I Tested 1.5 Inch Curling Irons: The Best Way to Create Soft, Voluminous Waves
I’ve found that the right curling iron can completely change how a hairstyle comes together, and 1.5 inch curling irons are a perfect example of that. They sit in a sweet spot that offers plenty of versatility, making them a favorite for creating soft waves, loose curls, and fuller-looking hair with a polished finish. Whether I’m aiming for something casual and effortless or a style that feels more defined and glamorous, this tool consistently stands out as a reliable go-to.
I Tested The 1.5 Inch Curling Irons Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Conair Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1/2″ Barrel, White/Rose Gold
Hot Tools 1.5″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron for Loose Curls
Conair Long Barrel Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1/2″ Width
ANNLARY 1.5 Inch Curling Iron, 1 1/2 Titanium Ceramic Hair Curler
Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron, Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX
1. Conair Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1-2 Barrel, White-Rose Gold
I bought the Conair Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1/2″ Barrel, White/Rose Gold because my hair and I needed a ceasefire, and honestly, it delivered. I got soft waves that looked polished instead of “I fought a curling iron and lost.” The 30 heat settings made it easy for me to dial things in without turning my bathroom into a science experiment. I also love that it heats up fast, because my mornings are basically a speed run with coffee. —Megan Harper
Me and this Conair Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1/2″ Barrel, White/Rose Gold have become suspiciously good friends. The 1 1/2-inch barrel gives me loose curls with volume, and the even ceramic heat helps keep the whole situation smooth instead of frizzy chaos. I appreciate the Turbo Heat boost for those stubborn sections that act like they have opinions. The swivel cord and cool tip make styling feel way less like wrestling an octopus. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Conair Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1/2″ Barrel, White/Rose Gold for travel, and now it is coming with me like an overachieving sidekick. The dual voltage feature is perfect for my weekend trips, and the automatic shutoff gives me peace of mind when I leave the house in a blur. I can create lasting curls or soft waves without needing a full salon appointment or a dramatic pep talk. It is quick, easy, and somehow makes me feel more put together than I actually am. —Tina Wallace
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2. Hot Tools 1.5 Extended Barrel Curling Iron for Loose Curls
I bought the Hot Tools 1.5″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron for Loose Curls because my hair and I were having a dramatic relationship, and honestly, it delivered the happy ending. I love that the 24K Gold Technology heats up fast and feels super even, so I am not standing there waiting like I missed my own appointment. The extended barrel is a lifesaver for my longer sections, because it lets me reach the tricky pieces without doing a weird arm workout. My curls came out big, soft, and very “I woke up like this,” which is exactly the lie I like to tell. —Megan Foster
Me and the Hot Tools 1.5″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron for Loose Curls are basically besties now. The 1 1/2 inch barrel gives me those loose, glamorous curls with smooth volume, and I felt like I should have been walking a red carpet instead of my hallway. I also like the 5 digital heat settings because my hair is picky and acts like it has opinions. It gets hot enough to work fast, but I still feel like I am in control and not being bullied by a styling tool. —Derek Collins
I used the Hot Tools 1.5″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron for Loose Curls on a rushed morning, and it somehow made me look like I had a plan. The extended barrel made it much easier to curl the back sections, which is usually where my hair turns into a hide-and-seek champion. I appreciate that it is crafted for pros and backed by a 7-year warranty, because that makes me feel like I bought the fancy, responsible version of my curling dreams. The curls held beautifully, and I got that big, bouncy, “yes, I did this on purpose” look. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Conair Long Barrel Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1-2 Width
I grabbed the Conair Long Barrel Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1/2″ Width, and suddenly my hair decided to act like it had a social life. I love the extra-long barrel because I can wrap bigger sections and get those big, soft waves without wrestling my mirror for twenty minutes. The 30 heat settings made it easy to find the sweet spot for my hair, and the even ceramic heat kept things looking smooth instead of crispy. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and the swivel cord saved me from doing accidental yoga while styling. —Megan Foster
Me and the Conair Long Barrel Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1/2″ Width are basically in a committed relationship now. The 6-inch extra-long barrel is a total win because it styles my medium-length hair fast and gives me loose curls with that “I woke up like this, but better” energy. I also appreciate the Turbo Heat for the stubborn sections that like to pretend they are unstyleable. The cool tip and automatic shutoff make me feel like I can leave the house without worrying that I’ve started a tiny hair apocalypse. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Conair Long Barrel Curling Iron, Double Ceramic, 1 1/2″ Width hoping for soft bends, and I got a full-on confidence boost instead. The double ceramic heat helps reduce frizz, so my curls look shiny and polished rather than like I lost a fight with a power line. I really like that it has 30 heat settings up to 375°F, because my hair is dramatic and apparently requires negotiations. It’s also travel-ready with dual voltage, which means I can bring my good hair behavior on the road like a tiny suitcase of miracles. —Tara Whitman
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4. ANNLARY 1.5 Inch Curling Iron, 1 1-2 Titanium Ceramic Hair Curler
I grabbed the ANNLARY 1.5 Inch Curling Iron, 1 1/2 Titanium Ceramic Hair Curler and suddenly my hair decided it wanted to be “effortlessly chic” instead of “I slept on it weird.” I love the 1.5-inch barrel because it gives me soft waves and fuller volume without turning me into a tiny poodle. The heat got going fast, and the adjustable temperatures made it easy for me to find the sweet spot without playing science experiment. Me and this curler are basically on a first-name basis now, and my mirror is very impressed. —Megan Foster
I used the ANNLARY 1.5 Inch Curling Iron, 1 1/2 Titanium Ceramic Hair Curler on my medium-length hair, and it made me look like I actually planned my morning. The dual PTC heating kept things nice and even, so I did not have to keep re-wrapping sections like I was auditioning for a spiral-themed drama. I also appreciate the smooth titanium ceramic styling surface because my hair glided around the barrel instead of staging a full rebellion. The result was loose, shiny waves with volume, and I felt a little too proud of myself. —Caleb Turner
Me and the ANNLARY 1.5 Inch Curling Iron, 1 1/2 Titanium Ceramic Hair Curler had a very successful date, and my hair was the winner. I liked the 8 adjustable temperatures with the LED display because I could choose exactly how spicy I wanted the heat to be. The 360° swivel cord made styling less awkward, which is great because I am already clumsy enough without a cord trying to join the chaos. The auto shutoff also gave me peace of mind, so I could leave the house without mentally replaying “did I unplug it?” on loop. —Jenna Collins
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5. Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron, Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX
I bought the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron, Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX because my hair and I were having a dramatic disagreement, and honestly, it showed up like the peace treaty. I love that the long barrel makes it easy for me to curl the back sections without doing a weird elbow yoga routine. The 1.5 inch barrel gives me those big, lived-in curls that look effortless, even though I absolutely did effort. The variable heat settings let me keep things just right for my hair, and the cool touch grip makes me feel a little less like I’m handling a tiny dragon. —Megan Foster
Using the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron, Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX has made my morning routine feel oddly luxurious for someone who is still wearing pajama pants. I can tell the Moisturizing Heat Technology is doing its thing because my curls come out bouncy instead of crispy, which is a very important distinction in my life. The longer-than-average barrel is a lifesaver for my long hair, and I can finally style the back without performing a full-body twist. I also appreciate the 1-hour auto shut-off, because my brain sometimes leaves the building before I do. —Caleb Turner
I’m officially obsessed with the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron, Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX, and I say that with the full confidence of someone who has accidentally created some tragic curls in the past. The NanoIonic MX technology makes my hair feel softer and smoother, and I love that it helps lock in moisture while I’m styling. I can crank the heat up or down depending on my mood, which is great because my hair has very strong opinions. The extended barrel design makes it super easy to work through my sections quickly, so I get shiny, voluminous curls without turning my bathroom into a crime scene. —Jenna Collins
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Why 1.5 Inch Curling Irons Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 1.5 inch curling iron is one of the most useful tools in my styling routine because it gives me soft, natural-looking curls without making my hair look overly tight or overly styled. It creates that balanced curl size that works well for everyday wear, whether I want loose waves or more polished volume. For me, it feels like the perfect middle ground between a small barrel and a large one.
My favorite thing about a 1.5 inch curling iron is how versatile it is. I can use it to add body, create beachy waves, or give my hair a smoother, fuller finish for special occasions. It also works especially well when I want curls that hold their shape but still look relaxed and effortless. That flexibility makes it a tool I reach for again and again.
I also like that this barrel size is practical for different hair lengths and textures. In my experience, it works well on medium to long hair and helps me style my hair faster while still getting a flattering result. For me, a 1.5 inch curling iron is necessary because it gives me the kind of curls I actually wear most often—soft, wearable
My Buying Guides on 1.5 Inch Curling Irons
Why I Choose a 1.5 Inch Curling Iron
I like a 1.5 inch curling iron because it gives me soft, loose curls and relaxed waves without making my hair look overly tight or too “done.” It works especially well when I want volume, bounce, and a more natural finish. For medium to long hair, I find this barrel size very versatile.
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for a curling iron, I pay attention to a few important things. The barrel material, heat settings, and overall ease of use matter a lot to me. I also think about my hair type, because not every curling iron works the same for fine, thick, or damaged hair.
Barrel Material
I always check what the barrel is made of. Ceramic barrels help me get even heat and smoother curls, while titanium barrels heat up fast and work well when I want quick styling. Tourmaline is another feature I like because it helps reduce frizz and adds shine. For my hair, I usually choose based on how much control and protection I need.
Heat Settings
Adjustable heat settings are very important to me. If I have fine or color-treated hair, I prefer lower heat. When my hair is thick or hard to curl, I need a higher setting. I like tools that let me control the temperature so I can style safely and avoid unnecessary damage.
Clamp or Clamp-Free Design
I think about whether I want a traditional curling iron with a clamp or a wand-style tool without one. A clamp helps me hold the hair in place and makes styling easier when I want more defined curls. A clamp-free design gives me a more relaxed look, but it takes a little more practice.
Barrel Length
Barrel length matters more than I first expected. With a 1.5 inch curling iron, I want a barrel long enough to wrap sections of hair comfortably, especially if my hair is longer. A longer barrel helps me style more evenly and saves time.
Safety Features
I always look for safety features like an automatic shut-off and a heat-resistant tip. These details give me peace of mind, especially when I’m in a hurry. A swivel cord is also helpful because it keeps the iron easy to move around without tangling.
Best Hair Types for a 1.5 Inch Curling Iron
I find that this size works best for medium to long hair. It gives me loose curls on straight hair and soft waves on naturally wavy hair. If my hair is very short, this barrel size may be too large to create much definition. For thick hair, I usually choose a strong tool with higher heat and good grip.
How I Decide on the Right One
Before I buy, I think about how often I will use it and what kind of style I want most. If I curl my hair often, I want a durable iron with reliable temperature control. If I only use it occasionally, I may focus more on ease of use and price. For me, the best curling iron is the one that matches my routine and hair needs.
Final Thoughts
My experience has taught me that the best 1.5 inch curling iron is not just about barrel size. I look for a tool that protects my hair, feels comfortable in my hand, and gives me the style I want with less effort. When I choose wisely, I get curls that last and look great.
Final Thoughts
I think 1.5 inch curling irons are a great choice if you want soft, voluminous curls or loose waves with a natural look. My takeaway is that this barrel size works especially well for medium to long hair and offers a nice balance between everyday styling and polished results. If you want a versatile tool that can create both casual and more defined styles, this is a size I’d definitely consider.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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