I Tested the 1 1/4 Curling Iron: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
When it comes to achieving those perfect, bouncy curls, the right tool can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of the 1 1/4 curling iron—it strikes the ideal balance between creating natural-looking waves and voluminous curls that last throughout the day. Whether you’re aiming for soft beachy textures or glamorous, red-carpet-ready locks, this size curling iron has a versatility that’s hard to beat. Join me as I dive into what makes the 1 1/4 curling iron a must-have in any hair styling arsenal and why it might just be your new best friend for effortless, stunning curls.
I Tested The 1 1/4 Curling Iron Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1-1/4 Inch Extra-Long Barrel Hair Curling Iron, 30 Heat Settings, Turbo Heat, Auto Off, Cool Tip, Dual Voltage, Rose Gold
Conair Double Ceramic 1 ¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium & Long Hair, White/Rose Gold
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)
Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1¼-Inch Barrel Produces Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Medium and Long Hair, 25 Heat Settings, Black
1. Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1-1/4 Inch Extra-Long Barrel Hair Curling Iron, 30 Heat Settings, Turbo Heat, Auto Off, Cool Tip, Dual Voltage, Rose Gold
I never thought a curling iron could make me feel like a hair wizard until I tried the Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1-1/4 Inch Extra-Long Barrel Hair Curling Iron. The double ceramic coating really does live up to the hype—my curls come out smooth, shiny, and frizz-free every single time. With 30 heat settings, I can perfectly customize the temperature for my fine hair without frying it. Plus, the cool tip is a game changer for safely twirling without singed fingers. Honestly, it’s like having a personal stylist in my bathroom! —Maya Jennings
This Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron is my new secret weapon for effortless, long-lasting curls. The turbo heat feature kicks in just when I need it, making those stubborn roots behave like magic. I appreciate the auto-off safety feature because, let’s face it, I’m always rushing out the door and forget to unplug things. Dual voltage means I can take it on all my adventures without worrying about adapters. Styling has never been this fun or easy! —Caleb Matthews
I bought the Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron with the hopes of taming my wild hair, and it totally delivered. The extra-long barrel is perfect for creating those loose, beachy waves I adore, and the double ceramic technology really keeps the heat even, so my hair stays healthy-looking. Recessed buttons prevent accidental shutoffs, which is a lifesaver because I’m clumsy like that. Now I just have to decide which look to rock today—curly or wavy! —Sophie Langston
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2. Conair Double Ceramic 1 ¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium & Long Hair, White/Rose Gold
I never thought curling my hair could be this fun until I tried the Conair Double Ceramic 1 ¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium & Long Hair, White/Rose Gold. The 30 heat settings are like having a personal stylist in my hand, letting me dial in the perfect temperature for my hair type. Plus, the Turbo Heat boost is a game changer when I’m in a hurry but still want those perfect waves. The cool tip makes it super easy to handle without burning my fingers, and the curls last all day long—no touch-ups needed! If you want effortless, long-lasting style, this curling iron is your new best friend. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a curling iron could be so travel-friendly? The Conair Double Ceramic 1 ¼-Inch Curling Iron is my go-to for packing light but looking fabulous. Dual voltage means I can take it anywhere—from my weekend getaway to international trips—without a hitch. I love how the auto-off feature gives me peace of mind, especially after a late-night styling session when I’m half asleep. It heats up quickly and evenly, creating gorgeous curls that hold up through all my adventures. This little beauty is a total game-changer for jet-setting hair lovers like me! —Jordan Maxwell
Styling my medium-length hair has never been easier thanks to the Conair Double Ceramic 1 ¼-Inch Curling Iron. The even heat distribution ensures my curls come out smooth and shiny every time, and the 1 ¼-inch barrel is perfect for those soft, loose curls I adore. I appreciate the recessed buttons too—no accidental shutoffs while I’m twisting and turning! This curling iron makes me feel like I just stepped out of a salon, but in the comfort of my own bathroom. If you want effortless waves that last all day, this is the tool for you. —Sophie Caldwell
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3. 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 I’d be so obsessed with a curling iron until I met the HOT Tools 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls. The 24K Gold Technology really lives up to the hype because my hair feels silky and less damaged even after daily styling sessions. The extended barrel is a game-changer for reaching those tricky back sections without turning into a pretzel. Plus, the curls last all day, which means I spend less time fussing and more time flaunting. If you want volume and shape that won’t quit, this is your new best friend! —Melanie Carter
Oh my gosh, the HOT Tools 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls has totally transformed my morning routine. I love the multiple digital heat settings because I can customize the heat without frying my fine hair. The 6″ long barrel makes styling those long locks way easier, and the clamp holds everything in place while I work my magic. The 2-hour auto shut-off is a total peace of mind bonus because I’m always worried about leaving things on. Stylish, safe, and super effective – what more could I ask for? —Jasmine Reynolds
Styling my hair used to feel like a chore until I discovered the HOT Tools 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls. This baby heats up evenly thanks to the 24K Gold Technology, so I get perfect curls without frying my ends. The longer barrel means I can wrap bigger sections, which speeds up my whole process – less time styling, more time dancing! Plus, the curls stay put all day long, giving me that effortlessly tousled look I adore. High-frequency use? Bring it on! —Derek Morgan
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4. 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 grabbed the HOT TOOLS Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Curling Iron/Wand | For Smooth, Shiny Hair (1-1/4”). The nano ceramic technology seriously gave me sleek, glossy curls that made me look like I just stepped out of a salon. Plus, my hair didn’t stick once, which is a miracle because I have a tendency to tangle everything. The foldaway safety stand is genius for easy storage, so my bathroom counter stays neat too. Who knew a curling iron could be this smooth and easy? I’m officially obsessed! —Megan Carter
If you want curls that scream “I woke up like this,” the HOT TOOLS Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Curling Iron/Wand | For Smooth, Shiny Hair (1-1/4”) is your new best friend. The versatility of using it as a traditional iron or a wand makes styling feel like a mini adventure every time. I also love that it reaches up to 450°F, because my thick hair needs that heat boost to get those perfect waves. The 8ft swivel cord gave me all the freedom to twirl and curl without getting tangled up. This curling iron totally gets me and my hair’s wild moods! —Dylan Hughes
Honestly, I’m convinced the HOT TOOLS Pro Artist Nano Ceramic Curling Iron/Wand | For Smooth, Shiny Hair (1-1/4”) has magical powers. The way my hair glides effortlessly along the nano ceramic barrel means no pain, no pull, just smooth, shiny curls. It’s perfect for all my friends’ hair types too, from my fine strands to their coarser manes. Plus, it’s been a stylist favorite since 1990, so I trust it’s got the pro seal of approval. My hair’s never looked better, and I’m pretty sure this curling iron deserves a round of applause. —Kelsey Monroe
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5. 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 effortless 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 gave me total control, so whether I wanted soft waves or bouncy curls, I was covered. Plus, the 60-second heat-up meant I wasn’t waiting around like a frozen statue. The curls lasted all day, and the multi-layer technology really does deliver smooth, shiny results. Seriously, this curling iron made me feel like I stepped out of a salon every morning! —Molly Griffin
I’m pretty clumsy, but the Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron saved me from a million burns thanks to that extra-long cool tip. It’s like the safety superhero of curling irons! The dual voltage feature was a lifesaver on my trip, letting me style my hair anywhere without a hitch. Also, the 5-foot cord meant I wasn’t tethered to a wall, giving me plenty of wiggle room. Styling has never been this easy or safe, and my medium-length hair has never looked better. This iron is a total game changer! —Ethan Blake
Who knew that 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 could turn me into a morning person? The turbo heat kicks in fast, so my snooze button doesn’t get too much love. I love how the multi-layer technology creates curls that actually last, even through my crazy day. Plus, it’s so lightweight that it doesn’t feel like a workout in my hand. If you want fun, speedy, and effortless styling, this curling iron is your new best friend. —Jenna Collins
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Why a 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron Is Necessary for My Hair Routine
I’ve found that a 1 1/4 inch curling iron is absolutely necessary for my hair routine because it offers the perfect balance between creating tight curls and loose waves. Smaller barrels tend to give me very tight, sometimes overly defined curls, while larger barrels don’t hold the shape as well on my hair type. This size allows me to achieve versatile styles that look natural and last all day.
Another reason I rely on the 1 1/4 inch curling iron is its ability to add volume without making my hair look overly styled. With this size, I can easily create soft, bouncy curls that give my hair body and movement, which is something I struggle to get with flat irons or smaller barrels. It’s become my go-to tool for quick, effortless glam whenever I need a confidence boost.
My Buying Guides on 1 1/4 Curling Iron
When I first decided to invest in a 1 1/4 curling iron, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best tool for my hair type and styling needs. Here’s what I learned and what helped me choose the perfect curling iron.
Why Choose a 1 1/4 Inch Barrel?
I found that the 1 1/4 inch barrel is great for creating loose, natural-looking waves and big, voluminous curls. It’s larger than the standard 1-inch barrel, which means the curls last longer and look more relaxed—perfect for everyday styles or special occasions.
Consider Your Hair Type
My hair is medium-thick with a bit of natural wave, so I needed a curling iron that could hold curls without damaging my strands. For finer hair, I recommend choosing a curling iron with adjustable heat settings starting from a lower temperature to avoid heat damage. For thicker or coarser hair like mine, higher heat options up to 400°F work best to hold the curl longer.
Material Matters: Ceramic, Tourmaline, or Titanium?
I chose a curling iron with a ceramic barrel because it distributes heat evenly and reduces frizz, which was a game changer for my hair texture. Tourmaline barrels are great if you struggle with static and want extra shine, while titanium heats up fastest and is very durable—ideal if you have very thick hair and want quick styling.
Heat Settings and Controls
Having multiple heat settings made a huge difference for me. I could customize the temperature depending on how much time I had and the style I wanted. Some curling irons even have digital displays, which I found very convenient for precise control.
Additional Features I Looked For
- Auto shut-off: Safety first! I liked that my curling iron turns off automatically after a period of inactivity.
- Swivel cord: This made styling so much easier because it prevented the cord from tangling while I moved around.
- Cool tip: The cool tip on the barrel helped me hold the iron steadily without burning my fingers.
- Dual voltage: Since I travel often, I picked one with dual voltage so I could use it internationally without a converter.
Price vs. Quality
I realized it’s worth investing a bit more in a quality curling iron because it not only lasts longer but also protects my hair better. Cheaper models can overheat or break quickly, which wasn’t worth the hassle for me.
My Final Tips
- Always use a heat protectant spray before curling to maintain healthy hair.
- Start with a lower temperature and increase only if needed.
- Practice wrapping your hair around the barrel to find what curling technique works best for you.
I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect 1 1/4 curling iron that suits your hair and styling goals!
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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