Can't find a curling iron that fully meets your needs? The main difference between the various models is given by the type of curl they create, so this factor is very important to choose a product that is good for obtaining the desired result. The size of the curl must be determined according to your preferences, but the choice of iron should also be made considering the type of hair you have, as some styling can only be done in certain cases. Understanding which iron is the most effective for your hair is essential for making a targeted purchase.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Consider the Various Types of Hedgehogs
Step 1. Consider the type of curl you want to achieve in order to choose the right cylinder
The diameter can vary from 10 mm to 5 cm. Each of them offers a different result. If you want well-defined curls, go for a smaller diameter. If you want soft waves, choose a bigger one.
- The smaller diameters are good for flat and thin hair. You'll get some well-defined curls, so although they sag over the course of the day, the hair will still stay in style. A larger diameter is not suitable for this type of hair, because you will get soft waves that will collapse in no time.
- If you have thick hair that holds styling more easily, soft waves made with a larger diameter iron will hold much better.
Step 2. Choose a narrow diameter iron to get elastic and defined curls
In that case, a 16mm, 13mm, or 10mm will do.
- Narrow diameter irons are particularly suitable for short hair or hair that slightly exceeds the shoulders.
- They are also good for long or short hair that is quite curly by nature. The size of the wand helps to touch up the less defined locks.
- Girls with straight hair can achieve bouncy and defined curls with this type of diameter. Styling will take a long time, but it is absolutely doable.
- This type of diameter is ideal for thin hair.
- This type of iron is great for creating spiral or permanent curls.
Step 3. If you want vintage waves, choose a 20mm diameter iron
This wand allows for slightly softer curls, great for vintage style hairstyles and hairstyles. It also allows you to create "corkscrew" curls. Brush them gently to soften them.
This diameter is suitable for short or medium length hair
Step 4. If you are a beginner, choose a diameter of 25mm, which many consider great for styling any type of curl and length
If you want to change your curling iron or buy it for the first time, consider this model.
- This diameter is suitable for short bob, medium length hair and long layered curly hair.
- It can create natural looking defined curls. If you have long hair, brushing it can make it look even more natural and flowing.
Step 5. If you have medium to long hair, choose a diameter of 32mm
It is considered the most suitable for long-haired women. It allows to obtain uniform curls.
This diameter allows you to obtain curls or soft and natural waves. It can also be used on short hair to make it voluminous and create softer curls
Step 6. With a diameter of 38 mm you can get beach waves
The wider the wand, the softer the curls will be. In this case it allows you to have soft and voluminous curls. It's great for those who want a slightly disheveled beach look or the famous Victoria's Secret model waves.
This diameter is particularly suitable for long hair. It can also be used for some medium hair types, but is too thick for short cuts
Step 7. If you want a slightly wavy effect, use a 40mm diameter, effective only on long hair
It is not exactly meant to curl your hair, it serves more to make it wavy on the lengths.
- It's for girls with straight hair who want some movement, not defined curls.
- It is the right size to create a 70s cotton look and the upturned tips typical of the 90s.
Part 2 of 2: Choosing the Right Model
Step 1. Consider the temperature settings
Each type of hair requires a different temperature. Thick hair tolerates heat better than fine hair. This is essential to avoid ruining them. It is also necessary to use a high temperature to curl large amounts of hair in one go.
- Many irons have adjustable settings. It is a rather useful function, as it allows you to change the temperature according to the treated hair.
- Never use temperatures equal to or higher than 200 ° C. Only a hairdresser can do it. For styling, try to keep yourself between 150 and 180 ° C. If you have fine, thin hair, do not exceed 80 ° C.
Step 2. Decide whether to buy an iron with a spring clip or a curling bar
The irons with the pliers allow you to keep the hair still during styling. They are the most widespread and available in almost all stores. If you use a bar, you need to manually wrap the hair around the wand.
- An iron with pliers allows you to keep your hair in place, but it also has other benefits: it is available in a wide variety of diameters and is easily available on the market.
- A bar allows you to wrap the ends of your hair only at the end, so this helps prevent them from becoming frayed. It can also be brought closer to the roots to volumize the hair and, contrary to what happens with the iron equipped with a clamp, it does not leave creases or imperfections on the hair.
- The bar can help you get better beach waves. In addition, many experts in the field prefer it, even if you have to learn how to use it as it requires a certain manual skill.
- An alternative to these two irons is the Marcel, a curling iron without a spring clip. It takes some practice to learn how to use it, however it offers more control and produces longer-lasting curls. Marcel irons are available both in appliance stores and online.
Step 3. Choose the shape of the iron
In fact, there is not just one: there are several, with different effects. If you prefer a specific style, try one of the following:
- Conical bar. It usually has a smaller tip and widens towards the base. There is also the opposite form, that is, with a thicker tip and a narrower base. It allows to obtain precise curls. Thanks to the tapered bar you can have curls of different sizes, wider or tighter depending on your preferences. It allows you to create beach waves, but also romantic-looking curls that spread out at the tips.
- Straight wand iron with pliers. It is the typical shape of the classic irons. It allows for even curls, so it's great for curls and spiral curls.
- Iron with spiral wand. This variant features a spiral-shaped relief that guides the hair to take the desired shape.
- Wand with beads or balls along its entire length. It is used to obtain natural looking curls, without a defined and perfect shape. It is ideal for those who want a natural effect, on any length.
- Double or triple wand. This iron, also called a corrugating plate, is made up of two or three rods that resemble fingers. They allow for 8-shaped waves rather than curls. They are great for longer hair.
- Plate. You can also curl your hair with a straightener. It is good for long or short ones. If you already have one, you can use it to create waves and curls, the important thing is that it is no more than 2.5 centimeters wide and that it has rounded edges.
Step 4. Choose the right material
Not all irons are made the same way. When choosing one, it is important to pay attention to the material. Some are better than others.
- The ceramic and tourmaline irons are among the most popular and safest. If you curl your hair often, these are the materials for you. They maintain a constant temperature throughout the rod. They release negative ions that smooth the cuticle, eliminate frizz, make hair visibly smooth and shiny.
- Titanium irons are good for thick hair that is difficult to style, does not hold the style or is indomitable. They contain negative ions that help fight frizz and protect the shaft, just like ceramic or tourmaline irons.
- The irons in chrome and gold heat well, but do not fight frizz. While they are cheaper, chrome irons can have hot spots than others and ruin your hair.
- Metal steam irons may be good for thin hair that does not hold curly styling. They release steam, which helps to replace the water eliminated by the metal and to keep the curl longer.
Advice
- Some irons come with interchangeable rods of different sizes. They are practical as you won't need multiple tools to create the curls you want.
- Remember that the price affects the quality of the product. Cheaper irons typically don't heat up evenly and tend to break more easily. Research the various brands available before buying a curling iron, bearing in mind that a medium to high quality model is a necessary investment if you care about the health of your hair.
- Don't curl your hair too often. Intense heat can damage hair when used often.
- For natural-looking curls without the use of heat, try braiding your hair while it is still damp and let it dry overnight without melting it.
