Your FAQ Guide To Curling/Clipless Wands

How was your weekend? Mine was so busy! I refinished a little bistro set for my patio that I found for free at the dump (eep!) at my apartment (posted on Instagram @ ElleSees), had a fun night out with friends (including an old-school video arcade bar), and saw Sky Fall (my first Bond movie ever! I liked it). Also, on my Instagram--I've been doing a #30DaysofThankful where every day this month I post a pic of one thing I'm thankful for. Please join in and share along with me.

So today's post has been sitting in the draft pile for over a year now, but when Bee emailed me over the weekend, I was reminded to finally write it. I'm a big fan of curling wands (or clipless wands) and use them in many of my hair tutorials. They are simply wonderful in getting those waves that we all want. I hope this FAQ guide helps!

Why Get a Curling Wand?
Every time I do a tutorial with a wand, someone always tells me to Just Use Your Curling Iron as a Wand! Just Take the Clip Off! I Saw This on Pinterest! Etc. And while I appreciate the idea, it isn't my preferred wave method (don't get me wrong--I love my curling irons: scroll down for a recent tutorial). If you are on a very tight budget, then by all means, use the curling iron, but here's why you might want a wand:

1. Technology--How old is that curling iron? Technology has certainly changed since the basic metal curling iron, so you might consider a wand as an upgrade. Some wands help control frizz with their barrel type, like tourmaline ceramic. The temperature can be higher than a curling iron, so if your hair needs that, a wand might be for you. Wands can help with less damage due to even heat, and some have keratin therapy.
2. Curl Hold--I've found waves hold better/longer via curling wands. And since most of you have said lasting curls is an issue, you might want a wand.
3. Barrel Length--Some curling iron barrels are not long enough for my hair, and curling wands can be longer, thus making it easier/faster to get waves.
4. No Bumps/Less Damage--The clip can cause bumps in hair and hair could get caught in it. Since not all irons heat hair evenly, more damage could be caused. Many wands have Teflon technology, so hair doesn't stick and slides right off. 

What Kind of Curling/Clipless Wands Are There?

• Tapered/Conical--These are great for two reasons: a more natural-looking wave, and different-sized waves, depending where on the barrel the hair is wrapped.
• Straight--This is similar to the wave from a curling iron, with all curls/waves being the same size. And it is perfect for waves or ringlets. Many straight barrels don't have a tip to hold onto, leading to burned fingers. This is something you might consider. 
• Inverted--Tight curls at the top, looser at the bottom--I don't see as many of these around, and don't use mine that often, but they could be just right for you. Bedhead has a variety of Curlipop inverted wands.

What Wand Is Right For Me?

• Budget--Curling/clipless wands can be purchased at drugstores, chain stores (Wal-Mart, Target), beauty stores, mall kiosks, and online. Prices can average from $25 and up to the hundreds. I have had great results from wands at all price levels. The tapered wands pictured were around $25-$40.
• Technology--Heat tools have come so far! Consider wands that have tourmaline or ceramic barrels. 
• Result--Are you looking for ringlets? Loose waves? Definition of existing/curls or waves?

What Size? What To Look For?

1 in and 1.5 in tapered/conical, Note the black tip.

• The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. The standard curling wand is 1 inch, and I think this will suit most needs. If smaller waves are what you're after, like in my Taylor Swift Hair Tutorial, get a 3/4 inch.
• If you have long hair, consider a 1.5 inch wand for looser waves (pink pictured above).
• Look for
• adjustable temperature
• heat resistant glove (a necessity with a no-tip and straight barrel)
• Tourmaline ceramic
• swivel cord
• tip to hold onto (for beginners)

Adjustable temp/level via knob and digital

Wands I Own:

• Conair--This is the first wand I saw on the market and is a favorite of many (red wand),
• Remington--These wands are among the lightest I've tried. The Pearl (pink) line is more expensive than other Remington wands (purple), but I find they all work the same.
• 3-in-1 or 4-in-1--Brands like Jose Eber and Her Styler are great because the wands are interchangeable, meaning you can change the size and type of barrel. These are pricier, but can be a value if you're looking to buy more than one wand. Note: these do not have the tip to hold onto, so I would recommend these if you are wearing a glove and are used to heating products.

Her Styler and Jose Eber  in 19 and 25 mm (gloves are a must with these)

If you have any questions, please leave them below or email me. 

Tomorrow, I'll show you how to use each type of curling wand, as well as the results for each.

PS: Don't forget to enter my OWN Renewing Skin Care giveaway--the entire line! 

New ways to enter have been added.

CHECK OUT MY VIDEO ON USING A CURLING WAND: