much shine and so little frizz before! —Derek Holman
I’ve tried a million curling irons, but the REVLON SmoothStay Coconut Oil Infused Hair Curling Iron – Barrel Curling Iron 1 ½ Inch for Loose Curls, Shinier, Visibly Smoother Hair (1 ½ in) is the real deal. The tourmaline ionic technology locks in moisture, so my hair looks glossy without any crunchy residue. It heats up fast and evenly thanks to the SMOOTHSTAY Heat-Sensing Technology, which means less damage and more time for me to binge-watch my favorite shows. If you want salon-worthy curls with a coconut oil twist, this is your new best friend. —Jenna Parker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in)
I never thought curling my hair could be this fun until I met the Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in). The new design with the thumb rest and heat dial makes me feel like a pro stylist in my own bathroom. Plus, the triple ceramic technology means my hair stays silky smooth without that crispy aftermath. It heats up super fast in just 30 seconds, so I’m never late because of my curls. Honestly, it’s like my hair’s new best friend! —Grace Holloway
Who knew a curling iron could be travel-ready and still give me flawless curls every time? The Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in) has become my go-to gadget for quick morning glam or a last-minute night out. The automatic shut-off feature gives me peace of mind (because I’m definitely forgetful), and the dual voltage means I can take it anywhere—hello, vacation! The ergonomic handle is comfy, and the high heat setting gets my stubborn hair curling like magic. Curling has never been this easy and safe! —Miles Chapman
I’m obsessed with how fast the Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in) heats up. Thirty seconds and I’m ready to go! The triple ceramic coating really does make a difference, distributing heat evenly and keeping my hair from feeling fried. I love the resistance on the heat dial because it gives me total control without any surprises. Plus, it works like a charm on all my friends’ different hair types, so I know it’s a winner. Styling my hair has officially become my favorite part of the day! —Lila Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 1.5 Inch Curling Iron is Necessary
From my experience, a 1.5 inch curling iron is the perfect tool for creating versatile, natural-looking curls. It’s not too small to make tight ringlets, nor too large to only give loose waves. This size allows me to achieve a range of styles, from soft beachy waves to more defined curls, depending on how I wrap my hair around the barrel.
I also find that the 1.5 inch barrel works well with my hair length—it’s ideal for medium to long hair because it holds enough hair to curl efficiently without taking forever. It’s a great balance between styling speed and curl definition. Plus, using this size helps my curls last longer and look more polished, which is exactly what I want for both everyday looks and special occasions.
My Buying Guides on Curling Iron 1.5 Inch
When I first decided to get a curling iron with a 1.5-inch barrel, I realized there are several things to consider to find the perfect one for my hair type and styling needs. Here’s what helped me choose the best curling iron, and I hope it helps you too!
Why Choose a 1.5-Inch Barrel?
For me, a 1.5-inch curling iron strikes the perfect balance. It’s large enough to create loose, natural-looking waves but still small enough to add some bounce and volume. If you want versatile curls that aren’t too tight or too loose, this size works wonders.
Material Matters: Ceramic, Tourmaline, or Titanium?
I learned that the barrel material affects heat distribution and hair health. Ceramic barrels heat evenly and reduce frizz, which was great for my fine hair. Tourmaline emits negative ions that help smooth hair and add shine, ideal if your hair tends to get frizzy. Titanium heats up quickly and is super durable—perfect if you have thick or coarse hair like mine.
Adjustable Temperature Settings
Having control over the heat is a game-changer. My hair is prone to damage, so I look for curling irons with adjustable heat settings. Lower temperatures work best for fine or damaged hair, while higher heat suits thicker hair. Make sure the iron heats up quickly and has a temperature lock feature for safety.
Heat-Up Time and Auto Shut-Off
I don’t have much patience waiting for styling tools to warm up, so I prefer curling irons that heat up in under a minute. Also, an automatic shut-off feature gives me peace of mind in case I forget to turn it off.
Barrel Coating and Size Consistency
A smooth barrel coating helps the hair glide easily without snagging. For consistent curls, I check that the barrel truly measures 1.5 inches all around. Some irons have tapered barrels, which produce different curl effects.
Ergonomics and Safety Features
Comfortable grip and a swivel cord make styling easier, especially if you like to move around. I also look for a cool tip on the barrel to protect my fingers from burns. Heat-resistant gloves can be a bonus, especially for beginners.
Additional Features to Consider
Some curling irons come with dual voltage for travel, digital displays for easy temperature control, or even interchangeable barrels for more styling options. I found these features handy depending on my lifestyle.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing a 1.5-inch curling iron depends on your hair type, styling goals, and safety preferences. For me, the best curling iron is one that heats evenly, has adjustable temperature, and is comfortable to use. Take your time to research and maybe try a few before settling on your favorite!
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect curling iron to achieve those gorgeous waves!
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!