Beauty Bed Head Wave Irons Compared: A-Waver vs Triple Waver Picks
Bed Head sells the adjustable A-Waver and several fixed triple-barrel wavers. We compare them on wave definition, ease of use and price. You can pick the right tool for your style.
| Factor | Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver (Purple) | Bed Head Surf's Up Waver (2 inch barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Defined beachy waves on all hair types | Loose, just-left-the-beach texture |
| Price Point | Check price | Check price |
| Top Strength | Deep barrels press defined waves fast | Wide barrels make relaxed loose waves |
| Main Drawback | Bulky for travel bags | Less definition than the Wave Artist |
| Standout Feature | Deep waver barrel design | 2 inch tourmaline ceramic barrels |
| Second Highlight | Tourmaline ceramic technology | Dual voltage plug |
| Third Highlight | Plate-locking switch for storage | Tangle-free swivel cord |
| Overall Winner | Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver (Purple) | Bed Head Surf's Up Waver (2 inch barr... |
Our Verdict
The A-Waver 2-in-1 wins for most buyers. Its adjustable barrels create both soft waves and tighter curls in one tool. The triple barrel waver wins for bold, deep waves with maximum definition. Beginners should start with the A-Waver for its forgiving technique. Buy the triple barrel only if deep mermaid waves are your everyday look. Both are affordable, so you cannot go wrong.
More Top Picks in This Category
Not sold on either of these two? Here are more bestselling options worth considering.
Best for: Vintage S-wave lovers
Bed Head Makin' Waves S Waver
- S-shaped tourmaline barrel
- Heat up to 400F
- Multiple heat settings
Pros
- S-shaped barrel makes vintage waves
- Tourmaline ceramic fights frizz
- Instant heat recovery
Cons
- Softer waves need touch-ups sooner
- Single wave style only
Wave Iron Size by Hair Length
The adjustable A-Waver versus fixed triple-barrel choice in the comparison above plays out differently by hair length, and length is the variable the product pages ignore. Triple-barrel wavers need enough hair to complete their press pattern: on shoulder-length or shorter hair, the barrels cannot finish a full wave cycle and the result reads as crimped bends rather than waves. The adjustable A-Waver at its wider settings is the more forgiving tool for medium hair, since you control the wave depth manually.
The practical map: long hair gets the best from triple barrels, working in horizontal sections no wider than the barrel for even, lasting waves. Medium hair suits the adjustable iron or the smaller triple-barrel, with the Makin' Waves S waver at its listed price hitting the sweet spot for vintage S-waves on this length. Short hair should skip deep wavers entirely; small-barrel curling irons create the texture short lengths can hold, while wavers produce bends too wide for the length. If you are between lengths, choose the smaller option: waves relax through the day, and starting tighter buys hours of visible pattern. Our curling iron guide covers the full diameter-to-length logic.
Waving Short Hair, Pixies, and Bangs
Short hair and wavers are a difficult pairing that deserves honest guidance. Standard waver barrels are too wide for pixies and short bobs, the barrels cannot grip short sections, and the heat sits dangerously close to the scalp. The tools that actually work on short hair: mini flat irons with narrow plates for bend-and-flick texture, small-barrel curling irons used with the clamp to create defined bends, and for bangs specifically, a mini iron worked in small sections with the tool kept moving to avoid crease marks.
The technique adjustments for short lengths: work in smaller sections than you think necessary, keep the tool moving constantly since short hair heats through in seconds, and use lower temperatures, because the same heat that is safe on long hair scorches short hair faster. Near the scalp, angle the tool so the hot surface faces away from the skin, and consider a heat-protective glove for the guiding hand. Buyers with pixies who want the waver look should know the truth: the texture comes from small irons and texturizing products, not from waver barrels, and the sooner the tool matches the length, the better the results. Our Conair double ceramic guide includes compact tools suited to shorter lengths.
Refreshing Waves on Day Two and Three
Waver texture flattens overnight, and the refresh strategy determines whether the hair survives the week. The overnight setup matters most: a loose high bun or a single loose braid preserves the wave pattern far better than sleeping with hair down. In the morning, refresh only what flattened, typically the crown and face-framing pieces, with one pass of the waver on medium heat. The lengths usually need nothing if the overnight style held.
Dry shampoo at the roots on day two adds the grip that helps waves hold, doing double duty on oil and texture. A texturizing spray, not stiff hairspray, revives separation between waves without crunch. The heat budget: two to three passes per section per week total, counting refreshes, and if a section will not revive in one refresh pass, it needs washing, not more heat, since buildup is usually what killed the pattern. Alternating with heatless wave methods on some days, like overnight braids, is the single biggest damage reducer for committed wave wearers, and it costs nothing.
Want the Full Picture?
Heat Styling Without the Damage
Both the Bed Head Makin' Waves S Waver and the other picks in this roundup are capable tools, but the difference between salon-smooth and frizzy usually comes down to prep and sectioning. Clean the dryer's lint filter regularly, since a clogged filter makes the motor work harder and the airflow weaker.