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T3 curling iron sizes explained

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Short answer

T3's current curling irons on our lists come in 1, 1.25 and 1.5 inch barrels. The 1 inch makes classic, defined curls, the 1.25 inch makes softer curls and waves, and the 1.5 inch adds big, loose waves and body. The SinglePass Curl X comes in all three, the CurlWrap in 1 and 1.25 inch, the Curl ID in 1.25 inch, and the Switch Kit Classic Trio includes all three barrels.

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T3 sells several curling irons that share barrel sizes but differ in features, which makes the lineup confusing. This page sorts it by size: which barrels exist in the models we track, what curl each size typically makes, how hair length changes the result, and which T3 model fits which need. Sizes and features come from T3's product listings. T3's range changes over time and has at times included smaller barrels, so check T3's own site for sizes outside the ones listed here. For model-by-model detail, see T3 curling iron models.

T3 barrel sizes at a glance

These are the T3 curling irons in our guides, with the barrel sizes their listings give.

  • 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.

  • SinglePass Curl X

    1 inch
    Yes
    1.25 inch
    Yes
    1.5 inch
    Yes
    Key feature
    Extra-long barrel, 9 heat settings, ProGlide clip

  • CurlWrap

    1 inch
    Yes
    1.25 inch
    Yes
    1.5 inch
    No
    Key feature
    Auto-rotating barrel, SmartCurl timer

  • Curl ID

    1 inch
    No
    1.25 inch
    Yes
    1.5 inch
    No
    Key feature
    HeatID suggests a setting, touch screen

  • Switch Kit Classic Trio

    1 inch
    Yes
    1.25 inch
    Yes
    1.5 inch
    Yes
    Key feature
    One handle, three clip barrels
T3 curling irons by barrel size (from listings)

T3 1 inch curling iron

A 1 inch barrel is the classic curling iron size. It makes defined, bouncy curls on shoulder length hair and tighter, longer lasting curls on long hair. It also works on many bobs, because short hair needs a barrel small enough to wrap around about twice.

In T3's range, the 1 inch comes as the SinglePass Curl X 1 inch (extra-long barrel, 9 heat settings), the CurlWrap 1 inch (auto-rotating), and as one of the three barrels in the Switch Kit Classic Trio. T3 describes the 1 inch clip barrel as creating classic curls or textured waves.

T3 1.25 inch curling iron

The 1.25 inch is the most popular all-rounder for medium to long hair. It gives softer, looser curls that relax into waves through the day. On shorter hair it tends to give a bend rather than a curl.

T3's 1.25 inch options include the SinglePass Curl X 1.25, the CurlWrap 1.25, the Curl ID 1.25 and the Switch Kit barrel. The Curl ID adds T3 HeatID, which picks a heat setting based on your hair texture, color and chemical treatment inputs, plus a touch screen. If you want one T3 for loose curls and waves, this is the size most people consider first.

T3 1.5 inch curling iron

A 1.5 inch barrel adds volume and big, loose waves rather than defined curls. It suits long hair best. On shoulder length hair it gives body and a smooth bend at the ends; on short hair it often does not hold much curl at all.

T3 offers it in the SinglePass Curl X 1.5 and in the Switch Kit Classic Trio, which T3 describes as creating big, voluminous curls and waves.

Smaller T3 barrels (1/2 and 3/4 inch)

Smaller barrels make tight curls and ringlets and suit short hair. T3 has offered smaller sizes in parts of its range over the years, but the current models in our guides start at 1 inch. If you need a 1/2 or 3/4 inch barrel, check T3's own site for what is currently sold, or look at other brands: the ghd Curve Thin Wand is 0.5 inch, the Bio Ionic Twist set includes a 0.5 inch wand, and Bio Ionic's Long Barrel iron comes in 0.75 inch. Our curling irons for short hair guide covers small barrels.

How to pick a T3 size for your hair

Two things decide the size: your hair length and the look you want. Hair should wrap around the barrel about two times or more for a defined curl. Short hair caps the useful size; long hair can use any size.

Our barrel size picker does this calculation for you, and the curling iron size guide explains it in more depth. For a direct comparison of the two most common sizes, see 1 inch vs 1 1/4 inch curling iron.

  • Chin length or shorter

    Defined curls
    1 inch (or smaller, other brands)
    Loose curls or waves
    1 inch
    Body and volume
    1 inch

  • Chin to shoulders

    Defined curls
    1 inch
    Loose curls or waves
    1.25 inch
    Body and volume
    1.25 inch

  • Past shoulders

    Defined curls
    1 inch
    Loose curls or waves
    1.25 inch
    Body and volume
    1.5 inch
Which T3 barrel for your length and look

Pick your barrel size →

Single size or the Switch Kit?

If you mostly wear one look, a single-barrel iron like the Curl X or CurlWrap is simpler and costs less. If you switch between defined curls and big waves, the Switch Kit Classic Trio gives you 1, 1.25 and 1.5 inch clip barrels on one handle with a twist and lock design, according to its listing. It costs more up front than one iron but less than buying several separate ones.

Our T3 curling iron guide compares these models side by side, and T3 vs dupes explains how they compare to cheaper look-alikes.

Frequently asked questions

What size T3 curling iron is best for beach waves? Usually 1.25 inch on medium hair and 1.25 to 1.5 inch on long hair. Leave the ends out for a more undone wave.

Does T3 make a 3/4 inch curling iron? Not among the current T3 models in our guides, which start at 1 inch. Check T3's site for current sizes, or see our short hair guide for small barrels from other brands.

Is the T3 1 inch or 1.25 inch better? 1 inch gives tighter, more defined curls and suits shorter hair. 1.25 inch gives softer curls and waves on medium to long hair.

Are T3 Curl X barrels longer than standard? T3 describes the SinglePass Curl X as having an extra-long barrel for curling wider sections in one pass.

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