Wavytalk 3-in-1 vs 5-in-1 Curling Wand Set
By Ashley Rubell Published
Interchangeable ceramic set with a 1" bubble barrel, 0.5" small wand, 0.5–1" tapered
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Both kits run several heated pieces off one handle, both top out at 410°F and both are dual voltage. The difference is what the pieces do. The 3-in-1 Curling Wand Set gives you a brush, one curling iron and a small flat iron that also curls. The 5-in-1 Curling Wand Set gives you four curl shapes and a brush, and nothing that straightens.
So the first question is simple: do you ever want straight sections or flipped ends? If yes, look hard at the 3-in-1. If you only ever curl, the 5-in-1 gives you more ways to do it.
The pieces, side by side
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| 3-in-1 set | 5-in-1 set | |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal brush | About 1.5" | About 1.49" |
| Curling irons and wands | 1¼" curling iron | 1.25" wand, 0.5" wand, 0.5–1" tapered wand, 1" bubble wand |
| Straightening piece | 1" flat iron and curler 2-in-1 | None |
| Heat | PTC ceramic, two settings, up to 410°F | PTC ceramic, up to 410°F |
| Voltage | 120–240V | 120–240V |
| Weight | Around 16 oz | About 1.5 lb |
| Glove | Not in the box contents | Insulated glove included |
Where the 3-in-1 makes more sense
The 1" flat iron and curler is the reason to pick this kit. It straightens a section when you glide straight down, and it curls when you turn it as you glide. Add the 1¼" curling iron for classic curls and the brush for volume at the roots, and you can do a sleek day, a curled day and a blowout-style day from one bag.
Heat control is two settings. Wavytalk's guidance is the lower one for fine hair and the higher one for thick hair. That's less fiddly than a dial, though it gives you less to fine-tune if your hair sits between the two.
It also packs smaller. Three pieces and a handle at around a pound is easy to throw in a carry-on, and the 120–240V range means a plug adapter is all you need abroad.
Where the 5-in-1 makes more sense
The five pieces cover a much wider range of curl sizes:
- 0.5" wand for tight curls and short sections
- 0.5–1" tapered wand for curls that are bigger at the top and tighter at the ends, wide end near the roots
- 1.25" wand for big, loose curls
- 1" bubble wand for a textured, beachy bend
- About 1.49" brush with longer bristles for volume, loose bends and bangs
If you like to change the look through the week, or several people in one house have different hair, this is the kit that covers more of it. The insulated glove in the box helps while you learn how long to hold each wrap.
Our 5-in-1 set review goes through who it suits in more detail.
Swapping pieces
The rule is the same for both kits: swap only when the handle and barrels have cooled. At 410°F, the pieces stay hot for a while after you switch off, so plan the order before you start. A sensible order is brush first on dry hair, then the curling pieces. With the 5-in-1, keep all five pieces in one pouch. The 0.5" wand is the one that goes missing.
Quick picks
- You want to straighten and curl with one kit: 3-in-1.
- You want tight curls or a tapered spiral: 5-in-1.
- You travel light and want the fewest pieces: 3-in-1.
- You share the set with someone whose hair is very different from yours: 5-in-1.
Not sure which barrel size gives which curl? The curling iron barrel size guide maps each diameter to a result. Every wand and set is in Curling Wands.