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Comparison

1 inch vs 1 1/4 inch curling iron

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Short answer

A 1 inch barrel makes classic, defined curls and suits short to shoulder-length hair and anyone wanting curls that last. A 1 1/4 inch barrel makes looser, softer curls and waves and suits shoulder-length and longer hair. If you want bouncy curls, pick 1 inch; if you want relaxed waves or a softer look, pick 1 1/4 inch.

Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.

Verdict

Pick a 1 inch iron like the T3 SinglePass Curl X 1" or ghd Chronos Curve Classic for defined, long-lasting curls on short to medium hair. Pick 1 1/4 inch, like the Curl X 1.25" or ghd Chronos Curve Grand, for softer curls and waves on shoulder-length and longer hair.

One inch and one and a quarter inch are the two curling iron sizes people buy most, and the difference is only a quarter inch. This page is for anyone choosing between them. We explain the curl each makes, how hair length changes the result, and compare the same models in both sizes from T3 and ghd, using only listing facts. For other sizes, see our full curling iron size guide.

What a quarter inch changes

Curl size follows barrel size. A smaller barrel wraps hair into a tighter loop, so the curl is smaller and more defined. A larger barrel makes a bigger loop, so curls are looser and relax into waves sooner.

Makers describe these two sizes in similar terms. T3 says its 1 inch Curl X forms curls and textured waves, while the 1.25 inch forms soft, lived-in curls and beachy waves. ghd describes its 1.25 inch Curve Soft Curl as making soft waves and voluminous curls, ideal for longer hair.

  • 3/8 in10 mmRinglets
  • 1/2 in13 mmTight
  • 3/4 in19 mmTight
  • 1 in25 mmClassic
  • 1 1/4 in32 mmLoose
  • 1 1/2 in38 mmWaves
  • 2 in51 mmVolume
Common barrel sizes at true relative scale, with mm and the curl each usually makes. Smaller barrels make tighter curls.

Same irons, two sizes

Each pair is the same model in both sizes, so the barrel is the main difference. Facts come from the Amazon listings.

  • T3 SinglePass Curl X

    Barrel
    1"
    Heat
    9 settings
    Notable features
    Extra-long CeraGloss barrel, ProGlide clip
    Listed price
    $159.99

  • T3 SinglePass Curl X

    Barrel
    1.25"
    Heat
    9 settings
    Notable features
    Extra-long CeraGloss barrel, ProGlide clip
    Listed price
    $159.99

  • ghd Chronos Curve Classic

    Barrel
    1"
    Heat
    365F
    Notable features
    Anodized barrel, 25 s heat-up, 20 min sleep, 2-year warranty
    Listed price
    $233.00

  • ghd Chronos Curve Grand

    Barrel
    1.25"
    Heat
    365F
    Notable features
    Anodized barrel, 25 s heat-up, 20 min sleep, 2-year warranty
    Listed price
    $233.00
1 inch vs 1 1/4 inch curling irons, listing facts

Matching size to hair length

Longer hair wraps around the barrel more times, so each curl gets tighter toward the ends. That is why a 1.25 inch can still give real curls on long hair, while on chin-length hair it may only make a bend. For short hair, see our curling irons for short hair; for long hair, see long barrel curling irons.

  • Chin length

    1 inch barrel
    Defined curls, easy to grip
    1 1/4 inch barrel
    Soft bend; may look more like a wave

  • Shoulder length

    1 inch barrel
    Classic curls
    1 1/4 inch barrel
    Loose curls and waves

  • Below the shoulders

    1 inch barrel
    Bouncy, defined curls
    1 1/4 inch barrel
    Relaxed, voluminous curls

  • Very long

    1 inch barrel
    Many wraps per section, tight at the ends
    1 1/4 inch barrel
    Softer waves, fewer wraps
Typical results by hair length

Hair type and hold

Fine or straight hair that drops curls quickly often does better with 1 inch, because the curl starts tighter and has room to relax. Thick hair holds shape well and can carry the looser 1.25 inch curl. If curls fall flat within hours, try a smaller barrel, smaller sections and letting curls cool before touching them. Our hair won't hold a curl fix covers more causes.

Heat control also matters. T3's 9 settings let you drop the heat for fine or color-treated hair. ghd's Chronos Curve irons hold 365F across the barrel. See our curling iron temperature guide.

If you can only pick one

For most people with shoulder-length or longer hair, 1.25 inch is the most versatile choice: it gives curls on long hair and waves as they drop. If your hair is shorter, fine, or you want obvious, bouncy curls, 1 inch is the safer pick.

If you want both, interchangeable sets exist. T3's Switch Kit includes 1, 1.25 and 1.5 inch barrels; see our T3 curling iron guide and the T3 sizes explainer.

T3 or ghd in either size

Once you have chosen a size, the brand choice comes down to heat control and features. The T3 SinglePass Curl X lists 9 heat settings, an extra-long CeraGloss ceramic barrel that T3 says styles wider sections in one pass, and a ProGlide clip that grips without creasing. At $159.99 in either size it is the lower-priced pair here.

The ghd Chronos Curve Classic (1 inch) and Grand (1.25 inch) are fixed at 365F across the barrel. ghd lists curl-responsive technology that adapts to curling actions, an anodized barrel coating for grip and shine, a 25 second heat-up, 20 minute sleep mode, an integrated silicone stand, a protective glove, an 8.8 ft cable and a 2-year warranty. They are listed at $233.00 each.

Choose T3 if you want to set your own heat or save money. Choose ghd if you prefer one fixed temperature and the extras in the box. Our ghd curling guide covers the rest of the Curve range.

Both brands also sell 1.5 inch barrels (T3 as the Curl X 1.5, ghd as the clipless Chronos Curve Max wand) if you later want looser waves.

Frequently asked questions

Is 1 inch or 1 1/4 inch better for beach waves? 1.25 inch is the more common choice, especially on shoulder-length and longer hair. See our beach waves picks.

Which size is best for long hair? Both work. 1 inch gives bouncy, defined curls; 1.25 inch gives softer, voluminous curls.

Does a 1 1/4 inch barrel work on short hair? On chin-length hair it often makes a bend rather than a curl. A 1 inch or smaller barrel usually works better.

What sizes does the T3 SinglePass Curl X come in? The listings show 1, 1.25 and 1.5 inch barrels.

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