Literally, there is a certain degree of curling iron. When buying the best curling iron, experts agree with common categories to find the right one for your hair: protection technology, barrel material, barrel size and temperature.
Materials and heating technology
According to Rogerio Cavalcante, designer and owner of the second-floor salon in New York, the difference between the various materials is how they react to heat. “What makes curling iron a curling iron is the heating technology so that it does not burn or damage the hair (and) is ergonomic control, so it is comfortable and practical for the user,” explains celebrity hairstylist Erinn Courtney, who adds that high enough temperatures are also critical to roll up thick hair. Depending on the material of the curling iron barrel, different barrel types have their own set of benefits.
- Ceramic products: Known for evenly distributing heat, ceramic curling iron buckets are a safe and effective choice for most hair types. According to Courtney, the ceramic barrel takes longer to heat and heat the hair from the inside, so it is softer on thin or damaged hair.
- titanium: Heat the fastest, so thinner hair texture should be warned. “However, for those with thicker or rougher hair, this is a suitable option to provide an effective calorie distribution while minimizing the risk of damage,” Cavalcanta added.
- tourmaline: “Tourmaline is a semi-precious stone known for its unique properties that produces negative ions and infrared heat when incorporated into hair styling tools. This feature helps the cavalry’s smoother, more shiny and less curly hair.” It is best for effective heat heating, suitable for frizz and shag textures, Cavalcante says.
Barrel size:
Different barrel sizes best suit a specific hair length and produce a variety of styles, allowing you to choose according to the appearance you want. “While there is no strict hair length paired with a specific barrel size, shorter hair, especially those above the neckline, tend to pair with a smaller wand,” Kavalkant said. “Ideally, your curly iron with an interchangeable barrel (as well as an automatic shutdown feature) provides maximum versatility, safety and durability.
- Small: From ⅜ to ½ inch, thinner barrels produce tight curls that can achieve a huge 70s aesthetic when brushing their teeth, explains. Those with shorter hair may also consider a thinner barrel to reach a bent bob.
- Medium: Ranging between ¾ and 1.5 inches, the medium barrel is the most common curly iron, producing a bouncing reminiscent of the classic Victoria’s Secret bombshell look.
- Large: Any barrel larger than 1½ inches will cause waves instead of curls, which is perfect for those who want loose curls or relaxing beach waves.
temperature:
Temperature plays a major role in styling and maintaining overall health of hair. Tara Simich, founder of Mermade Hair, took us through different heat settings, which hair is best for which temperature range.
- Low calorie: It is recommended that people with fine hair use less heat when styling because they have fewer layers to protect their hair bundles. As a result, each part of the hair will form faster, with a temperature between 250 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Medium fire: Simich recommends a standard temperature of 350 degrees for normal hair (thought the hair is not thin, but not thick or rough, which is the happy medium between the two extremes).
- high temperature: “The thicker the hair, the more heat it takes to penetrate and form shapes and curls in the hair,” Simish explained. Thicker hair textures can handle higher heat due to their increased layers, ranging from 375 degrees to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
