I Tested the 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron: How It Transformed My Curls
When it comes to achieving those effortlessly beautiful curls, the right tool can make all the difference. I’ve found that the 1 1/4 inch curling iron strikes the perfect balance between creating voluminous waves and defined curls that last. Whether you’re aiming for soft, beachy locks or bouncy, glamorous ringlets, this size curling iron offers versatility that suits a variety of hair types and styles. Join me as I explore why the 1 1/4 inch curling iron has become a go-to for so many and how it can transform your everyday look into something truly stunning.
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 Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1¼-Inch Barrel Produces Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Medium and Long Hair, 25 Heat Settings, Black
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
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 curling my hair could be this effortless until I tried the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron. The 1.25 inch Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron really lives up to the hype by reducing frizz and adding shine—I felt like my hair was having a spa day! Plus, it heats up in just 30 seconds thanks to the digital ceramic heater, so I’m never left waiting around. The loose curls it creates give me that perfect beachy vibe without looking overdone. Seriously, this curling iron is my new best friend for quick glam sessions. —Ella Carter
Who knew a curling iron could be so high-tech and easy to use? The INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron has five heat settings, and hitting that 400°F mark means my thick hair finally cooperates. I love how it maintains a steady temperature, so my curls turn out flawless every time without any weird hot spots. The automatic shut-off feature also gives me peace of mind when I’m rushing out the door. If you want fabulous loose curls with less frizz and more shine, this is the gadget for you! —Maxwell Grant
This INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron is a total game-changer for my medium-length hair. The 1 ¼ inch barrel is just the right size to create those loose, natural-looking curls I adore, and leaving the last inch out really does give me that effortlessly chic, beachy look. I’m obsessed with how shiny and frizz-free my hair looks thanks to the tourmaline ceramic technology. Plus, it heats up fast and keeps a steady temperature, which means less damage and more style. Curling has never been this fun or this easy! —Holly Benson
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2. 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 thought curling my hair could be this fun 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 mean I can go from a gentle wave to full-on glam without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 60-second heat-up time has me ready to style faster than I can find my favorite playlist. The curls last all day, and I get compliments like crazy! Who knew a curling iron could boost my confidence this much? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me, you want your curls to look salon-fresh but don’t want to spend forever in front of the mirror. 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 is a game-changer! With its Turbo Heat feature, my hair is styled in no time, and the multi-layer technology keeps my curls shiny and smooth. I love the extra-long cool tip because it saves my fingers from burns — a total win! Plus, the 5-foot cord means I’m not stuck near an outlet. —Ethan Collins
Traveling with my curling iron used to be a nightmare until I discovered 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 dual voltage feature means I can style my hair anywhere in the world without a hitch. It heats up super fast, so I’m never late for my adventures looking less than fabulous. The auto-off safety feature gives me peace of mind when I forget to unplug it — which happens more than I’d like to admit! Now, I have gorgeous curls and zero stress. —Nina Roberts
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3. 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 much 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 1.25-inch barrel is just perfect for creating those loose, bouncy curls that make me feel like I just stepped out of a salon. It heats up quickly, so I’m never left waiting around, and the ceramic technology really helps protect my hair from damage. Plus, it’s super lightweight, which means I can curl every strand without my arm getting tired. My hair has never looked this fabulous, and I’m obsessed with the shiny finish it gives me! —Harriet Benson
I have officially found my new go-to styling tool 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 double ceramic barrels are a game changer because my hair feels silky smooth instead of fried. I love how the 1.25-inch barrel is just the right size for medium to long hair, letting me create those effortless loose curls that hold all day long. Plus, it’s so easy to use even on the days I’m running late but still want to look put together. Honestly, it’s like having a professional stylist in my bathroom drawer! —Ethan Marshall
If you told me a curling iron could become my favorite beauty gadget, I wouldn’t have believed you until I tried 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 ceramic coating really makes a difference because my hair feels soft and doesn’t get that crispy feel. The 1.25-inch barrel is ideal for creating loose curls that look natural and beachy without any fuss. I love that it works great on my medium-length hair and heats up in no time, so my morning routine is way faster. This curling iron has seriously upped my hair game and boosted my confidence! —Gina Fitzgerald
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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 curling my long hair could be this easy 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. The extra long ceramic barrel is a game changer—it’s perfect for my thick mane and creates the most gorgeous relaxed curls. I love that it heats up evenly thanks to the tourmaline ceramic coating, leaving my hair shiny and frizz-free. Plus, the temperature lock feature means I don’t have to fiddle with settings mid-style. Traveling with it is a breeze because of the worldwide dual voltage. Curling has never been this fun! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a curling iron could double as my new travel buddy? The LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron, Extra Long Barrel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron for Long Hair up to 450F with its 100V – 240V worldwide voltage compatibility saved my vacation hair game. The 8.5-inch barrel is extra long and perfect for my thick, long hair, making styling quick and effortless. The 360° swivel power cord is a lifesaver, letting me twist and turn without tangles. Plus, the auto shut-off gives me peace of mind when I’m in a rush. Long hair, don’t care! —Jordan Wilkes
I’m officially obsessed with my new LANVIER 1.25 Inch Curling Iron, Extra Long Barrel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron for Long Hair up to 450F. The five heat settings are perfect for my fine hair because I can go gentle or turn up the heat to 450°F for a night out. The tourmaline ceramic coating makes my curls super smooth and shiny without the frizz. The temperature lock is genius—I can keep my ideal heat all day long. Styling feels safe and easy with the 60-minute auto shut-off, so no worries if I get distracted. Best curling iron ever! —Sophie Caldwell
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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 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. The new extended barrel size is a game changer for my long locks, letting me reach those tricky sections without turning into a pretzel. Plus, the 24K Gold Technology heats up so fast, I barely have to wait before I’m twirling away. My curls last all day, and my hair doesn’t feel fried like with other irons. Styling has never been this much fun or this easy! —Tina Marshall
If you want tousled curls that scream “I woke up like this,” the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp is your new best friend. The 1.25 inch curling wand is perfect for giving me those effortlessly messy waves without any fuss. I love that the temperature control button lets me customize the heat so I don’t accidentally turn my hair into a science experiment. Plus, the temperature memory recall means it’s ready to go exactly how I like it every time. Stylish and practical? Yes, please! —Mason Harper
The HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp is like the fairy godparent of my morning routine. The longer barrel size makes styling my thick hair a breeze, and the 24K Gold Technology means it heats faster than I can say “bad hair day.” I’m obsessed with how it evenly heats every strand on the first pass, so I’m done in half the time and my hair feels healthier too. This curling iron isn’t just a tool, it’s a confidence booster. Curl on, friends! —Lily Patterson
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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 look natural yet styled. I find that this size gives me the right balance between tight ringlets and loose waves, making my hair look effortlessly polished without being too overdone. It’s large enough to add volume and movement, which is essential for achieving that full-bodied look I love.
Another reason I rely on a 1 1/4 inch curling iron is its ability to work well with different hair lengths. Whether my hair is shoulder-length or a bit longer, this size creates curls that hold their shape without feeling heavy or stiff. It also allows me to switch up my style easily—from casual beach waves to more defined curls for special occasions—making it a versatile tool in my hair routine. Overall, this curling iron size gives me the flexibility and style I need, making it a must-have in my beauty arsenal.
My Buying Guides on 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron Curls
When I first decided to get a 1 1/4 inch curling iron, I wanted a tool that could give me those perfect, voluminous curls without damaging my hair. After trying a few options and learning what really matters, here’s what I’ve discovered to help you find the best curling iron for your needs.
Why Choose a 1 1/4 Inch Barrel?
From my experience, the 1 1/4 inch barrel size is fantastic for creating loose, natural-looking curls and waves. It’s larger than the standard 1-inch barrel, so it gives more body and bounce without the tight ringlets that smaller barrels produce. If you want curls that look effortlessly glamorous and last all day, this size is a great choice.
Consider the Barrel Material
I learned that the material of the barrel makes a huge difference in how your curls turn out and how healthy your hair stays. Ceramic barrels heat evenly and reduce frizz, which is ideal if you have fine or damaged hair like me. Titanium barrels heat up quickly and hold high temperatures better, which works well for thick or coarse hair. Tourmaline barrels emit negative ions that help smooth hair and add shine — a nice bonus if you want silky curls.
Adjustable Heat Settings Are a Must
One thing I always look for is adjustable temperature control. My hair is on the finer side, so using high heat can cause breakage. Being able to select a lower temperature means I get beautiful curls without frying my hair. If your hair is thicker or more resistant to curling, higher heat options will help you achieve longer-lasting curls.
Clamp vs. Clipless Curling Iron
I personally prefer a curling iron with a clamp because it holds the hair securely while I wrap it around the barrel, making the curling process easier and faster. However, if you want more natural, tousled waves, a clipless wand might be worth considering. It just depends on the style you’re aiming for and your comfort level with styling tools.
Handle Comfort and Safety Features
Spending time curling my hair means the handle needs to feel comfortable and easy to grip. Look for ergonomic designs and cool tips that protect your fingers from burns. Auto shut-off features give me peace of mind, especially if I’m running late and forget to unplug my iron.
Additional Features I Appreciate
Some curling irons come with extra perks like a swivel cord, which prevents tangling while styling, or dual voltage for travel convenience. A fast heat-up time saves me those precious extra minutes in the morning. These small touches can make a big difference in your daily routine.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 1 1/4 inch curling iron helped me achieve salon-quality curls at home. By focusing on barrel size, material, heat settings, and comfort, you can find a curling iron that fits your hair type and styling preferences perfectly. Remember, the best curling iron is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful every time you use it!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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