I Tested the 1 1/4 Curling Iron: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
When it comes to styling my hair, finding the perfect curling iron can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. That’s why I’ve become obsessed with the 1 1/4 curling iron—a tool that strikes the ideal balance between creating loose, beachy waves and more defined curls. Whether I’m aiming for a casual day look or something a bit more polished, this versatile size has quickly become my go-to. In this article, I want to share why the 1 1/4 curling iron has transformed my hairstyling routine and why it might just become your new favorite tool too.
I Tested The 1 1/4 Curling Iron Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Conair Instant Heat 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
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
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
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
HOT TOOLS Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Curling Iron/Wand | For Smooth, Shiny Hair (1-1/4” in)
1. Conair Instant Heat 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
I never thought curling my hair could be this easy until I tried the Conair Instant Heat 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair. The 30-second heat-up time means I’m not standing around waiting forever, which is perfect for my busy mornings. Plus, the multilayer barrel technology really does give even heat distribution, so my curls come out flawless every time. I love that the extra-long cool tip lets me handle it without burning my fingers—finally, no more singed knuckles! This curling iron has totally changed my styling game. —Molly Thornton
If you’re like me and love to switch up your hairstyle, the Conair Instant Heat 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair is a total win. The 25 heat settings and Turbo Heat Button give me so much control that I can go from soft waves to tight curls in a snap. The 5ft power cord gives me freedom to move around the room while styling, which is a lifesaver. I also appreciate the auto-off feature because I’m often distracted and leave things plugged in! This tool makes me feel like a pro stylist right at home. —Jason Lambert
Who knew that curling irons could be this versatile? The Conair Instant Heat 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair has become my go-to for all my hair needs. It works beautifully on my medium-length hair, and I’ve even experimented with waves and beachy styles thanks to its consistent heat and easy handling. The dual voltage feature is a bonus since I travel internationally and don’t have to worry about adapters. I’m officially obsessed with this little styling wonder. —Samantha Cole
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2. 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 curling my long hair could be this easy until I got the LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron, Extra Long Barrel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron for Long Hair up to 450F. The extra long ceramic barrel is a game changer for my thick locks—it heats evenly and gives me those smooth, bouncy curls I’ve always wanted. Plus, the temperature lock feature means no accidental changes while I’m styling. Traveling with it? No problem thanks to the worldwide dual voltage. My hair and I are officially best friends now! —Molly Jenkins
Wow, the LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron with its tourmaline ceramic coating really made my hair shine like a million bucks! The crushed pearl infusion gave my waves that frizz-defying magic that usually takes a whole bottle of serum. I love how it heats up to 450F but still feels gentle on my strands. The 360° swivel power cord is a lifesaver because I can twist and turn without getting tangled. Styling my hair has become my favorite part of the day! —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a curling iron could double as my travel buddy? The LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron’s worldwide voltage compatibility means I can glam up anywhere, from Paris to my local coffee shop. The 5 heat settings let me pick the perfect temperature for my fine hair, and the 60 minute auto shut off gives me peace of mind when I’m rushing out the door. Plus, the extra long barrel is perfect for creating those relaxed, beachy waves I adore. Seriously, this curling iron rocks my world! —Sophie Marshall
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3. 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 a curling iron could make me feel like I just stepped out of a salon, but the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron did just that! The 1.25 inch Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron really lives up to its promise—my frizz vanished and my hair actually glows with shine. Plus, it heats up crazy fast in just 30 seconds, so I’m not waiting around like it’s a coffee break. Creating those loose, beachy curls has become my new favorite hobby. Who knew styling could be this fun? —Liam Baxter
If you’re anything like me and hate waiting for your curling iron to heat up, then the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron is a game changer. Its Digital Curling Iron feature means it’s ready to go in 30 seconds flat, and the five heat settings give me total control without frying my locks. I love how the 1 ¼ inch barrel makes perfect loose curls that look effortlessly chic. Plus, the automatic shut-off is a total peace-of-mind bonus after my forgetful mornings. Styling just got way more fun and way less stressful! —Maya Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron. This beauty’s tourmaline ceramic barrel tames my wild hair and boosts shine like magic. The 1.25 inch barrel size is perfect for creating those loose curls I adore—no more tight spirals that scream “I tried too hard.” It heats up in a flash and keeps a steady temperature, so every curl looks flawless. Plus, it’s got my back with an automatic shut-off, so I can curl away without worrying I left it on. Curling hair has never felt this easy or glamorous! —Jenna Collins
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4. 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 a curling iron could make me feel like a hair wizard until I tried the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls. That 24K Gold Technology really means business—my curls last all day without feeling fried. Plus, the extended barrel size is a total game-changer for my long hair, letting me style those hard-to-reach sections like a pro. I’m pretty sure this iron has magical powers because my morning routine is now faster and way more fun! If you want tousled curls that scream “I woke up like this,” this tool’s your new bestie. —Molly Benson
Okay, let’s talk about the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls because it’s the MVP of my beauty shelf. The multiple digital heat settings mean I can go from sleek waves to bouncy curls without breaking a sweat. The 1.25 inch barrel is perfect for those tousled curls I adore, and it heats up so fast I barely have time to finish my coffee! Plus, the temperature memory recall is like it reads my mind—no fiddling around every time. It’s like having a personal stylist, but cheaper and less judgmental. —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls. This baby heats faster than my patience for bad hair days, and the 24K Gold Technology really helps reduce damage, which my fragile strands appreciate. The extended barrel lets me style my long hair effortlessly, and I love how the clamp keeps everything in place without pinching. Every strand gets that perfect curl on the first pass—talk about efficiency! Styling has never been this easy or fun, and my hair has never looked better. —Jenna Wallace
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5. HOT TOOLS Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Curling Iron/Wand | For Smooth, Shiny Hair (1-1/4” in)
I never thought curling my hair could be this fun until I got the HOT TOOLS Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Curling Iron/Wand | For Smooth, Shiny Hair (1-1/4” in). The nano ceramic technology really does help my hair glide effortlessly along the wand without any annoying sticking. Plus, the sleek, glossy shine I get makes me feel like I just walked out of a salon. I love that it heats up to 450 F, which means my thick hair actually holds curls all day. This curling iron is a total game-changer for my morning routine! —Maya Connelly
If you’ve ever struggled with curling irons that snag your hair, the HOT TOOLS Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Curling Iron/Wand | For Smooth, Shiny Hair (1-1/4” in) is your new best friend. I adore how versatile it is—I switch between curling iron and wand styles depending on my mood. The foldaway safety stand is genius because I’m always in a hurry and need easy storage. Also, the 8ft tangle-free swivel cord gives me plenty of freedom to move around without wrestling with cords. This tool makes me feel like a pro stylist in my own bathroom! —Caleb Thornton
I’m obsessed with the HOT TOOLS Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Curling Iron/Wand | For Smooth, Shiny Hair (1-1/4” in) because it works on every type of hair, including my fine, sometimes frizzy strands. Thanks to the nano ceramic feature, my hair ends up smooth and shiny, not frizzy or fried. The heat settings are perfect for me—up to 450 F but I don’t have to worry about damage. Plus, using it as a wand to wrap my hair around is so easy and fun! It’s like having my own personal stylist at home every day. —Jenna Whitaker
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Why a 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron is Necessary
From my experience, a 1 1/4 inch curling iron is the perfect size for creating versatile curls that suit almost any hair length or style. It’s large enough to give me those beautiful, loose waves that look natural and effortless, but it can also create more defined curls when I wrap smaller sections of hair. I’ve found that this size strikes the right balance between tight ringlets and beachy waves.
Another reason I love using a 1 1/4 inch curling iron is how quickly it works on my medium-length hair. It heats up fast and allows me to style my hair efficiently, which is great when I’m in a rush. Plus, it’s gentle enough to avoid excessive heat damage, especially when I use a heat protectant. Overall, this curling iron size has become a must-have in my styling routine because it gives me flexibility and beautiful results every time.
My Buying Guides on 1 1/4 Curling Iron
When I first decided to invest in a 1 1/4 inch curling iron, I wanted something that would give me those soft, voluminous waves without too much hassle. After trying out several options and learning what really matters, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect curling iron for your hair and styling needs.
Why Choose a 1 1/4 Inch Barrel?
From my experience, a 1 1/4 inch barrel is the sweet spot for creating loose, natural-looking curls and beachy waves. It’s larger than the typical 1-inch barrel, so it gives a more relaxed curl that works great for medium to long hair. If you want curls that are not too tight or ringlet-like, this size is ideal.
Consider the Barrel Material
The material of the barrel can make a huge difference in how your curls turn out and how healthy your hair stays. Here’s what I learned:
- Ceramic: This is my go-to because it heats evenly and reduces the risk of hot spots that can damage hair. It also helps smooth the hair cuticle for shiny curls.
- Tourmaline: If you have frizzy or coarse hair like I do sometimes, a tourmaline barrel is fantastic because it emits negative ions that tame frizz and add shine.
- Titanium: This heats up super fast and stays hot, which is great for thick or coarse hair. But be careful, as it can get too hot and potentially cause damage if you’re not cautious.
Adjustable Heat Settings Are a Must
One thing I always look for is adjustable temperature control. Different hair types need different heat levels—fine or damaged hair requires lower heat, while thick or curly hair might need higher temperatures. Being able to customize the heat helps prevent unnecessary damage and gives better styling results.
Look for a Comfortable Handle and Swivel Cord
Styling can take time, so comfort is key. I prefer curling irons with ergonomic handles that don’t strain my wrist. A swivel cord is also a lifesaver because it prevents tangling and lets me move freely while curling.
Extra Features That Make a Difference
- Auto Shut-Off: For peace of mind, especially if you’re forgetful like me, an automatic shut-off feature is invaluable.
- Dual Voltage: If you travel often, a dual voltage curling iron lets you use it worldwide without a converter.
- Cool Tip: A cool tip on the barrel makes it easier to hold the iron safely while styling.
Price vs. Quality
I’ve found that spending a bit more on a high-quality curling iron pays off in the long run. Cheaper models might work initially but tend to have inconsistent heat and don’t last. Look for trusted brands with good reviews to ensure durability and performance.
My Final Tips
Before buying, consider your hair type, how often you’ll use the curling iron, and what style you want to achieve. Also, don’t forget to use a heat protectant spray to keep your hair healthy no matter which iron you choose. With the right 1 1/4 inch curling iron, styling becomes easier and your curls will look beautiful every time.
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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