So you’re thinking about getting a curling wand…but have to choose between a tapered vs. a straight barrel? Decisions, decisions!
For the most part, you likely already know what you need. Want tight ringlets? Get an iron that’s ¾” or even ½” wide. Love loose, beachy waves? You’ll need a thicker barrel that’s at least 1” in diameter or wider.
Where you may need some help is figuring out whether to get a cylindrical wand or a conical one.
Advantages of a Cylindrical (Straight) Wand
GET UNIFORM CURLS
Create symmetrical ribbon or S-curls
VARIABLE WIDTHS
Comes in super skinny to wide barrel sizes
MORE SURFACE AREA
More barrel surface prevents wrapping hair over itself at tip
SECURE GRIP
Hair less likely to slide off end compared to a tapered barrel
Available in all barrel sizes from super skinny ½” diameter up to 2” wide
Your tried-and-true, standard curling wand is a cylindrical rod that is the same width from tip to base. It’s the clipless version of a regular curling iron, which some people find easier to handle.
With a cylindrical barrel, you can wrap your hair around any part of the barrel and get the same size curl.
It’s great for creating symmetrical, uniform curls or waves, and is particularly good for ribbon curls.
You can change up your technique for different looks and textures by twisting your strands before wrapping them around the rod, wrapping more hair at a time for looser waves, or creating well-defined S-curls by holding smaller sections against the iron before releasing.
One of the biggest benefits of a cylindrical wand is that your hair won’t slide down the length of the barrel the way it can with a tapered rod. This is especially true if the surface of the barrel is particularly smooth and your hair is very fine or less textured.
If you’re a novice or newbie at curling your own hair, the straight barrel is probably your best choice while you work on your curling skills.
My Favorite Cylindrical Wands
Budget: Conair Double Ceramic Curling Wand
- Clipless Double Ceramic-Coated Barrel
- 30 Heat Settings + Turbo Boost Option
- Max Temperature 400°F
- Dual voltage
Mid-Range: Hot Tools Professional 24K Gold Flipperless Curling Wand
- Clipless 24k Gold-Plated Barrel
- Extra-Long Cool Tip
- Max Temperature 430°F
- 8-ft. Swivel Cord
Advantages of a Tapered (Conical) Wand
GREAT FOR NATURAL WAVES
Tapered wands are ideal for natural-looking beach waves
VARIABLE WIDTHS
Comes in super skinny to wide barrel sizes
CREATE VOLUME AT ROOTS
Use the tapered end to get closer to your roots for more volume
VERSATILE
Multi-use tool that works on all lengths from short bobs to long hair
Tapered wands usually have a ½” difference between the base and the tip. Skinny: ½”-1″, Medium: ¾”-1 ¼”, Fat: 1″-1 ½”
A tapered, conical wand is a modern curler that provides extra versatility and dimension to styling. It’s an ideal styling tool for getting the casual, beachy wave or the glamorous, sexy Victoria’s Secret Angel hair.
A highly-touted benefit of using a conical wand is its ability to give you natural-looking waves. Instead of a uniformly even curl from top to bottom, you’ll have wider waves up top that gradually get narrower towards your ends.
It’s the opposite of the perfectly-coiffed, not-a-hair-out-of-place look of your grandmother’s generation. Instead, you’ll get a more casual, S-shaped or beach wave that’s natural-looking and voluminous when tousled.
In terms of use, the tapered wand allows you to easily release the curl into the palm of your hand because it narrows as it gets to the tip. It’s also great for touch ups – i.e., redoing a section of hair that’s gone loose after a day or two with the smaller end to help bump up the volume.
Naturally, this type of wand also gives you the option to use either end for looser waves or tighter curls. This works best on shorter lengths since you won’t have as much runway to work with. You can even alternate curl sizes between sections for a funkier style.
My Favorite Conical Wands
Budget: INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand
- Tourmaline Ceramic Barrel
- Tapered Shape (1" Base to ½” Tip)
- Max Temperature 400°F
- 5 Heat Settings
Mid-Range: HOT TOOLS Professional Nano Ceramic Curling Iron
- Nano Ceramic Barrel
- Available in Multiple Widths
- Adjustable Heat From 280°F - 450°F
- Heat-Resistant Glove Included
If you want more volume at your crown, you might prefer a reverse-tapered wand instead:
Bed Head Curlipops Reverse Tapered Curling Wand
- Reverse Tapered Shape (1" Tip to 1/2" Base)
- Tourmaline Ceramic Barrel
- Max Temperature 400°F
- Dual Voltage + Swivel Cord
Which Should You Choose?
The best curling wand for you will depend on a few factors like your hair type and texture, length, and the look you’re going for.
If you have fine, slippery, or long hair, a cylindrical barrel will usually work best. One benefit of selecting a straight rod is they are available either with or without a clamp. Novices may prefer the spring clamp iron since it helps hold your hair against the barrel while you curl.
Cylindrical irons are also best for flat ribbon-style curls, which are great for a more structured, piece-y look.
On the other hand, tapered wands are really popular for creating fashionable beach waves that everyone from celebs to supermodels and everyday gals love. It’s versatile shape makes it a one-stop shop for easy, natural waves on short, medium and long hair.