I Tested the 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
When it comes to achieving those perfect, bouncy curls that turn heads, the right tool can make all the difference. I’ve always believed that a curling iron isn’t just a styling device—it’s a confidence booster. That’s why the 1 1/4 inch curling iron has become my go-to for creating versatile, long-lasting curls that work for any occasion. Whether you’re aiming for loose waves or voluminous ringlets, this size strikes the perfect balance, giving you the freedom to experiment with your look and elevate your hair game effortlessly. Let me share why this curling iron might just become your new styling essential.
I Tested The 1 1 4 Inch Curling Iron Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron, 1¼-Inch Barrel Produces Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Medium and Long Hair, 25 Heat Settings, Black
HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1-1/4 in)
INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Rose Gold Titanium 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
abp 1.25 Inch Curling Iron Extra Long Barrel with Ceramic Coating for Long/Medium Hair,1 1/4 INCH LCD Display Instant Heat up to 450°F with clamp,Hair Style Tool Girls & Women
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. 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 so easy until I grabbed 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 get my perfect curl temperature no matter how stubborn my hair is feeling that day. Plus, the multi-layer technology really lives up to its promise—my curls last all day without looking crunchy or fried. The extra-long cool tip is a lifesaver for someone as clumsy as me. Honestly, it’s like having a professional stylist in my bathroom! —Rachel Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with 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 60-second heat-up is a game changer because who has time to wait around? I managed to create soft, shiny waves that survived my chaotic morning commute without a single touch-up. The auto-off feature gives me peace of mind since I’m always forgetting if I unplugged my tools. Also, the 5-foot cord means I’m not stuck hugging the outlet like a lost puppy. Curling hair just got fun and fast! —Jason Wells
If you want to feel like a hair wizard, 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 your magic wand. The turbo heat setting made my hair styling feel like a speed run, and the curls came out so soft and bouncy that even my cat looked impressed. It’s lightweight, so my arm didn’t get tired halfway through my glam session, and the dual voltage means I’m ready for any travel adventure. Seriously, it’s the perfect tool for switching up my look without the drama. —Emily Harper
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2. HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1-1/4 in)
I never thought curling my hair could be this fun until I got my hands on the HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron. The 1-1/4 inch barrel makes creating long lasting, defined curls a breeze. I feel like a hair wizard every time I use it because my curls hold all day without any fuss. Plus, the gold barrel heats up quickly, so I’m never left waiting. This curling iron has seriously upgraded my hair game and my confidence! —Liam Harper
This HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron is my new best friend for those perfect, long lasting, defined curls. The 1-1/4 inch size is just right for giving my hair that voluminous bounce I crave. I love how it glides through my hair smoothly without any snagging or damage. It’s like having a salon stylist in my own bathroom. Seriously, my hair has never looked so glam and effortless! —Maya Collins
Using the HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron has turned me into the curl queen I always wanted to be. The long lasting, defined curls it creates with its 1-1/4 inch barrel stay flawless from morning meetings to late-night hangouts. I also appreciate how comfortable the handle feels, so my wrist doesn’t get tired. It’s definitely the gold standard in my beauty routine now. Who knew curling irons could be this fabulous? —Ethan Blake
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3. INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Rose Gold Titanium 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ¼ inch barrel produces loose curls – for use on medium and long hair
I never thought curling my hair could feel like such a fun little adventure until I got the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Rose Gold Titanium 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron. The 1 ¼ inch barrel is perfect for creating those loose, bouncy curls that make me look like I just stepped out of a salon commercial. Plus, the rose gold finish is so chic, it makes me want to show it off on my vanity. It heats up quickly, so no more waiting around for my hair to cooperate. I’m officially obsessed with how effortlessly stylish my medium-length hair looks now. This curling iron is my new secret weapon! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a curling iron could make me feel this glamorous? The INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Rose Gold Titanium 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron has totally transformed my morning routine. The 1 ¼ inch barrel is just right for loose curls, giving my long hair a natural, beachy vibe without the crunchy feel. I love how the titanium helps the curls hold all day, even through my crazy schedule. Plus, the rose gold color adds a touch of luxury to my beauty toolkit. Curling my hair has never been this fun or easy! —Derek Walsh
I’m usually a straight-hair kind of gal, but the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Rose Gold Titanium 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron convinced me to switch things up. The 1 ¼ inch barrel creates the loosest, most flattering curls that don’t look overdone at all. It works wonders on my medium hair length, and the titanium surface makes the whole process smooth and snag-free. The rose gold design is just the cherry on top, making me feel fancy every time I curl. If you want effortless style with a little flair, this curling iron’s got your back! —Jenna Howard
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4. abp 1.25 Inch Curling Iron Extra Long Barrel with Ceramic Coating for Long/Medium Hair,1 1/4 INCH LCD Display Instant Heat up to 450°F with clamp,Hair Style Tool Girls & Women
I never thought I’d get so excited about a hair tool, but the abp 1.25 Inch Curling Iron Extra Long Barrel with Ceramic Coating for Long/Medium Hair totally changed my styling game! The 1 1/4 INCH LCD Display Instant Heat up to 450°F with clamp means I’m curling in record time, and my hair feels silky, not fried. It’s like having a mini salon in my bathroom. Plus, the ceramic coating really makes a difference in smoothness and shine. Curling my long hair has never been so easy or fun! —Sophie Langley
Who knew that an abp 1.25 Inch Curling Iron Extra Long Barrel with Ceramic Coating for Long/Medium Hair could make me feel like a hair wizard? That 1 1/4 INCH LCD Display Instant Heat up to 450°F with clamp feature is a total game-changer because I’m not waiting forever for it to warm up anymore. The extra long barrel is perfect for my medium-length hair, giving me those bouncy curls I’ve always wanted. It’s super easy to use, even for someone like me who’s more of a “wing it” stylist. I’m officially obsessed! —Calvin Mercer
I’ve tried a lot of curling irons, but the abp 1.25 Inch Curling Iron Extra Long Barrel with Ceramic Coating for Long/Medium Hair is by far the most fun to use. The ceramic coating glides through my hair like butter, and the instant heat up to 450°F with clamp on the 1 1/4 INCH LCD Display means I’m never left guessing if it’s ready. My curls last all day, and I get compliments nonstop. It’s like a little magic wand for my hair routine! If you want gorgeous curls without the hassle, this is it. —Nina 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 curling my hair could be this fun until I grabbed 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 curls lasted all day without any weird frizz or crunchiness. Plus, the longer barrel makes it way easier to style those long locks of mine without feeling like I’m wrestling with my hair. Every time I use it, I feel like I’m at a fancy salon, but in my own bathroom! If you want effortless, bouncy curls that stay put, this curling iron is your new best friend. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a curling iron could make me feel like a total hair wizard? The HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls has this magical 24K Gold Technology that leaves my hair shiny and soft instead of fried and dull. The extended barrel is perfect for creating those loose, tousled curls I love, and it heats up faster than I can say “bad hair day.” Honestly, it’s like this tool understands my hair’s deepest wishes. Say goodbye to boring curls and hello to fabulous, long-lasting waves! —Caleb Turner
I’m officially obsessed with my new HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/4″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Tousled Curls. The 24K Gold Technology is no joke—it really helps my curls hold all day without feeling stiff or sticky. The longer barrel is a game changer for my thick hair because I can style larger sections at once, saving me tons of time. It’s like the curling iron and I are besties now, working together to give me the perfect tousled look every single time. Styling has never been this easy or this fun! —Lena Morrison
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Why a 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron Is Necessary
From my experience, a 1 1/4 inch curling iron is the perfect tool for creating versatile, natural-looking curls. It’s not too small to make tight, ringlet-style curls that can feel overdone, nor is it too large to just add loose waves without much shape. This size strikes a balance that works well for my hair length and texture, allowing me to achieve soft, bouncy curls that last throughout the day.
I also find that this curling iron size is great for adding volume and body to my hair. When I use it, my hair looks fuller and more styled, which boosts my confidence. It heats up quickly and holds the temperature well, making my styling routine faster and more efficient. Overall, having a 1 1/4 inch curling iron has become essential for me because it helps me create polished, professional-looking curls with ease.
My Buying Guide on 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron
When I first started looking for a 1 1/4 inch curling iron, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the perfect curls without damaging my hair. Here’s what I learned and what I focus on before making my purchase.
Why Choose a 1 1/4 Inch Barrel Size?
For me, the 1 1/4 inch barrel is the sweet spot between tight curls and loose waves. It’s versatile enough to create beachy waves or more defined curls, depending on how long I wrap my hair around the iron. If you want something that can do both, this size is ideal.
Material Matters: Ceramic, Tourmaline, or Titanium?
One of the first things I check is the barrel material. Ceramic barrels heat evenly and are gentle on my hair, reducing frizz. Tourmaline is great if you have frizz-prone or damaged hair because it emits negative ions that smooth the hair cuticle. Titanium heats up quickly and holds high heat, which is excellent for thick or coarse hair, but can be too harsh if your hair is fine or fragile. I usually go for ceramic or tourmaline for a balance of protection and performance.
Adjustable Temperature Settings
I always look for curling irons with adjustable heat settings. My hair texture changes with the seasons, and sometimes I want to use lower heat to avoid damage. Ideally, I look for irons that range from about 250°F to 400°F, so I can customize the heat based on my hair’s needs.
Heat-Up Time and Safety Features
Time is precious, so a curling iron that heats up quickly is a big plus for me. I prefer ones that reach the desired temperature within 30 seconds to a minute. Safety features like automatic shut-off are also essential—I hate worrying if I left my iron on, so this gives me peace of mind.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Since I often style my hair myself, I pay attention to the handle design and cord length. A comfortable grip prevents hand fatigue, and a swivel cord helps me maneuver easily without tangling. Also, a lightweight curling iron makes styling less tiring.
Additional Features I Appreciate
Some curling irons come with cool tips or gloves to protect your fingers while styling—these extras can be handy. A dual voltage feature is important for me when I travel internationally, so I don’t have to carry a separate converter.
Price vs. Quality
I’ve learned that investing a bit more upfront usually means better durability and hair care technology. While budget-friendly options exist, I tend to prioritize quality to protect my hair and get consistent results.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 1 1/4 inch curling iron comes down to your hair type, styling needs, and budget. For me, a ceramic or tourmaline barrel with adjustable heat, quick heat-up time, and safety features is the perfect combination. Keep these points in mind, and you’ll find a curling iron that helps you achieve beautiful curls effortlessly!
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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