3 Best 1 1/4 Inch Curling Irons 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

Curling iron at a hair salon

This barrel size creates natural curls to loose waves. More suitable for longer hair but short hair can also create volume and add some texture. Thin sections will give you spirals; however don’t target to get defined, springy and kinky curls, though.

  • Will create regular waves on short to medium hair
  • Can create loose curls on longer hair
  • Will volumize for every length of hair

Hot Tools Professional Mega 1.25 Inch Curling Iron with Multi-Heat Control Model No. 1110

This barrel size is suited for different hair lengths. Although it suits medium to long hair better, short hair can also add some volume and natural-looking textured waves to their hair. That being said, short-haired people don’t have to avoid this size but must be careful not to curl very big or thick sections.

Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1-1/4 in)
Hot Tools Professional Ceramic + Tourmaline Curling Iron, 1-1/4
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline 1 1/4-Inch Ceramic Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
Name
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1-1/4 in)
Hot Tools Professional Ceramic + Tourmaline Curling Iron, 1-1/4
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline 1 1/4-Inch Ceramic Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
Hair type
Straight, silky, fine/thin hair
Straight to wavy, normal, medium (not too thick nor thin) hair
Wavy to curly, dry, thick/coarse hair
Prime
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1-1/4 in)
Name
Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1-1/4 in)
Hair type
Straight, silky, fine/thin hair
Prime
Hot Tools Professional Ceramic + Tourmaline Curling Iron, 1-1/4
Name
Hot Tools Professional Ceramic + Tourmaline Curling Iron, 1-1/4
Hair type
Straight to wavy, normal, medium (not too thick nor thin) hair
Prime
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline 1 1/4-Inch Ceramic Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
Name
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline 1 1/4-Inch Ceramic Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
Hair type
Wavy to curly, dry, thick/coarse hair
Prime

Table of Contents

Our Top Picks

Hot Tools Professional 1110 Curling Iron

Hot Tools Professional Mega 1.25 Inch Curling Iron with Multi-Heat Control Model No. 1110

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Best for: Straight, silky, fine/thin hair

Features

  • Patented Pulse Technology™ for stable heat from the start to end
  • 24K gold – plated smooth barrel for shiny and glossy curls
  • Due to the extra sleek surface of the barrel, hair doesn’t get torn by sticking or snagging
  • 85 watts for fast heat up to 430°F or (220°C)
  • Variable heat settings with built-in rheostat control
  • Saves the last heat setting in its memory
  • Soft-Grip™ textured handle
  • Powerful spring clamp, as well as two replacement spring clamps, are included
  • A heavy-duty long-life heating element
  • Solid-state circuitry ensuring safety
  • Foldaway safety stand
  • Extra-long cool tip to avoid burning fingertips
  • 8-ft. heavy-duty tangle-proof 360° swivel cord for convenience
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds approx.
  • 1-year manufacturer’s limited warranty

Without heat this kind of hair is trying to curl but if your hair is so delicate and elegant that it may easily get damaged. Thus, Hot Tools Professional 1110 Curling Iron is the best choice for straight, silky, fine/thin hair type.

The best feature of this salon standard 24k gold barrel is it heats up fast, and its patented technology maintains the selected temperature without fluctuation. This curling iron eliminates hot spots generating even heat all over the barrel and makes the curls smooth and flawless at the same time. The 25 heat settings of the curling iron lets you control the heat for your specific needs too.

To avoid mishaps read the manual for direction about your particular hair type and use the recommended heat for the best result. Silky fine hair is prone to get damaged easily, so you need to be extra careful. Spring clamps don’t let your silky hair slip away while long tangle-free swivel cord, extra-long cool tip, and comfortable grip help you handle the curling iron better. This excellent curling iron is available in 8 different sizes to cater to all your styling needs.

Hot Tools Professional 2110 Ceramic Titanium Professional Curling Iron

Hot Tools Professional Ceramic Titanium Professional Curling Iron, 1-1/4"

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Best for: Straight to wavy, normal, medium (not too thick nor thin) hair

Features

  • Ceramic Ti (Ti stands for Titanium) and tourmaline combination: Ceramic provides far-infrared heat retaining the natural moisture of the hair and Titanium heats up fast and distributes the heat evenly while Tourmaline emits negative ions to make hair shinier and smoother
  • Patented Pulse Technology for even heat
  • Rheostat heat control up to 430°F to get lasting curls
  • Comfortable soft-grip handles with Extra-long cool tip for efficient handling
  • 8 ft swivel cord for tangle-free operation for convenience
  • Includes 2 extra easy-to-replace springs just in case the spring gets lose or broke
  • Weight: not too thick, 1.5 pounds approx.
  • Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service

Regular straight to wavy medium hair is neither thick nor thin. For this medium thickness, it is the perfect hair type to try out different styles. However, it doesn’t mean you can be careless. To form lasting curls medium hair needs more heat, but repeated exposure to harsh heat will make your hair dull and lifeless. Thus, to save your hair from becoming dry, rough and frizzy, we suggest the Hot Tools Professional 2110 Ceramic Titanium Professional Curling Iron, 1-1/4″.

This is the best curling iron for regular straight to wavy medium hair. Ceramic releases far-infrared heat is preserving the natural moisture of the hair while Tourmaline emits negative ions to lock the hair cuticle to make your hair smoother and shinier. It will give you lasting waves while keeping your hair healthy and hydrated. To try out the different styles of medium thickness of hair is perfect. Well, you have to be cautious during using it. Thus, to save your hair from becoming dry, rough and frizzy, we suggest the combination of Ceramic and tourmaline.

Conair Infiniti Pro Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron, 1 1/4-inch Curling Iron

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Best for: Wavy to curly, dry, thick/coarse hair

Features

  • Ceramic and tourmaline combination: Ceramic provides far-infrared heat retaining the natural moisture of the hair while Tourmaline emits negative ions to make hair shinier and smoother
  • Patented Pulse Technology gets hot & stays hot performance
  • Rheostat heat control up to 430°F to get lasting curls
  • Comfortable soft-grip handles with Extra-long cool tip for efficient handling
  • 8ft swivel cord for tangle-free operation for convenience
  • Includes two extra easy-to-replace springs just in case the spring gets lose or broke
  • Weight: not too thick, 1.5 pounds approx.
  • Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service

The Infiniti Pro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Iron, 1¼ Inch is the best for wavy to curly, dry, thick/coarse hair because it keeps the natural moisture balanced and doesn’t let the hair frizz out due to excessive dryness.

Ceramic discharges far-infrared heat that doesn’t destroy the natural moisture of the hair while Tourmaline emits negative ions to lock the hair cuticle to make your hair smoother and shinier. It assures long-lasting hairstyle while keeping your hair healthy and hydrated.

Typical straight to wavy hair is neither thick nor thin which is excellent for any style but be sure that you are conscious while using it. Medium-thick hair is needed more heat if you want to form lasting curls, but regular exposure to high heat will make your hair dull, brittle and lifeless. So if you do not want to have your hair dehydrated, rough and frizzy you are suggested the combination of Ceramic and tourmaline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How to use a 1 1/4 inch curling iron?

Make separate partitions of the hair. Hold the 1 ¼” curling iron vertically and wrap the strand around it from the nape of the neck. Roll it along the curve of the iron and hold it in the heat for 15-20 secs. Slowly release the clamp or roll out the hair to form medium-sized bouncy curls. 

Q2. What is the difference between 1 inch and 1 1/4 inch curling iron?

Generally speaking, shorter hair requires a smaller curling iron. A 1” barrel creates more waves and medium curls. A 1 ¼” barrel will create looser curls and bigger waves. This size iron is good for medium-length hair. 

Q3. How to curl long thin hair with a 1 1/4 inch curling iron?

Take a substantial amount of hair and make sections. Hold the clamp facing outwards and the iron longitudinally. Wrap the lock of hair tightly around the 1 ¼” barrel and hold for a few seconds. Gently pull out the iron and lightly run your fingers through the hair. This will help the hair cool down faster and give you long loose curls. 

Q4. Should I get a 1 inch or 1.25-inch curling iron?

If you have medium size hair, a 1 or 1.25” curling iron will suffice. It will create loose waves and curls. The 1” iron will provide tighter curls than the 1.25” iron. 

Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


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