Types of Curls: From Loose Waves to Tight Ringlets

"Curls" covers a huge range of looks from barely-there beachy bends to springy corkscrew ringlets, and knowing which is which makes it far easier to get the style you actually want. Most of the time, the difference between one curl type and another comes down to two simple things: the barrel size you use and how you wrap your hair.

This guide walks through the main types of curls you can create with a curling wand, what each one looks like, and how to get it, so you can pick a look and then pick the right tool and technique to match.

(A quick note: this guide is about curl styles you create with heat, not natural curl-pattern typing like 2A/3C. If your hair is naturally curly, these are looks you can still shape and enhance.)

Curl Styles at a Glance

Here's the full spectrum, from loosest to tightest. Think of it as a dial: as you move down the list, the barrel gets smaller and the curl gets tighter.

Below, here's what each look actually is and how to create it. (Add a visual gallery here — one clear photo per curl type makes this page far more useful and helps it rank in image results.)

Beach Waves

The loosest, most relaxed curl type. Beach waves are soft, irregular S-shaped bends that sit lower down the hair with the ends left straight, giving that just-back-from-the-sea, undone look.

How to get beach waves curls?

Use a large barrel (32mm or more), take bigger sections, wrap loosely leaving the ends out, alternate the direction of each section, and rough the waves up with your fingers and a texture spray once cool. Our full beach waves with a curling wand tutorial covers the exact method.

Best for: everyday, casual, effortless styling and anyone who finds tight curls too "done."

Loose and Soft Waves

A half-step tighter than beach waves: soft, flowing waves with a bit more body and consistency, but still relaxed. Where beach waves are deliberately messy, soft waves are a touch more put-together while staying natural.

How to get Loose and Soft Waves?

A 32mm barrel, medium sections, wrapping most of the length but still leaving the very ends out. Hold slightly longer than for beach waves. Finger-comb into shape rather than brushing.

Best for: an everyday look that's a little more polished than beach waves without being formal.

Hollywood / Glamour Waves

The polished, red-carpet look: smooth, uniform, glossy waves that all bend the same way, brushed out into a sleek, glamorous finish. This is the most "styled" of the wave looks.

How to get Hollywood Waves?

Use a 25–32mm barrel and, unlike beach waves, wrap all sections in the same direction (usually away from the face) for uniformity. Curl the full length, let cool, then gently brush the curls out with a soft brush to blend them into smooth, continuous waves. Set with a shine spray.

Best for: events, occasions and any time you want vintage glamour.

Classic Bouncy Curls

Defined, springy, retro-style curls with real bounce more structured than waves but not as tight as ringlets. This is the classic "curled hair" most people picture.

How to get Classic Bouncy Curls?

A 19–25mm barrel, smaller sections, and wrapping most of the length (you can leave just the tips out or curl all the way for more definition). Let each curl cool coiled in your hand to keep the bounce. Alternate direction for a natural finish, or keep uniform for a more retro look.

Best for: a bouncy, playful, defined look with plenty of movement.

Tight Curls and Ringlets

The tightest, most defined curl type: small, springy coils with maximum definition and bounce. Ringlets are dramatic and hold their shape well.

How to get Tight Curls?

A small barrel (9–19mm), small sections, wrapping the full length of each section snugly. Hold a touch longer, and let each coil cool completely before touching. Don't brush — separate gently with fingers if you want them softer. Tight curls suit shorter hair especially well; see our how to curl short hair with a wand guide.

Best for: bold, high-definition styles, textured hair, and anyone who wants curls that really last.

Spiral Curls vs S-waves

Beyond size, how you wrap changes the curl's shape and this is where spiral curls and S-waves differ:

• Spiral curls are made by wrapping hair around a vertical barrel, so the curl coils like a corkscrew or spring, running down the length of the hair. They look dimensional and bouncy, and are the natural result of standard wand wrapping.
• S-waves bend the hair in a flatter, side-to-side "S" shape rather than a coil. They sit closer to the head and look more like a classic finger wave or the ripple you get from a flat-iron wave technique.

With a wand, holding it vertically gives you spiral curls (the default), while a more horizontal wrap or looser technique leans toward S-waves. Beach waves are essentially soft, broken-up S-waves; ringlets are tight spirals.

How Barrel Size maps to Each Look?

If you take one principle from this guide, make it this: barrel size is the main dial for curl tightness.

• Larger barrel (32mm+) → looser waves (beach, soft, Hollywood).
• Medium barrel (19–25mm) → classic bouncy curls.
• Smaller barrel (9–19mm) → tight curls and ringlets.

And two techniques fine-tune the result: leaving the ends out makes any curl look softer and more modern, while alternating direction makes it look more natural and undone (vs uniform for a polished, glam finish).

For the complete breakdown of sizes and how they pair with your hair length, see our curling wand barrel sizes guide, it's the companion to this page for turning a look you want into the right tool.

Pick your look, then Pick your Wand

Once you know the curl type you're after, choosing the wand is easy: match the barrel size to the look, and look for adjustable heat so you can suit it to your hair.

Pick your look, then pick your wand — shop online curling wand and choose the barrel that matches your style.

FAQs

What are the different types of curls?

The main styled curl types, from loosest to tightest, are beach waves, loose/soft waves, Hollywood glamour waves, classic bouncy curls, and tight curls or ringlets. Barrel size and wrapping technique determine which one you get.

What's the difference between waves and ringlets?

Waves are loose, flowing S-shaped bends made with a large barrel, while ringlets are tight, springy coils made with a small barrel. Waves look relaxed and natural; ringlets look defined and bold.

What is the difference between spiral curls and S-waves?

Spiral curls coil like a corkscrew and are made by wrapping hair around a vertical barrel. S-waves bend the hair in a flatter, side-to-side "S" shape that sits closer to the head. Standard wand wrapping produces spiral curls.

What barrel size do I need for each curl type?

Use a large barrel (32mm+) for loose waves, a medium barrel (19–25mm) for classic bouncy curls, and a small barrel (9–19mm) for tight curls and ringlets. Smaller equals tighter.