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Pros: Resulting curls tend to be longer-lasting than wand curls, plus curling irons are more versatile since they can be used as wands and/or straightening irons.Curling irons are best for: Anyone looking for defined, uniform curls on all hair lengths, types and textures.Plus, if the iron has a clip that extends the full length of the barrel, the curling iron can also be used to straighten hair. Curling irons tend to be more versatile since they also "can be used as wands over the clip to produce loose curls and waves rather than curls," she notes. "Clipping the hair before curling provides needed tension to create tighter and defined spiral curls," explains Sabina Wizemann, a senior chemist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. What's the difference between a curling wand and a curling iron?Ī curling iron has a clamp to hold hair flat against the tool, creating curls that are typically polished, precise and long-lasting. Here's everything you need to know about curling wands and curling irons, including when to use them, pros and cons of each, and, of course, how to curl long hair as well as short and medium lengths with either. "A curling iron creates classic, bouncy curls, while a styling can create a variety of wave styles." That's because, she says, "curling irons form a spiral pattern in the hair, while a styling wand creates more of an 'S' pattern." "Choosing to use a curling iron versus a styling wand depends on the desired style or overall finished look," says Anna Kimble, director of product education and events at Drybar. But it can be a bit confusing to figure out the difference between these similar-looking hairstyling tools - and how to decide between the two, depending on your hairstyle goals. Most of us don't wake up with perfect beach waves or curled hair, which is where curling wands and curling irons come into play.
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