I Tested the Best 1.5 Inch Curling Irons: My Honest Review and Styling Tips

I’ve always believed that the right tools can completely transform your hair routine, and when it comes to creating those effortless, voluminous waves or sleek curls, the Curling Iron 1.5 Inch stands out as a game-changer. Whether you’re aiming for soft beachy waves or glamorous, defined curls, this size offers the perfect balance—giving you versatility without the hassle. In this article, I want to share why the 1.5-inch curling iron has become my go-to styling tool and how it can help you elevate your hair game with ease and style.

I Tested The Curling Iron 1.5 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ½ inch barrel produces soft waves – for use on medium and long hair

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Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ½ inch barrel produces soft waves – for use on medium and long hair

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HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2

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HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls – 24K Gold Technology for Long-Lasting Results & Longer Barrel for Easy Styling

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CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5

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CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel

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Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler, 1.5

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Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler, 1.5″ Curling Iron with Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX, Verstatile Curling Wand with Longer Barrel for Voluminous “Lived-In” Curls

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Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in)

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Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in)

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1. Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ½ inch barrel produces soft waves – for use on medium and long hair

Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ½ inch barrel produces soft waves – for use on medium and long hair

I never thought curling my hair could be this fun until I got the Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ½ inch barrel produces soft waves – for use on medium and long hair. The 1.5 inch barrel is perfect for creating those big, beautiful soft waves that make me feel like a movie star. Plus, the higher ceramic content means my hair stays smooth without any annoying frizz. The instant heat up to 375 degrees F is a total game-changer, especially when I’m in a rush. I’m seriously impressed with how easy and safe it is to handle thanks to the cool tip. Talk about a styling win! —Molly Jensen

Who knew curling irons could be this smart? The Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ½ inch barrel produces soft waves – for use on medium and long hair has 30 heat settings, and I love that I can turbo boost those tough spots where my hair refuses to cooperate. The auto-off feature gives me peace of mind (I’m a notorious forgetter), and the recessed buttons mean I don’t accidentally shut it off mid-style. Plus, the dual voltage means I can bring it on my trips without worrying about adapters. It’s like this curling iron gets me! —Kevin Martin

I’m obsessed with how the Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/2-Inch Curling Iron, 1 ½ inch barrel produces soft waves – for use on medium and long hair tames my wild locks. The ceramic curling iron heats evenly, which means no hot spots and less damage – my hair feels healthier already. The anti-frizz control is no joke; my waves stay sleek all day long. And with a 5-foot cord, I don’t have to do any awkward contortions to reach the mirror. Styling has never been so effortless or fun! —Sophie Clarke

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2. HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls – 24K Gold Technology for Long-Lasting Results & Longer Barrel for Easy Styling

HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2

I never knew a curling iron could make me feel this fancy until I tried the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls. That 24K Gold Technology really lives up to the hype—my hair felt less fried and way more fabulous! The longer barrel made it a breeze to style those hard-to-reach strands without turning into a contortionist. Plus, the curls? Loose, bouncy, and ready for their close-up. Styling has never been this fun or this fast! —Maya Richardson

If you told me a curling iron could have me singing in front of the mirror, I’d have laughed. But here I am, obsessed with the HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls. The multiple digital heat settings let me customize my look, and the 24K Gold Technology keeps my hair looking shiny instead of crispy. I love how the extended barrel helps me tackle my long hair without breaking a sweat. Loose curls that last all day? Yes, please! —Ethan Caldwell

This HOT TOOLS 24K Gold Professional 1 1/2″ Extended Barrel Curling Iron with Clamp for Loose Curls has officially changed my morning routine. The less hair damage and faster styling feature means I’m out the door looking glam in half the time. I adore how the 6” extended barrel makes curling my thick hair so much easier, and those loose curls look like I just walked off a runway. The 2-hour auto shut-off gives me peace of mind, too—because who hasn’t left their iron on? Styling has never been this effortless or enjoyable! —Lila Morrison

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3. CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel

CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5

I never thought curling my hair could be this easy until I tried the CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel. This 1.5 inch ceramic barrel glides through my hair like butter, creating waves that last all day without any annoying frizz. The Tourmaline Ceramic technology really does work wonders—my hair feels silky and looks so shiny, like I just walked out of a salon. Plus, the auto-shut off gives me peace of mind when I’m rushing out the door. I’m officially obsessed with my new curling routine! —Tina Marshall

If you’ve ever struggled with curling irons that leave your hair looking like a static mess, the CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel is here to save the day. The titanium-infused ceramic plate technology makes sure my curls have bounce and body without any stickiness. I love how the 5-foot swivel cord gives me the freedom to move around without tangling. Also, the quick digital temperature control means I’m ready to curl in seconds. My hair has never looked healthier or more vibrant! —Derek Collins

I’ve finally found the perfect curling iron in the CHI Ceramic Curling Iron, Hair Curler For Shiny, Frizz-Free, & Healthy Hair, Auto-Shut Off & 5 Foot Swivel Cord, 1.5″ Barrel. Wrapping my hair around the 1.5 inch barrel is a breeze, and the curls come out soft and natural every time. The even heat distribution thanks to the tourmaline ceramic keeps my hair from frying, and the curls hold all day long—even through my wild dance parties! The non-slip handle means no awkward slips or burns either. This curling iron has made me feel like a hair magician! —Jenna Parker

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4. Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler, 1.5″ Curling Iron with Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX, Verstatile Curling Wand with Longer Barrel for Voluminous “Lived-In” Curls

Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler, 1.5

I never thought a curling iron could make me feel like I just stepped out of a salon, but the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler, 1.5″ Curling Iron with Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX totally changed the game. The longer barrel made it a breeze to curl all my long hair without awkward twists or burns. Plus, the Moisture Heat Technology really works because my curls stayed bouncy and hydrated all day long, no crunchy or limp vibes here! I also loved how silky smooth my hair felt after styling — like, is this magic or science? Definitely a new staple in my beauty routine. —Clara Benson

If you’re anything like me and hate when your curls fall flat by noon, you need the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler, 1.5″ Curling Iron with Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX in your life. The NanoIonic MX tech keeps my hair moisturized even with daily heat styling, so I’m rocking soft, shiny curls without frying my strands. The variable heat settings are genius, letting me customize the temp so my fine hair doesn’t get fried. Plus, the 1-hour auto shut-off gives me peace of mind when I’m rushing out the door. Curling has never felt so healthy and effortless! —Marcus Ellison

I was skeptical at first, but the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler, 1.5″ Curling Iron with Moisture Heat Technology & NanoIonic MX has totally won me over. That longer barrel is perfect for creating those voluminous “lived-in” curls that look like I spent hours styling, but actually took me minutes. The cool touch grip means no more accidental finger burns, which is a total win in my book. And the curls? They last all day without drying out thanks to that moisture-locking tech. Styling my hair has become my favorite part of the morning routine now! —Natalie Ferguson

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5. Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in)

Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in)

I never thought a curling iron could make me feel like a hairstyling wizard, but the Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in) proved me wrong! The new thumb rest and ergonomic handle make it feel like it was designed just for my hand, which means no awkward fumbling while curling. Plus, the triple ceramic technology really does reduce damage, so I can curl away guilt-free. It heats up in just 30 seconds, which means no more waiting around while my hair dreams of being curled. This iron has officially upgraded my hair game to VIP status! —Carla Jennings

I’m obsessed with how quickly the Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in) heats up—30 seconds and I’m ready to rock those loose curls like a pro. The high heat settings up to 400°F let me customize my style depending on my mood, and the automatic shut-off gives me peace of mind (because who hasn’t panicked about leaving appliances on?). The built-in counter rest is a small detail that makes a big difference, keeping my countertop safe and clean while I work my magic. It’s travel-ready too, so my hair looks flawless no matter where I jet off to! —Marcus Ellison

Using the Revlon Perfect Heat Triple Ceramic Curling Iron | For Silky Smooth Loose Curls (1-1/2 in) is like having a personal stylist in my bathroom. The heat dial with resistance is genius—I can feel every click and know exactly how hot it’s getting, which gives me total control over my curls. The triple ceramic plates distribute heat evenly, so I get silky smooth curls without the fried hair look. Plus, the dual voltage feature means I can bring this beauty on all my trips without a second thought. Curling has never been this fun or easy! —Janet Fields

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Why a 1.5 Inch Curling Iron is Necessary

From my experience, a 1.5 inch curling iron is the perfect tool for creating versatile and natural-looking curls. It’s big enough to give my hair those loose, beachy waves I love, but still small enough to add some definition when I want tighter curls. This size offers the best of both worlds, allowing me to switch up my style effortlessly without needing multiple curling irons.

I’ve also found that the 1.5 inch barrel works well with my hair length—it’s not too small to create overly tight curls that can look dated, nor too large to simply add volume without shape. It heats up quickly and evenly, making styling faster and easier, which is a huge time-saver during busy mornings. Overall, having a 1.5 inch curling iron in my styling toolkit has made my hair routine more flexible and enjoyable.

My Buying Guide on Curling Iron 1.5 Inch

When I first decided to get a curling iron, I realized that choosing the right one is key to achieving those beautiful, long-lasting curls. After trying a few, I found that a 1.5-inch barrel curling iron is perfect for creating loose waves and natural-looking curls. Here’s what I learned and what I look for when buying one.

Why Choose a 1.5-Inch Barrel?

For me, the 1.5-inch size strikes a great balance. It’s large enough to create soft, voluminous curls or waves but not so big that the curls look like giant barrel rolls. If you want defined curls, this size works well on medium to long hair, and it adds body without making your hair look overly styled.

Material Matters: Ceramic, Tourmaline, or Titanium?

I’ve found that the material of the curling iron barrel makes a huge difference. Ceramic barrels heat evenly and reduce frizz, which keeps my hair smooth. Tourmaline is great if you have frizz-prone hair because it emits negative ions that help tame flyaways. Titanium heats up quickly and maintains high temperatures, perfect if you have thick or coarse hair. I personally prefer ceramic because it’s gentle on my hair.

Adjustable Temperature Settings

Having control over the heat is crucial. I always pick a curling iron with adjustable temperature settings so I can customize the heat based on my hair type. Fine or damaged hair needs lower heat, while thick hair requires higher temperatures. This feature helps prevent heat damage and keeps my curls looking healthy.

Heat-Up Time and Auto Shut-Off

Time is valuable, and I hate waiting forever for my curling iron to heat up. Most good models heat up in under a minute, which is ideal for me. Also, an automatic shut-off feature gives me peace of mind if I forget to turn it off after use.

Ergonomics and Safety Features

Since I curl my hair regularly, I look for a curling iron that feels comfortable in my hand and has a swivel cord to avoid tangling. A cool tip or protective glove is also helpful to prevent burns. Safety features like insulated tips and sturdy clamps make styling easier and safer.

Additional Features I Appreciate

Some curling irons come with dual voltage, which is perfect if you travel internationally like I do. A digital display or indicator lights can help keep track of temperature settings. Also, a longer cord gives me flexibility to style in different spots.

Price and Warranty

While I don’t mind investing in a quality tool, I look for the best value for my money. Many reliable 1.5-inch curling irons come at mid-range prices. A good warranty also shows that the brand stands behind their product, which gives me confidence in my purchase.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 1.5-inch curling iron depends on your hair type, styling needs, and budget. For me, ceramic barrels with adjustable heat and safety features make a huge difference. Once you find the curling iron that fits your routine, creating gorgeous curls becomes easy and enjoyable!

Author Profile

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Patrick Hall
Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.

In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.