Curling Iron Vs Flat Iron: What’s Best for Stunning Curls?

If you’re obsessed with hairstyling like me, you’ll want a way to create perfect curls for yourself. Let’s compare two hair curling methods: curling iron vs. flat iron.

Did you know some of the first commonly used curling irons were heated over gas burners, before the invention of electricity,  causing people burns and hair damage? (1)

With so many types of curls to try, I’m here to highlight the pros and cons of using both hair tools for curling hair.

Key Takeaways:

• Each tool has benefits, depending on how you want to curl your hair.
• Straighteners are versatile tools that can straighten and shape your hair into natural curls.
• Straighteners don’t require extra attachments.
• Curling irons are easier to use than flat irons.

Using A Curling Iron

The curling wand is meant for people in a hurry who know exactly what type of curl they want.

Most curlers take on a cylindrical shape so you can wrap your locks around the hot barrel and shape away.

However, you might have to get extra attachments or an interchangeable styling wand if you want different-sized curls instead of the uniform curls offered by one barrel.

In the past, I have tried my hardest to get different curl shapes out of one barrel size, but the result was tight spiral curls rather than varying-sized curls and loose waves.

Additionally, I would recommend using a curler if you have short hair.

Whenever I am sporting shoulder-length hair, I prefer using a curling iron because it’s more efficient.

Among the available options, you can opt for a tapered wand. A tapered barrel is different from a regular one in terms of the size variations it offers.

It starts off as thick on one end and, as the name suggests, tapers off to a small size on the other end.

An advantage of using a curling iron is that it will give you a sleek design and more refined curls.

If you don’t want that, try using a blow dryer instead, like the Dyson Airwrap.

According to Jennifer Aniston’s longtime hairstylist Chris McMillan, she uses round brushes to blow-dry her hair and twists it for natural curls. (2)

If you’re a fan of the Friends star and her gorgeous hair, you might want to try this method for a more natural-looking curl.

However, curlers are easier to use because you just wrap your hair around the wand, hold it still, and release it to find a beautiful curl.

This may not be a multipurpose tool, but it is pretty simple to use for beginners.

ALSO CHECK: How to Straighten Hair With Curling Iron

How To Curl My Hair With A Curling Iron

Remember to use a heat-protectant spray or serum to prevent hair damage and frizz.

Stay below 392 degrees Fahrenheit when you warm the curling iron because excessive heat will ruin your hair. (3)

For a larger and looser curl, section your hair and wrap the strands you want to curl around the wand. The key to this curl is to wrap it flatly around the iron and not let it twist.

It’s up to you if you want the hair to curl toward or away from your face.

Wrapping larger chunks of hair around the curlers will lead to a broader curl pattern, whereas smaller strands will give you tight curls.

Check out this video!

Using A Flat Iron

Flat irons are multipurpose heat-styling tools that can take you from straight hair to wavy hair, the perfect beach waves, bouncy curls, or tight curls.

I usually travel with a straightener because of the wide range of possibilities it offers. I like it because I can use it in multiple ways.

For instance, I’ll use lower heat settings to prevent hair damage and add more products to hold it in, alternating between the two.

With my thick hair, I have to use a ton of products to keep it in place. I’d rather do that with adjustable temperature settings to minimize heat damage.

My flat iron curls seem to last longer than if I’d used a curler. Thus, I would recommend using a straightener for thicker hair types.

This also works better for me because I keep my hair longer, so pick a flat iron if your hair is like mine.

Keep in mind, flat irons can leave a crease in the hair if you’re not careful. I move the iron down my hair in a singular, smooth motion without pauses to avoid creasing.

However, it took me a while to master using a straightener, so if you’re a beginner, this might not be the tool for you.

As far as the curling iron vs. flat iron comparison, I think the flat iron holds an obvious edge.

Check out this video tutorial for more tips.

How To Curl My Hair With A Flat Iron

One of my favorite ways to curl my hair is a ribbon curl because it looks elegant. It is easy to achieve a close ribbon curl.

Clamp the straightener around the base of your hair, with the inside of your hand facing your head. Then, rotate the iron once so now your palm faces you.

Slide the iron down to the end of the hair, and viola! You have gorgeous curls that will eventually turn into beachy waves as time passes by.

If you want to take a look at the different types of curls you can achieve with a flat iron, watch the video below:

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Heat styling your hair can be easy if you have the correct hot hair tools, like a curling iron or flat iron.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s always something you can do with these hair styling tools to look your best.

If you have any favorite hair styling techniques using either iron, let me know in the comments below!

References

1. Who Invented the Curling Iron? Hint: Marcel Has Something to Do With it [Internet]. Mane Addicts. 2021. Available from: https://maneaddicts.com/curling-iron-history/
2. Nast C. The Hair Products Jennifer Aniston Swears By, According to Her Longtime Pros [Internet]. Vogue. 2021 [cited 2022 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.vogue.com/article/jennifer-aniston-hair-products-color-styling-routine#:~:text=Cleanse%20and%20Condition%20Thoroughly
3. How To Curl Your Hair – 6 Different Ways To Do It [Internet]. Sam Villa. [cited 2022 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.samvilla.com/blogs/hair-tutorials/6-different-ways-curl-your-hair ‌