Like the ghd straighteners, every ghd curler we stock styles at one preset temperature, 365°F. That means the choice comes down to the barrel. Its size sets the curl size. A clamp (a "tong") or no clamp (a "wand") changes how you wrap the hair. And the shape (straight, tapered or triple) decides whether every curl looks the same or the hair falls in waves.
A simple rule: the smaller the barrel, the tighter and longer-lasting the curl. The larger the barrel, the looser and softer the wave, and the more hair length it needs before it shows.
Tongs (with a clamp): the most control
A clamp holds the ends while you wind the section, which makes tongs easier to learn and more even from curl to curl.
1 in: classic, defined curls
The Chronos Classic Curling Iron, 1 in is the most defined option in the Chronos curl group. Choose it for structured curls and waves on a wide range of lengths, including shoulder-length hair, where a bigger barrel would only give a bend.
1.25 in: fuller curls and polished waves
The 1.25-inch barrel balances control and softness. You can get it as the Chronos Large Curling Iron, or as the Curve Soft Curl Iron, which uses ultra-zone technology to hold 365°F from root to tip. There is also the limited-edition Chronos Curve Grand Tong in Dusted Pink, which comes with a heat-resistant bag and a styling glove. These suit medium to long hair that wants volume and a brushed-out "blow-dry" wave.
Wands (no clamp): a softer, more natural look
With a wand you wrap the section yourself and hold the ends with the glove. Curls come out a little less uniform, which is often the point.
1.5 in wand: big waves on long hair
The Chronos Max Curling Wand, 1.5 in is the choice for loose, oversized waves. It needs length, so on hair above the shoulders it will mostly add bend. The limited-edition Chronos Curve Max Wand in Candy Coral has a wider, longer barrel than the classic format and is made for long and very long hair.
Tapered wands: curls that change size
A tapered barrel gives a curl that is tighter at one end and looser at the other in the same section, which looks less "set". The Chronos Conical Wand runs from 0.75 to 1.1 in. The Curve Creative Curl Wand goes from a 1.1-inch round base to an oval 0.9-inch tip and works on short, medium or long hair. Wrap near the tip for tighter texture, or near the base for beachier waves.
The Wave: S-waves without wrapping
The ghd Wave has three barrels and a soft curved clamp. You press it down the section, step by step, to make continuous S-shaped beach waves. It suits medium to long hair, and it is the easiest option if you find wrapping hair around a wand awkward.
Quick decision guide
- Defined curls that last, any length from the shoulders down: Chronos Classic 1 in
- Bouncy volume, polished waves: a 1.25 in tong (Chronos Large or Curve Soft Curl)
- Big, loose waves on long hair: the 1.5 in Max wand
- Undone, mixed-size texture: Chronos Conical or Curve Creative Curl
- Beach S-waves with no wrapping: the Wave
Make the curl last
- Start on fully dry hair, with heat protection: Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray, or the fine and thin hair version if your hair drops easily.
- Let each curl cool before you touch it. Brushing or running your fingers through warm curls loosens them.
- To set the curls, mist Curl Ever After Curl Hold Spray. If you want more grip from the start, blow-dry with Body Goals Total Volume Foam first.
Your questions, answered
Tong or wand for a beginner?
A tong. The clamp does the hard part of holding the ends, and the curls come out more even. Move to a wand once you are comfortable wrapping.
My hair is short. What barrel should I use?
Choose a smaller barrel: the 1 in Chronos Classic, or a tapered wand used near its tip. A 1.5 in wand needs length to make a visible wave.
Can I curl with my ghd straightener instead?
Yes, a one-inch ghd styler can bend and curl. Our ghd straightener comparison explains which ones do it best. A dedicated barrel gives rounder, more consistent curls.
See every ghd curler, straightener and dryer on the ghd collection page.