Beachwaver B1 Review: The Ultimate Rotating Curling Iron for Effortless Waves

Is the Beachwaver B1 the easiest way to get salon-worthy curls at home? Here’s everything you need to know, plus expert tips to master your waves.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

If you’ve ever envied bouncy, beachy waves but felt intimidated by complex hair tools, the Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron might be your next beauty essential. With rave reviews and viral popularity, we put this tool to the test and break down what makes it stand out—plus tips, honest impressions, and how it compares to other popular curling irons. Read on for everything you need to know about styling curls at home with this game-changing device.

My First Impressions of the Beachwaver B1

Unboxing the Beachwaver B1 immediately set it apart from the hair tools cluttering my bathroom shelf. The lightweight design was a pleasant surprise, especially for those of us with long hair who spend ages styling and appreciate anything that saves effort. Plugging it in revealed another win: fast heat-up. In under 45 seconds, the Beachwaver B1 was ready to use. Its range of heat settings—low (290°F), medium (350°F), and high (410°F)—makes it adaptable for different hair types and styling preferences, whether you want gentle waves or tighter, more defined curls.

Main Features at a Glance

  • Rotating barrel: Easily switch curl direction with a button press.
  • Lightweight build: Comfortable for prolonged styling sessions.
  • Fast heat-up: Ready to use in just 45 seconds.
  • Multiple heat settings: 290°F, 350°F, 410°F to suit your hair type.
  • 1-inch barrel: Versatile for defined curls and wavy looks.

How I Tested the Beachwaver

For accurate results, I styled my hair at its most challenging: three days post-wash, when oil and texture compromise hold and bounce. After thorough brushing to remove knots and a spritz of heat protectant (specifically Beachwaver’s Great Barrier Heat Protectant Hair Spray), I sectioned my hair and started curling.

  • Styled right-side first, then left, to prevent confusion with rotation direction.
  • Sectioned hair inch-by-inch, starting from the back and moving forward.
  • Clamped iron about an inch from the tips before pressing the rotating button.
  • Allowed heat to set curls for several seconds, then gently worked the ends in for a natural finish.
  • Once cooled, brushed out curls with a combination nylon-boar bristle brush for softness and volume.
  • Finished with Beachwaver Team Texture Dry Finishing Spray for hold and frizz control.

The entire process—despite my waist-length hair—took around 10 minutes, making this one of the fastest, least fatiguing styling sessions I’ve ever experienced.

Styling Results: What Does the Beachwaver B1 Actually Do?

The Beachwaver B1 delivered smooth, bouncy curls that felt salon-quality, with minimal effort. The waves were soft and defined, not crunchy or stiff. The rotating function was a revelation for achieving consistent results, especially if you usually struggle with wrist motion or technique. Brushing out cooled curls gave a relaxed, lived-in wave—ideal for day-to-night versatility.

If you prefer slightly looser curls or have particularly long hair, you might opt for a larger barrel size from Beachwaver’s range in the future. However, the B1’s one-inch barrel hits a sweet spot for most users seeking balance between definition and movement.

Key Performance Benefits

  • Speed: Styles a full head in under 15 minutes, even for long hair.
  • Ease: No advanced skills required—great for beginners.
  • Consistency: Press-and-go rotation delivers uniform curls on both sides of the head.
  • Smoothing: Post-curl brushing leaves soft, frizz-free waves.

Is the Beachwaver B1 Worth the Investment?

With a retail price of $99, the Beachwaver B1 offers competitive value. Considering a single professional blowout can cost about $50, this tool pays for itself after just a couple of home styling sessions. Even occasional use quickly balances the initial cost, making it highly accessible for anyone wanting salon-style results on a regular basis.

For advanced stylists or those with extra-long hair, pricier Beachwaver models (up to $229) provide added barrel length and professional features. However, the B1 remains the standout choice for its balance of price, usability, and results.

ModelBarrel SizePriceBest For
Beachwaver B11-inch$99Most users, defined curls, fast styling
Beachwaver ProLong barrel options$129–$229Long hair, professional use

How the Beachwaver B1 Compares to Other Curling Irons

While the Beachwaver B1 shines for its rotating barrel and ease of use, several other curling irons also rank among beauty editors’ favorites. Here is how they stack up:

  • Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron: Classic, reliable curling performance; manual rotation required.
  • T3 Micro SinglePass Curl Professional: Delivers consistent, shiny curls but comes at a higher price point.
  • Drybar The 3 Day Bender Rotating Curling Iron: Rotating barrel like the Beachwaver, popular for smooth, frizz-free curls.
  • Conair InfinitiPro Rose Gold Titanium: Affordable, quick styling for shorter hair or tight curls.
Curling IronNotable FeaturePrice RangeBest Suited For
Beachwaver B1Rotating barrel, fast heat-up$99Beginner-friendly, most hair types
Hot Tools Pro Artist24K Gold barrel, manual curl$60–$80Classic styling, budget-conscious
T3 Micro SinglePassSingle-pass tech, shiny finish$170–$180Luxury buyers, shine-seekers
Drybar The 3 Day BenderRotating barrel, frizz control$150Frizzy, thick hair, pro finish
Conair InfinitiProTitanium barrel, 1¼-inch$38Budget, short/tight curls

Expert Tips for Using the Beachwaver B1

  • Prep hair with a quality heat protectant to reduce breakage.
  • Always start styling from the back, moving forward in sections for uniform curls.
  • Don’t curl all the way to the ends; leave the tips out for a softer, more natural wave.
  • After curling, allow hair to fully cool before brushing for better hold and less frizz.
  • Finish with a lightweight texturizing spray for extra volume and all-day wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does the Beachwaver B1 work for all hair types?

A: It’s designed to suit most hair textures, from fine to thick. The adjustable heat settings help customize the experience, but those with very short hair or intricate layers may find the clamp a bit tricky—extra patience or smaller sections may help.

Q: Can beginners use the Beachwaver B1 easily?

A: Absolutely. The rotating barrel simplifies the curling process, making it especially user-friendly for those new to hair styling tools.

Q: How long do Beachwaver B1 curls last?

A: With proper prep (heat protectant, finishing spray), curls remain bouncy and relaxed throughout the day. Brushed-out waves hold their shape with minimal frizz for hours.

Q: Is the Beachwaver B1 safe for color-treated or damaged hair?

A: Yes—by using lower heat settings and prepping with a quality heat protectant, you can style color-treated or fragile hair without added risk.

Q: What’s the difference between the Beachwaver B1 and the Pro models?

A: The Pro models have longer barrels and extra heat settings for more customization and control. They’re better suited for very long hair or professional stylists, but the B1 is a great fit for most consumers.

Final Thoughts: Is the Beachwaver B1 Right for You?

If you want to up your hair styling game with hassle-free, consistent curls, the Beachwaver B1 is worth considering. Its simplicity and effectiveness cater to beginners and seasoned stylists alike, reducing arm fatigue and styling time, all while delivering glossy, salon-caliber waves. Whether you use it weekly or just for special occasions, it offers real value for the price—and may just transform your approach to curling forever.

Additional Curling Irons to Explore

  • Hot Tools Pro Artist 24K Gold Curling Iron: A go-to for reliable, classic curls and a durable gold barrel.
  • T3 Micro SinglePass Curl Professional Curling Iron: Designed for ultra-smooth, shiny curls in a single pass.
  • Drybar The 3 Day Bender Rotating Curling Iron: Also features a rotating barrel for effortless curls and minimized frizz.
  • Conair InfinitiPro Rose Gold Titanium: A budget-friendly option delivering fast results with its titanium barrel.

Beachwaver B1 at a Glance

  • Rotating barrel technology for consistent, even curls
  • Quick styling, ideal for longer hair
  • Three adjustable heat settings
  • Salon-worthy results with minimal skill required
  • Excellent value compared to professional blowouts
Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete