Barrel curls are the perfect way to give your hair a bouncy, glamorous look, but if you haven’t tried them before, they might seem a bit tricky. In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about making gorgeous barrel curls on my own hair and with my favorite curly wig. Everything here is super beginner-friendly and designed to help you look and feel like the queen you are!

Understanding Barrel Curls: The Basics Every Woman Should Know

Barrel curls are those big, rounded curls you usually see on red carpets or in stylish magazines. What makes them different is how the curls roll around themselves and give your hair amazing body and bounce. They look great whether your hair is long, short, natural, or if you’re wearing a wig. The great thing is, once you know the basics, you can create these curls with tools you may already own.

  • Barrel curls are often bigger than regular curls.
  • They’re made with a bigger curling iron barrel or even with certain wig styles.
  • They give your hair volume, which makes it look fuller and more lively.

Step-by-Step: How to Achieve Flawless Barrel Curls with Confidence

Creating Barrel Curls with a Traditional Curling Iron

  1. Start with clean, dry hair or your favorite curly wig.
  2. Heat up your curling iron (try a barrel that’s about 1-1.5 inches wide).
  3. Section your hair into small-to-medium chunks. The smaller the section, the tighter the curl.
  4. Clamp your hair at the ends and roll it up toward your scalp, holding for about 10 seconds.
  5. Release and let each curl cool in your palm before moving on. This helps them set.
  6. When you’re done, gently finger-comb or use a wide-tooth comb for soft, natural-looking curls.
Barrel Curls with a Traditional Curling Iron
source: pinterest

Crafting Stunning Curls with a 3 Barrel Curling Iron

If you want those beachy, wavy barrel curls, a three-barrel curling iron can be your best friend! Here’s what I do:

  • Preheat your tool and start with detangled hair or a smooth Long Curly Wigs style from Luvme Hair.
  • Clamp down near your roots, hold for a few seconds, then lift and move the iron down the strand.
  • This creates a ridged, wavy look that’s soft and bouncy—almost like a mermaid’s hair.
  • Spritz a little light hairspray to keep the style all day without stiffness.
3 Barrel Curling Iron
source: pinterest

Barrel Curls vs. Pin Curls: Key Differences Explained

It can be confusing to know what makes barrel curls unique, especially compared to pin curls. Here are the main things to remember:

  • Barrel curls use heat from curling irons to create larger, structured curls that often look smoother.
  • Pin curls are made by wrapping sections of damp hair around your finger and pinning it flat to your head, then letting it air dry. These curls are usually smaller and tighter.
  • Barrel curls are quicker for most people, thanks to the curling iron, while pin curls take longer to dry and set.

Real Beauty, Real You: Embracing Effortless Styles with Luvme Hair Wigs

Sometimes I want a beautiful curly style without spending hours in front of the mirror. That’s when I reach for my favorite Luvme Hair curly wig. These wigs make it so easy to change up my look with very little effort. Plus, they’re designed for comfort and look super realistic, so I can be myself and feel confident every single day. With options that include Long Curly Wigs, it’s easy to experiment with all sorts of barrel curl styles, whether I’m heading to school, work, or just hanging out with friends!

August 20, 2025 — CatherOlivia