32mm vs 34mm vs 40mm Curling Iron, What's the Difference?

Achieving the perfect curls or loose waves starts with selecting the correct curling iron barrel diameter. While larger sizes tend to be more popular, the right choice truly depends on your individual hair type and desired style. The three most common barrel widths are 32mm, 36mm, and 40mm - but what sets them apart? Keep reading, we're going to find out the differences between 32, 36 and 40 curling wands.

32mm Curling Iron

The 32mm curling iron is one of the most popular sizes purchased because of its versatility in creating different styles for any occasion. Its medium barrel diameter allows it to form curls and waves that are not too tight or loose, making it suitable for all hair types from fine to coarse hair. Whether someone wants loose beach waves or bouncer curls, delicate finger waves or big Hollywood curls, the 32mm curling iron can achieve these looks and more. Its versatility means a 32mm curling iron can be used regularly to get both everyday styles for work or relaxed weekend looks perfectly in one tool, saving consumers the expense of buying multiple smaller or larger curling irons that are more limited in use. This multi-purpose use is why the 32mm curling iron remains a go-to hair tool found in styling kits of novice and expert hair stylists alike.

What hairstyles can I create with a 32 mm curling iron?

• Beach waves - Run the curling iron through sections of hair held vertically and let them cool to form relaxed, tousled waves. This is a flattering retro style.

• Loose curls - Curl sections held horizontally away from the face for voluminous curls with movement. Run fingers through for a soft, bouffant look.

• Finger waves - Use the clip to hold small frontal sections vertically and curl outward for a pin-up girl style. Finish with styling cream.

• Mermaid waves - Start with back-combed roots and curl long strands horizontally halfway down for textured waves that frame the face.

• Bouncy bob - Curl under short layers all around the head for ringlet curls that give a bob instant body and shine.

• Half-updo - Curl the bottom half of hair downward then twist and clip pieces up for an elegant up-style.

• Hollywood curls - Tightly wrap short sections around the barrel then pin curls in place for perfectly defined pin curls suitable for formal occasions.

 
36mm Curling Iron

The 36 curling iron is a popular choice because it creates loose waves and curls with more versatility than smaller barrels. The 3/4 inch barrel allows for sections of hair to be wrapped around the entire circle of the curling iron, resulting in large, loose curls and waves. This gives stylists more freedom to create different looks, from subtle waves to dramatic old Hollywood curls. A larger barrel also locks in curls faster than smaller irons, meaning less time spent heating each section of hair. For clients, the looser curl and wave pattern created by a 36mm iron is easier to style casually without needing extra products or time to set the curls. It's a good choice for most hair types as it doesn't require small, tight curls that can damage hair with frequent use. The versatility and ease of the 36 curling iron has made it a wardrobe staple for achieving everything from red carpet glam to laidback beach waves.

What hairstyles can I create with a 36 mm curling iron?

• Beach waves - For loose, natural-looking waves. Take vertical sections of hair and wrap them around the barrel, holding for 5-10 seconds before releasing. Run fingers through to blend curls.

•  Bouncy curls - For voluminous curls. Take horizontal sections near the scalp and wrap hair tightly around the barrel. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Hairspray finished curls for longevity.

• Vintage waves - Take diagonal sections towards the back and sides and wrap away from the face. Hold for 10 seconds. Finish with hairspray for old Hollywood glam waves.

• Mermaid curls - Create defined curls along the bottom layers of hair by wrapping 5-7 inches of hair sections around the barrel. Scrunch curls with mousse or cream.

• Half-up half-down - Curl the bottom half of hair, leaving the top down. Pull top section back and secure with a clip or tie.

• Shoulder-grazing curls - Take vertical sections and wrap away from the face. Hold for 10 seconds for cascading curls that move with you.

• Layered texture - Curl different height sections for dimension. Take layers near the face straight and curl longer layers in back.

40mm Curling Iron

The 40mm curling iron is popular because it creates loose, romantic curls and waves with more movement and fluidity than smaller barrels. With a thicker 40mm barrel, larger sections of hair can be wrapped around the entire circumference, resulting in flowy curls and waves that have more flexibility and bounce. This allows consumers to achieve a loose Hollywood glamour look without rigid curls. The larger diameter also locks in the curls faster than thinner barrels, saving time in the styling process. Those with thicker or longer hair also find that a 40mm barrel glides through their mane more easily than smaller sizes. The end result is a delicate curl and wave pattern that falls beautifully around the face for an easy to wear, vintage aesthetic favored by many. The versatility and ease of creating both defined locks and loose textures has made the 40mm curling iron a customer-favorite for lush curls and effortless waves.

What hairstyles can I create with a 40 mm curling iron?

• Loose Waves - Take horizontal sections and wrap hair away from the face, holding for 5-10 seconds. Run fingers through to blend curls for a breezy beach look.

• Boho Curls - Take vertical sections near the crown and wrap hair around the iron, holding 10 seconds. Finish with a texturizing spray for full, romantic curls.

• Mermaid Waves - Start at the bottoms and take diagonal sections, wrapping towards the back. Hold 5 seconds for feminine curls that move as you do.

• Half-Up Half-Down - Curl the bottom half then pull top section into a low pony, securing with hair ties.

• Glam Waves - Take medium-sized diagonal sections throughout and wrap away from the face, holding for 7-10 seconds for red carpet-worthy curls.

• Layered Texture - Curl the long layers in back more than the front pieces near your face to add body and movement.

• Side-Swept Curls - Focus on curling under layers on one side and sweeping them to the side for a retro pin-up look.

 
What's the Difference Between 32mm, 36mm & 40mm Curling Wand?

32mm creates the tightest curls but they won't last as long. 36mm is the most versatile, creating medium curls for all hair. 40mm works best for thick hair, producing loose beach waves that maintain their shape. Larger barrels generally last longer with heavier use but have a higher initial price. Ease of use and curl longevity increase with larger barrel size.