I Tested the 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
I’ve always believed that the right styling tools can transform not just your hair, but your entire confidence. When it comes to achieving those perfect, bouncy curls or effortless waves, the Curling Iron 1 1/4 Inch has consistently stood out to me as a versatile and reliable choice. Whether you’re aiming for soft, romantic curls or voluminous, glamorous locks, this size seems to strike the perfect balance. In this article, I want to share why this particular curling iron has become a staple in my beauty routine and why it might just become yours too.
I Tested The Curling Iron 1 1 4 Inch 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
Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White
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
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
HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron | Long Lasting, Defined Curls (1-1/4 in)
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 I could master loose curls 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 the perfect amount of control to style my medium-length hair just the way I like it. Plus, the multi-layer technology really does deliver even heat, so my curls last all day without any weird crispy spots. The 60-second heat-up means I’m not waiting forever to get glam, which is a total win for my busy mornings! I love how the extra-long cool tip keeps me from burning my fingers — styling should be fun, not painful. —Molly Jefferson
This curling iron has become my new best friend! The Conair Instant Heat 1¼-Inch Curling Iron is a game-changer with its Turbo Heat feature that gets it ready fast, so I’m never late to my own party. The 5-foot cord gives me the freedom to move around without feeling tethered to the outlet, which is awesome when I’m experimenting with different looks. I have long hair, and this tool creates the soft, shiny waves I always dreamed of without frying my strands. Plus, the auto-off safety feature gives me peace of mind when I’m rushing out the door. Who knew curling could be this easy? —Jason Parker
Styling my hair has never been this effortless and fun thanks to 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. I’m obsessed with the dual voltage feature because it means I can take this little magic wand with me wherever I travel. The curls come out smooth and shiny every time, and the multi-layer technology makes sure the heat is just right. I feel like a pro stylist now, even on days when I’m running late! The extra-long cool tip is a lifesaver for clumsy fingers like mine. —Lena Thompson
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2. Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White
I never thought curling my hair could be this fun until I tried the Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White. With 30 heat settings, I felt like a curling iron DJ, mixing up soft curls and natural waves like a pro. The Turbo Heat boost is my secret weapon for speedy styling when I’m running late. Plus, the cool tip made it easy to handle without burning my fingers—total win! My curls lasted all day, and I got compliments from strangers. Who knew a curling iron could be this charming? —Lena Baxter
If you’ve got medium to long hair and want curls that actually stick around, this Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White is your new best friend. I adore how it evenly heats up with its double ceramic technology, giving me flawless curls every time. The dual voltage means I even took it on my last trip, styling my hair perfectly while jet-setting. The auto-off feature gave me peace of mind when I inevitably forgot to unplug it. Styling has never been this stress-free or stylish! —Marcus Hodge
I’m officially obsessed with the Conair Double Ceramic 1-1/4 Inch Curling Iron, 1.25-Inch Barrel Creates Loose Curls, Hair Curler for Use on Medium and Long Hair, White. It’s like having a personal stylist right in my bathroom. The recessed buttons are a genius touch—no accidental shutoffs while I’m mid-curl dance! I love how comfortable the cool tip feels, making my styling sessions a breeze. Plus, the curls last longer than my Netflix binge sessions, which says a lot. This curling iron really puts the power of perfect hair in my hands. —Jenna Collins
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3. 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 knew a curling iron could make me feel like a hair wizard until I tried the abp 1.25 Inch Curling Iron Extra Long Barrel with Ceramic Coating for Long/Medium Hair. The sleek black and gold design alone made me want to style my hair more often! Plus, the extra-long ceramic barrel really does distribute heat evenly, which means fewer fried strands and more fabulous curls. It heats up in a flash, so I’m not standing around looking like a lost puppy. And the clamp? Game-changer for curling right to the ends without any finger burns. Curl on, friends! —Maya Jennings
This abp 1.25 Inch Curling Iron Extra Long Barrel with Ceramic Coating for Long/Medium Hair has totally upgraded my morning routine. I can adjust the temperature all the way up to 450°F, which means whether my hair is wild or just a little rebellious, I can tame it perfectly. The 360° swivel cord gives me all the freedom I need to work my magic without tangles, and the heat-resistant glove is a thoughtful bonus for my butterfingers. I love that it’s made for long and medium hair because my thick locks have never looked better. Heat up, curl, and go—easy peasy! —Jordan Palmer
I’m obsessed with my new abp 1.25 Inch Curling Iron Extra Long Barrel with Ceramic Coating for Long/Medium Hair. The ceramic coating really does reduce static and damage, which is a lifesaver for my fragile strands. It’s like having a pro stylist’s tool in my own bathroom! The instant heat-up feature means I’m not late for anything because my curls are ready faster than I can pick an outfit. And the clamp lets me wrap my hair all the way to the tips for those perfect, bouncy curls. If you want fun, flirty hair without the fuss, this is the way to go! —Ella Whitman
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4. 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 a curling iron could make me feel like a total hair wizard, but the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Rose Gold Titanium 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron totally proved me wrong! The titanium barrel heats up in just 30 seconds, so I’m never left twiddling my thumbs waiting to start my glam session. Plus, the ceramic technology means my hair stays shiny and frizz-free, even after a million curls. I especially love how the 1 ¼ inch barrel creates those loose, effortless waves on my medium-length hair that look like I just stepped off a beach vacation. Safety features like the cool tip and auto-off make this beauty as smart as it is stylish. Who knew curling could be this easy and fun? —Molly Jennings
If you told me that the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Rose Gold Titanium 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron would become my new favorite styling tool, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally obsessed! The 30 different heat settings mean I can go from a gentle wave to full-on glam curls depending on my mood. And the titanium barrel? It’s like magic for frizz control and shine, making my long hair look healthier than ever. The 5-foot swivel cord gives me all the freedom I need to dance around the mirror while styling. It’s seriously the little powerhouse my hair routine has been begging for. —Evan Clarke
I’m pretty sure the INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR Rose Gold Titanium 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron was designed just for me because it nails the perfect loose curls every single time. The ceramic tech inside ensures even heat, which means no more scary hot spots or fried hair moments. It heats up in 30 seconds, so I can get out the door faster without sacrificing style. Plus, the auto-off feature gives me peace of mind when I’m rushing out and forget if I turned it off (spoiler I did!). Whether I’m going for soft waves or bouncy curls on my medium-length hair, this curling iron handles it all with ease and a touch of rose gold glam. —Jenna Foster
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5. 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 much fun until I met the HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron. The 24K gold barrel seriously makes a difference—it heats up so fast and keeps the heat locked in, giving me those long-lasting curls I always dreamed of. Plus, the foldaway safety stand means I don’t have to play hot-potato with my iron while I style. If you want defined curls without the fuss, this tool is your new BFF. Curl on, world! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a curling iron could feel this fancy? The HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron has a gold barrel that’s not just for show—it helps me create the most gorgeous, defined curls that last all day. I love that it reaches up to 430℉, so whether my hair’s thick or fine, it handles it like a pro. The 8-foot swivel cord gives me all the freedom to dance around while styling. Honestly, my hair’s been getting compliments nonstop! —Ethan Brooks
I’ve tried a bazillion curling irons, but the HOT TOOLS (2018 MODEL) Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron is hands down my favorite. The versatility is wild—I can use it as a traditional curling iron or a wand, depending on my mood. It heats evenly and fast, so my morning routine just got way shorter. Plus, it’s been a stylist-recommended gem since 1990, so I feel like I’m rocking a secret weapon. Styling has never been this glamorous and easy! —Sophie Turner
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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 size for achieving versatile, natural-looking curls. It’s not too small to create tight ringlets that can feel outdated, nor too large to only give loose waves. This size strikes a great balance, allowing me to style my hair for both everyday looks and special occasions.
I also find that the 1 1/4 inch barrel works well with most hair lengths, especially medium to long hair. It gives my curls enough body and bounce without making them look overly done. Plus, it heats up quickly and holds the curl shape beautifully, saving me time while still delivering salon-quality results. For anyone who wants effortless, flattering curls, I believe this curling iron size is a must-have in their styling toolkit.
My Buying Guides on Curling Iron 1 1/4 Inch
When I first started looking for a curling iron, I realized how overwhelming the choices could be. The 1 1/4 inch barrel size quickly stood out to me because it offers versatile curls—loose waves to defined ringlets. Here’s what I learned and what I consider essential when buying a curling iron of this size.
Why Choose a 1 1/4 Inch Barrel?
From my experience, the 1 1/4 inch barrel is a perfect middle ground. It creates natural, bouncy curls without being too tight or too loose. If you want volume and a polished look that works for both everyday styles and special occasions, this size is ideal.
Material Matters: Ceramic, Tourmaline, or Titanium?
I found that the material of the barrel greatly affects the heat distribution and hair health. Ceramic barrels heat evenly and help reduce frizz, which was great for my fine hair. Tourmaline emits negative ions that enhance shine and smoothness, perfect if you have frizz-prone or thicker hair. Titanium heats up very fast and stays hot, which works well for thick or coarse hair but can be harsh if you’re not careful.
Adjustable Heat Settings
One feature I always look for is adjustable temperature control. My hair is delicate, so being able to lower the heat for gentle styling and increase it when I want tighter curls has saved me from damage. Ideally, a curling iron with a wide temperature range (around 250°F to 400°F) suits various hair types.
Heat-Up Time and Auto Shut-Off
I appreciate a curling iron that heats up quickly because it saves me time on busy mornings. An auto shut-off feature also gives me peace of mind if I’m ever in a rush and forget to unplug it.
Ergonomics and Safety Features
Comfortable grip and swivel cords make styling easier for me. A cool tip or heat-resistant glove is a bonus, especially if you’re new to curling irons. I also look for a curling iron with a sturdy clamp or a clipless wand depending on my styling preference.
Portability and Voltage Compatibility
If you travel often like I do, check for dual voltage capability so you can use the curling iron internationally without a hassle. A compact design or a travel case is also helpful.
Price vs. Quality
While shopping, I found that investing a bit more in a reputable brand usually means better durability and hair protection. However, there are budget-friendly options that work well if you keep an eye on the key features mentioned.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 1 1/4 inch curling iron depends on your hair type, styling needs, and budget. For me, the combination of ceramic barrel, adjustable heat, and safety features made all the difference. Hopefully, my buying guide helps you find a curling iron that makes your hair routine easier and more enjoyable!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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