Is a curling wand any different to just wrapping hair around the outside of curling iron?

[Leafbuds]

When the hairdresser did my hair, I think she used a curling wand, and a number of people have said that it's easier to use/nicer curls/longer-lasting than using a traditional curling iron. But I am not sure it really could be - plus, couldn't you just wrap the hair around the outside of the curling iron and use it as a wand instead? I tried that, and I still couldn't do it like the hairdresser ,but wasn't sure if that was just me being crap, or whether it did mean that a wand is better. The only thing I could think of for a wand is that it might have a longer barrel because it dosen't need the clamp. And the tongs type might give smoother ringlets if you pull the hair through. I do find it hard to unwind the tongs type sometimes whereas the wand might be easier in that respect?

And is a more expensive one any better than the cheaper ones? Things like drybar or GHD or cloud nine have some v expensive ones, which might be worth it if they worked, but otherwise, any reason not to just use a cheaper one?

So no insights into which might be better?

I'm tempted to get a wand but it does seem a waste of money if it's just the same as wrapping around a curling iron which I already have.

Though I was looking at an ebay site called 'this is beauty' or something that sells things with damaged boxes, or ex display or whatever, and some of the good brands are cheaper there, so might be worth a try - I'm unsure about the reputation of the site though and whether the products are genuine, though the reviews look ok

I wonder about this too, OP, but sadly I do not have any answers for you. Following

I tried a wand. I wouldn't say it curled any better than a usual set of tongs. Burned the crap out of my fingers, though.

I have a few different waves, each do a different type of curl
I have a curling wand so round barrel type and now my hair is shorter I'm using that.

All do a different job to me, friends what type of curl you want I think. some curls last longer than others

Babyliss curl secret is really easy to use and pretty foolproof.

The important thing is to take small neat sections of hair.

If you're using a wand you have to be careful not to burn your fingers, but I'm guessing most of us have done this already. 😂

ah I've got one of those too. But it doesn't always seem to curl it, and I have had it tangle before - I have an awful lot of hair as well. Might try it again.

I've been trying to use my normal tongs but as a want, which is sort of helping. Not sure a real wand would be enough better to justify the cost.

Every time I’ve been to the hairdressers on the last 3 years (and my 2 Dd both with long hair) they have done curls using straighteners. It’s a technique that needs practice but does seem successful.
I have a babyliss big curl thing that does work well if I can be arsed.

It’s a different type of curl. Most wands taper. Tongs tend to be used when you want a curl at the bottom.

I wonder how much a difference the taper makes. In fact, one that I was looking at had a reverse taper, which they seemed to think was an innovative design for some type of style.

I can sometimes get a bit of a curl with straighteners, but not full on curls, more just a kind of random bend!

I have a tapered wand
The curls just look different

Curls from straighteners don't stay in my hair , just drop out, my hair needs the heat and burn of the wand

Length of hair makes a Difference
I've gone from very long to around shoulder length and now wouldn't use my tapered wand

I've tried a wand, but really didn't get on with it at all.....burnt myself even using the protective glove. Much prefer a tong!

My hairdresser did waves in my hair with a Wahl wand so I got one too and was about £25.

The burn of the wand 🤣