Curling Irons

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Using a curling iron can be damaging to your hair. But hey, you've got to do what you've got to do. Buying a good quality curling iron  is important, especially if you use one every day. Cheap curling irons only last a short time, while quality irons with durable heating elements last much longer and are more cost effective.

Choosing a Curling Iron

You want something that you are comfortable using and that is suitable for your hair type. There are several brands and types to choose from, costing as little as $15 or as much as $250. Price is not a definitive factor in choosing a curling iron, but the general rule is that the more you pay, the better the curling iron will be for you hair.

  • Size matters. Do you want to create tight, narrow curls or large soft waves? The bigger the barrel, the looser the curls will be. This, of course, is solely a matter of personal preference.
  • Heat control and variable temperature settings are a must. The harder your hair is to style, the hotter you'll want the iron. Keep in mind though that if your hair is permed, color-treated, or damaged, you should always opt for a slightly lower heat setting so as not to further damage the hair.
    • Normal hair can handle up to 180 degrees, while wavy, curly, thick or coarse hair needs between 180º and 200º to style.
    • Those with fragile and thin hair don't need anything with more than a 150º heat capacity.

Curling Iron Features

  • An indicator light showing when the iron is ready is always helpful.
  • A cool tip on the end of any style curling iron is a necessity so that you don't burn your fingers. It also allows you to have more control over the iron.
  • A swiveling cord makes it easier to manipulate the curling iron around your head.

Material Type

Pressing hair between hot metal is not exactly the best thing for your hair. What's better is a curling iron made of ceramic  or tourmaline.  These high-tech irons are better for your hair for various reasons. First off, they heat up rather quickly and are better at maintaining steady heat throughout the curling process--this means more consistency and a safer styling process for the hair. In addition, they use far-infrared heaters that help hair retain moisture so that it is less likely to dry out and become dull, frizzy or fragile. Keep in mind that ceramic and tourmaline irons do cost significantly more than metal ones. Be prepared to spend around $60 to $100 for a decent model and be sure to look for those that are 100% ceramic or tourmaline and not just coated.

Curling Iron Types

Brush/Hot Air  for volume and shine.

Best for thin or fine hair that can easily be damaged by heat. It helps to create shine and volume while reducing flyaways. Not good for hair that tangles easily, thick or coarse hair. Make sure to get one with a quick release feature so that your hair doesn't get tangled. You might also want one that comes with attachments and interchangeable brushes.

Spring Barrels  are standard and simple.

Ergonomical, clamp handles make using this iron easy for styling tight ringlets (3/4 inch barrel ) or big curls (1 & 1/2 inch barrel ). For the most part, these come with one barrel only, although some companies make "kits" that have interchangeable barrels. These work well for most hair types and are not likely to tangle in hair.

Marcel  grips are best left to the pros.

Marcel grips are not easy to use for most people, thus they are best left to pros who can curl without holding the tip and who have a bit of coordination. One tip: practice a bit with the power off the get the hang of it before using it for real. Those who get the hang of it usually report excellent results from these professional curlers.

Spiral  is as a spiral does.

These create perfectly spiraled curls that stay tight and bouncy longer than a spring barrel curling iron. Not recommended for creating wavy looks.

Triple-Barrels  make waves.

Instead of making circular, spiral curls, these irons with three barrels create softly crimped waves. Choose from a marcel handle or a spring grip (shown).

Dual-Purpose  types are a multi-tasker's dream.

If you want the best of both worlds, a clamp style curling iron and flat iron in one is your best best. It's great for all types of hair and is best in ceramic or tourmaline style.

Quick Picks

After scouring through searches, we have come up with some of our favorites for you to try out!

Babyliss BABP125S - Pro Porcelain Ceramic 1¼" Spring Curling Iron 

This conventional iron has shown to perform well on most hair types, plus it is inexpensive. Not professional grade quality, but a decent basic iron.

Babyliss BABP75S - Pro Porcelain Ceramic ¾" Spring Curling Iron 

This is a professional style curling iron that creates small, smooth, soft curls. For a basic style--but better than basic results--and less damage to your hair, this is a good choice.

Hot Tools Professional Marcel 

For people who enjoy a Marcel-style curling iron, this is a good choice. It is reasonably priced and provides a fast heat up!

Related Buying Guides

Flat Irons

Hair Dryers

Hair Styling Products

Hair Trends

Scene Hairstyles

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