Best 1 1/2 - 2-inch Curling Irons for Loose Waves in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 19, 2024
The wider, the better! Thick curling irons work amazingly well on long hair. They can help you create fantastic tight curls or loose ...Read more
PROS

The set includes as many as 5 interchangeable barrels of different diameters and shapes. Thus, you can create a wide variety of curls and experiment with style.

CONS

The barrels have no cool tips.

OUR VERDICT

The Xtava Wave 5-in-1 curler boasts a wide temperature range with 9 heat settings, so it's suitable for all types of hair. The wand supports 110-230 voltage and the set includes a travel bag, meaning you can take the curler on any trip and always look gorgeous.

detailed parameters
Type

3 classic barrels and 2 conical barrels

Material

Ceramic tourmaline

Size

7.6 mm - 19 mm; 18 mm - 25 mm; 19 mm; 25 mm; 32 mm

Temperature

130°C - 210°C

Safety

60-minute auto sleep mode, Heat-resistant glove, Travel bag, 360° swivel cord, Dual voltage

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The barrel is infused with Macadamia oil and Keratin, thus, it will make your curls shiny, smooth, and healthy-looking. These components are especially great for damaged hair.

CONS

Heat rest could be a bit higher.

OUR VERDICT

The Remington Ci6338 is not only very stylish but also extremely efficient. It works great on long hair, leaving it glossy and healthy. The built-in display will help you control the temperature settings, and the long swivel cord won't hinder your movements.

detailed parameters
Type

Classic 

Material

Ceramic plates infused with Keratin and Macadamia oils 

Size

38 mm 

Temperature

120°C - 210°C

Safety

60-minute auto shut-off, 360° swivel cord, Dual voltage, Heat up in 30 seconds, Ready indicator, Heat-resistant pouch, Heat rest, Cool tip

Warranty

5 years

PROS

Thanks to the advanced Nano titanium-ceramic™ technology, the barrel maintains a constant heat during styling and gives your waves a beautiful shiny finish.

CONS

You can accidentally catch the buttons during use.

OUR VERDICT

The BaByliss Volume Waves tongs are ideal for long hair. The thick barrel is made of nano-titanium ceramic and can be described in two words - top quality. The tongs are perfect for creating glamorous hairdos like those of celebrities.

detailed parameters
Type

Classic 

Material

Nano Titanium Ceramic

Size

38 mm 

Temperature

140°C - 200°C

Safety

Auto shut-off, 1.8m swivel cord, Quick heat-up time (45 seconds), Heat-ready indicator light, Integrated heat rest, Cool tip

Warranty

3 years

PROS

Styling with the TONI & GUY TGIR1927 is incredibly simple. In addition to a wide cool tip and a large stable stand, the curler is equipped with a long 3-meter swivel cord. 

CONS

The handle is not very comfortable.

OUR VERDICT

The Toni & Guy hair tongs can help you create salon-quality curls in the comfort of your own home. Thanks to the ceramic-tourmaline coating and Colour Lock Technology, this hair wand is an excellent choice for those with coloured hair.

detailed parameters
Type

Classic

Material

Ceramic Tourmaline

Size

38 mm

Temperature

up to 210°C

Safety

360° swivel 3-m cord, Integrated heat rest, 60-second auto shut-off, Cool tip, Indicator light

Warranty

5 years 

PROS

25 temperature settings in the range of 140°C - 210°C will help you to choose the optimal level for any type of hair, including gentle kids' hair.

CONS

It's on the heavy side.

OUR VERDICT

The Diva Professional curling iron is proudly produced in the UK. This high-quality styling tool allows you to quickly create beautiful soft curls. It works brilliantly for any hair type and length. The ceramic barrel is enriched with Argan oil for shiny and ultra-smooth results.

detailed parameters
Type

Classic

Material

Ceramic infused with Argan Oil

Size

38 mm

Temperature

110°C - 210°C

Safety

Cool tip, Heat protection stand, LED indicator light, Auto shut-off, 360° swivel cord

Warranty

30 days

Affordable Luxury

The xtava Satin Wave hair curler is one of the best curling wands on the market. Right after delivery, you'll notice the luxury in every detail. It comes in a sleek black box with a magnet, which makes it an excellent gift. Inside the box, there is a heat-protecting pouch that is perfect when you're going away. It can keep all the pieces together neatly. However, we don't recommend you to put hot attachments inside, as they might melt the sides of the bag a little. Let them cool down first. The iron comes with an elevated rest which allows you to put it on any surface. And even if you leave the device unattended, you don't have to worry about overheating, since it has an auto shut-off function. After 60 minutes of inactivity, the iron will switch to a sleep mode automatically.

This is a dual-voltage styling tool that can be used worldwide. It automatically adjusts to the proper voltage (110V - 240V) if used with a compatible adapter. It also comes with a 360-degree swivel cord that is long enough to let you style your hair quite far from an outlet.

The xtava curler has tourmaline ceramic barrels that emit negative ions to seal moisture into your hair, minimize damage, and reduce frizziness. It has 9 temperature settings (from 130 to 250 degrees Celsius) that are perfect for any hair texture, from fine to thick. There are "+" and "-" buttons on the handle, allowing you to set the temperature lower or higher, depending on your hair type. It also features a digital control display that shows the current heat setting. The handle has a comfortable grip and is very easy to hold. Overall, the xtava hair curler is an excellent value for the money. It's good both for beginners in hair curling and for advanced users.

5-in-1

The iron has 5 interchangeable ceramic tourmaline barrels of different shapes. You can simply change these barrels using the same handle. The barrels range from 0.3 inches to 1.25 inches to give you an opportunity to create a huge variety of styling effects. The smaller barrels have no clips and are ideal for tight ringlets and fine hair, while 3 thicker barrels have clips and can help you create beach waves and add body to your hair. All barrels have tourmaline coating to make your hair smoother and give that beautiful satin finish. To provide you with the maximum curling surface area, the manufacturer hasn't equipped the barrels with cool tips. However, the kit includes a heat-resistant glove that you can wear during styling to prevent burns.

This is a magic wand that will give you a great opportunity to experiment with your style, mixing and matching springy curls and loose waves. With it, you can easily create curls that will hold all day.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01EM6TR7Y

VIDEO

The Magic of Keratin Theraphy

The Remington Ci6338 is professional curling wand for creating super voluminous curls. It works brilliantly for long hair, however, it doesn't perform so well on short to mid-length hair. The tongs can help you create both beautiful long waves and bouncy curls with no kinks. The 38-mm ceramic barrel is infused with Keratin and Macadamia oil to leave your hair smooth, radiant, and healthy-looking. Thus, the curler can be used even for fine and damaged hair. Thanks to five temperature settings (from 120 to 210 degrees Celsius), you can always choose the optimal heat level for your styling needs. Owing to the high top temperature and thick barrel, this is truly the best curling iron for thick hair.

The Remington curling iron looks sleek, modern, and streamlined with an integrated digital temperature display and controls. The buttons are slightly recessed so that you can't change settings accidentally while styling. The tongs heat up fast and hold heat well. As soon as the display remains blue and stops blinking, you can start curling. The styling tongs are very comfortable to hold and are lightweight enough not to tire your arms with prolonged use. The barrel is excellent and its clip releases hair without snagging. The tongs have a stand that allows you to set them permanently in place, however, some users claim that it could be a bit higher. To prevent the table or any other surface from getting marked from the heat, we recommend you to put a towel under the tongs. The power cord fully rotates in the handle and is easy to keep out of the way.

As for the safety features, the barrel has a cool tip to prevent your hands from burning and an automatic cut-off after an hour. Also, the package includes a luxury drawstring storage pouch, so you can take the tongs on any trip to add curling to your morning routine wherever you are. And since the pouch is completely heat-resistant, you can quickly pack your curling tongs after styling and go.

Complete Your Collection

The Remington company kindly offers you to complete the Keratin Radiance collection by getting such styling tools as:

  • The Remington Ceramic Straightening Brush for creating smooth hairstyles just in minutes. It will glide through your hair like silk.
  • The Remington Ci63W6 Hair Curling Wand. This 19-28 mm curling wand is a great choice for hair of any length. It can help you create not only loose tresses and natural waves but also lovely ‘ringlet’-type curls.
  • The Remington Keratin Radiance 2200 W Dryer with 90% more ions will help you achieve healthy and smooth blow-dry results.
  • The Remington Keratin Radiance Straightener. It looks like a classic flat iron but can strengthen your hair while straightening.
  • The Remington Keratin Radiance Volume Styler Brush can give you top volume, body, and bounce.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01FAWGQD2

For Salon-quality Results

The BaByliss company produces the best styling tools that are popular throughout the world for their exceptional quality and functionality. And no wonder that the Volume Waves hair curler is the bestseller in the UK. It's great for building body, shaping hair, and creating soft, natural waves. It has an extra large 38-mm barrel that heats up pretty fast up to the desired temperature level. And thanks to ultra-fast heat recovery, it stays consistent throughout the entire styling process. Since the iron is very thick, it can not only give you voluminous waves but also help you style your bang. The Babyliss curling iron has a super handy clamp that allows you to decide which direction you want your waves to be - inwards or outwards your face.

You can select from five different temperature settings; 140°C, 155°C, 170°C, 185°C and 200°C. The lower settings are good for fine hair, medium modes are good for thicker hair, while the top temperature setting of 200°C can deliver you true salon results. The barrel is made of high-quality nano-titanium ceramic, thus, your hair will glide extremely smoothly over it. The tongs are pretty simple to use with just two buttons - one enables you to adjust the temperature, and another lets you switch the device on/off. Also, there is an LCD screen on the handle, showing you the current temperature. One more handy feature is an integrated heat rest that enables you to put the tongs on any surface without burns. And the swivelling head makes styling easier. We would like to note that the cord is not that long (only 1.8 meters) and that the iron comes without a heat-proof pouch to put it in. Also, there's no heat-proof glove in the set. However, that's not a problem, since the barrel has a cool-touch tip. For added safety, the appliance has an automatic shut-off feature. If it's switched on for more than 72 minutes continuously, it will automatically cut off. Overall, this is a quality product that comes with a generous three-year warranty. If you have slightly wavy hair, it will help you define your waves. And if you have pin-straight hair, the Babyliss curling iron will definitely help you achieve glamorous curls.

Nano Titanium

These curling tongs designed with Nano Titanium™ technology to create textured curls and waves. Using this advanced technology and harnessing the high-heat conductivity of titanium, the tongs curls faster and provide longer-lasting results. The thing is that Nano titanium is a great heat conductor that maintains better stability in ultra-high temperatures. Plus, this unique material yields maximum far-infrared heat to prevent hair from damage and make it shinier. And the Sol-Gel technology makes the barrels 37% stronger and 22% smoother compared to standard curling irons. For the waves of the future, choose this curler with Nano Titanium advanced technology!

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £25.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B002FGTJ1S

The Choice of Professionals

The philosophy of the Toni & Guy company is as follows "The style shouldn’t be just about the clothes you wear – but the entire look from head to toe". And no wonder that the company manufactures high-quality curling irons that are used by stylists backstage at famous London fashion week. The Toni & Guy TGIR1927 hair tong is a professional styling tool that can help you create a hairdo like that of Victoria's secret angels.

The curler has a 33-mm barrel and just like other extra-thick models, it can create jumbo curls or beachy waves. It can also help you add superior volume from the roots. The large barrel is Tourmaline coated to deliver you smooth and silky results. Also, it boasts the unique Colour Lock Technology that ensures that the colour won't fade over the numerous uses. Moreover, the tong can even enhance the shine of colour-treated hair and smooth hair follicles.

This Jumbo Tong has variable temperature control and can reach the maximum temperature of 210 degrees Celsius. Even if you have bone straight hair, the styler can give you enormous curls. The temperature dial goes up in increments of 5, however, it is located a bit inconvenient - right where your thumb will be when holding the curler. So, be careful not to set higher temperature accidentally. The curler heats up very swiftly and features a red indicating light. When it's flashing, the curler is still heating up, but once the red light stays on, you can start styling.

The device has a long 3-meter cord enabling you to stretch to a mirror and move freely when styling. It has a stand which flips down to let you pop the curler on your dressing table without burning anything. For users' safety, the styler will automatically shut-off after 60 seconds of non-use.

This styling wand is suitable for all hair types and especially great for girls with colour-treated hair. It can help you create loose waves or big spirals that are definitely worth a catwalk.

How to Add Volume at the Roots

Here are some tips on how to add volume at the roots using the Toni & Guy Glamour Jumbo Tong TGIR1927.

  • Dry your hair completely.
  • Section your hair before styling using a comb.
  • Lift up one section of hair and place the Toni & Guy Glamour Jumbo Tong TGIR1927 underneath your hair close to the roots. Be careful and try not to touch your scalp.
  • Pull your hair down over the barrel for 5-10 seconds depending on the texture of your hair.
  • Slide the tong out from under your hair.
  • In order to set the style, don't brush your hair until it cools down.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £19.90
Stock In stock
ASIN B010LX2YWC

VIDEO

UK Quality

Diva Professional Styling is a British company manufacturing products that are used in the best beauty salons worldwide. The company always follows the newest styling trends and stuffs their products with the advanced technology. Another hallmark of the brand is the excellent price/quality ratio of their products. So, you can be sure that the Diva Professional Styling Intelligent Heat Argan Tong performs best at its price point.

The curler is designed with a smooth ceramic barrel that distributes heat evenly through the hair. And no hot spots means less damage to your hair. To leave your hair super-smooth, shiny, and healthy, the barrel is infused with Argan Oil. It can help prevent frizz and flyaways, as well as repair split ends. Moreover, Argan oil can help with hair manageability and ensure long-lasting styling results. The iron can smooth out even extremely frizzy hair, leaving it shiny with nice large, natural curls. If you want to make sure that the curls will stay in even in high-humidity conditions, you can use a good ultra strong hairspray additionally.

With 25 variable heat settings, the styler is suitable for all hair types, from very fine to extremely coarse. The manufacturer claims that the tongs are so gentle that can be safely used on children's hair. You can choose the suitable temperature from the 110°C - 210°C range. Considering the lowest heat setting, we can safely say that it's one of best curling irons for fine hair on the market. Like many other heaters, this one features an auto power-off. It turns itself off after an hour of non-use, so you don't have to worry about the safety of your house if you inadvertently forget to switch the iron off.

The Intelligent Heat Argan Tong is really safe and high-quality product tested by the best UK salons. With incredible 25 heat settings, it can help you create shiny bouncy locks you are craving for, regardless of your hair type.

How to Create Loose Waves

To create natural waves with the Diva Professional Styling tongs, you need to:

  • Section your dry and clean hair with a brush or comb before curling.
  • Pressing the clip, place the Diva tong midway up one of your hair sections and then spread your hair evenly between the clip and the wand.
  • Once the needed section of hair is held securely between clip and barrel, gently slide the curler down to the ends.
  • Next, wind your hair around the wand at a gentle angle. Curl your hair around the wand in a spiral motion.
  • As you wind the hair around the Diva barrel, make sure that your hair is distributed evenly.
  • Hold it in place for 5-10 seconds depending on your hair type and length.
  • To remove the styler from your hair, press the clip and pull the styler away.
  • Repeat if necessary.
  • Let your curls to cool down after styling and then apply a hairspray for the longest results possible.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £46.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00EQ30ISG

What Are 1 1/2 - 2-inch Curling Irons?

1 1/2 - 2-inch curling irons are the biggest curlers available on the market. Unlike most of their rivals, they are suitable not only for making curls. With the help of a 1 1/2 or 2-inch curler, you will also be able to add volume to the roots of your hair, making it look more voluminous and natural. These curling irons will also work for long hair better as compared to 1-inch styling wands. Thus, if your hair is long and you look for a right tool to style it much quicker, these thick curlers are the best choice. We've handpicked good hair curling irons from some of the best curling iron brands to guide you through the features and advantages you may want to look for. Get one to create glamorous curls like those of your favourite celebrities.

If you haven't decided yet on the type of curler you need, we also kindly offer you best models with smaller barrels so you can compare them and make your decision. They will work wonders on the hair of shoulder length and can help you create smaller spiral curls or ringlets. And if you’re looking for a curling iron for salon use, one of the professional models might be of interest to you.

What Features to Compare

Performance

When choosing the best curling wand, the very first feature to consider is the temperature range each model offers. The higher the heat, the tighter the curls. Some curling irons go up to 250 degrees Celsius or more. However, if you have fine, thin hair, it's better to choose a curling iron with low temperature settings. Most irons have an adjustable heat dial or LCD display with +/- buttons. Variable heat settings allow you to choose the exact temperature you need. This feature is especially useful when you need to curl your bang, layers, and ends. Also, pay attention to the heating speed.

Materials

Nowadays, manufacturers often use titanium or ceramic as the mail material. Titanium is a popular cost-effective material that is pretty durable and can distribute heat evenly and quickly. However, titanium irons tame frizz not that efficiently compared to ceramic curlers. Just like titanium heating plates, ceramic plates stay consistent throughout the styling process. The best curling wands boast a mixture of ceramic and tourmaline. They produce negative ions, fighting frizz and adding shine to your hair. They limit hair damage, thus, they are the ideal choice for dry and dull hair.

Extras

If you like to experiment with your style, look for models with interchangeable barrels. The barrels usually differ in shape and diameter to help you create a variety of looks. For example, a spiral barrel can reduce hair slippage and act as a guide for curling. Smaller barrels help create tight curls and define your locks. Medium barrels are good for medium curls, while the larger ones can help you achieve loose waves. Another useful feature is an auto shut-off. This is a great safety function that prevents overheating even if you forget to turn off the curler.

Accessories

Additional accessories will make curling process even easier. Usually, the set includes a thermal glove that can protect you against burns and give better access to your curls. A heat-proof mat is another useful accessory that can protect any surface from burning. Some mats can double as a handy travel case. Pro models sometimes come with a special cleaner that enhances the longevity of the device.

Did you know?

What are the main types of hair irons?

Actually, a hair iron is a styling tool that uses high heat to change the structure of your hair. There are three main types of hair irons: curling irons, straightening irons (or flat irons), and crimping irons.

The first curling iron

The curling iron was patented by Hiram Maxim in 1866. However, only in 1890, the very first heated curling tongs were created by two Frenchmen, Marcel Grateau and Maurice Lentheric. Marcel Grateau was a stylist who opened the first successful salon for women in 1872, in Paris. He created the curling tongs to make famous Marcel waves last longer.

About permanent waving

To achieve the permanent wave, stylists use heat and some chemicals to break and recreate the cross-linking bonds of the hair. Again, it was Marcel Grateau who introduced this procedure to the world in 1872. By thermal means only, Marcel succeded to produce a continuous flat or two-dimensional wave.

Why curly?

Have you ever wondered why some people have natural curls? Genetics? Shampoo? Climate? They’re all bit players. Different studies show that the curls depend on the nature of hair follicle. If a follicle is asymmetrical, the hair it produces tends to curl. And vice versa, if it's symmetrical, the hair grows straight. However, there is one more factor that really matters. Keratin. This is a kind of protein that serves as the primary component of hair. It's a bit lopsided in curly hair - it's accumulated beneath the curve.

What's your curl type?

Did you know that there're different kinds of curly hair? It falls into three main categories: wavy, curly, and kinky/coily. Moreover, each category is subdivided into A, B, and C types. Wavy hair follows a loose "S" pattern, while curly hair follows a tight "S" pattern. The most unruly, kinky/coily, hair follows a "Z" pattern.

More moisture

Curly hair needs more moisture than smooth because of its structure. The thing is that the natural hair oils usually don't even reach the ends of curly hair, which leads to frizziness and dryness. In order to prevent this, you should moisturize your hair with special conditioners.

Each strand of our hair can support up to 100 grams

Every strand can support nearly 100 grams. And since we have about 100,000 strands, our head can support the incredible weight that equals the weight of two elephants. Enormous!

We lose about 100 hairs daily

Of course, our hairs fall out daily. However, did you know that we lose up to 100 hairs every day? Luckily, new hairs start growing immediately.

Hair stretches up to 30% more when wet

Wet hair may stretch up to 30% of its original length. By the way, the longer the curls are, the more temperamental they behave.

Sources:

1. Hair iron, Wikipedia.

2. Rachel Krause 20 Weird Things You Didn't Know About Your Hair, StyleCaster.

3. Daniel Engber FYI: What Makes Hair Curly? Popular Science.

4. Perm (hairstyle), Wikipedia.

5. Jessica Probus 18 Curly Girl Hair Care Hacks, BuzzFeed.

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