With the wide variety of curling tools available, navigating the market can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Each tool produces a different type of curl, so the product you want will totally depend on the look you’re going for. That being said, you’ll likely need to invest in a variety of styling tools to suite your many moods and occasions. To make your search easier we’ve created a list of the most popular curling tools on the market and have provided some tips on how to use each.
Types of curling tools
1 – Curling Iron:
What type of curl do curling irons create?
The standard curling iron has been the go to curling tool for years and can be trusted to create perfect curls with staying power and shine. So if it’s structured, spiral, ringlets you’re after, a basic curling iron is the tool you need. The clasp feature of a curling iron is created to hold hair in place and provide heat from both sides, ultimately resulting in curls with definition and shine.
Are different styles of curling irons available?
There are two major types of curling irons: spring-loaded curling irons and Marcel curling irons. Spring-loaded curling irons are the most common and easy to use, as they feature a spring-loaded clamp that holds hair in place. While Marcel curling irons also feature a clamp, the clamp is not spring-loaded and needs to be held in place. These curling irons are used primarily by professionals as they are a bit more difficult to use. Although they’re harder to master, the upside to the Marcel curling iron is that it is less likely to leaves creases in curls, but for home use we would recommend going for the spring-loaded curling iron
Do curling irons come in various sizes and materials?
Curling irons come in a variety of sizes from 3/8″ or smaller all the way up to 2″ or larger, allowing you to create loose or tight ringlets. Not sure what size barrel you need? Well that totally depends on the length of your hair and the size of the curl you’re trying to achieve. The longer the hair and looser the curl you’re going for, the larger you’ll want the barrel to be. Curling irons are also available in several materials, including: chrome or metal; gold, titanium, or Teflon; and ceramic or tourmaline. Chrome or metal curling irons are the least expensive, but release positive ions which open hair cuticles and can severely damage hair. Gold, titanium, and Teflon irons are preferable to chrome or metal as they provide a layer of protection between the metal curling iron and the hair. Though, be aware that Teflon coatings will eventually wear off, so be sure to replace your Teflon iron regularly. Finally, ceramic and tourmaline irons are the best materials available, but they, of course, also happen to be the most expensive. However, it’s definitely worth the splurge if you’re looking for a curling iron that will not only protect your hair, but also add smoothness and shine.
What features are included in most curling irons?
Most curling irons come with a variety of heat settings, as well as automatic shut-off which comes in handy if you have a tendency to be forgetful. Other than that, curling irons are pretty basic. But really, what more do you need?
Are there any downsides to using a curling iron?
The one downside to the curling iron is that the clamp can sometimes leave creases in the hair. One way to avoid that is by opening and closing the clamp rapidly while pulling the curling iron downward to release the curl.
2 – Curling Wand:
What type of curl do curling wands create?
Curling wands have been around for awhile now and are very similar to traditional curling irons. The difference between a curling iron and curling wand is that wands lack a clamp or clip to hold hair in place. As a result, wands create loose, natural curls that often lack uniformity and definition.
Are different styles of curling wands available?
Curling wands come in a variety of shapes and styles, including: bubble wands, double barrel wands, tapered barrel wands, and textured barrel wands.
- Bubble wands, as you may expect, feature a bubble texture which serves as a template for creating perfect beach waves. Simply wind each layer of hair through the skinny section between each bubble, let the hair set, and voila. Beach waves for beginners!
- Double barrel wands, again, as the name suggests, feature two barrels between which you can wrap strands of hair in a figure-8 pattern to create soft, touchable waves. Top it off with a flower crown or headband and you’re all set for your next music fest!
- Tapered barrel wands are extremely popular and will help you achieve those gorgeous Victoria’s Secret Angel waves all women envy. The tapered barrel creates voluminous curls that transition from loose waves to tight ringlets as you move from root to tip.
- Finally textured wands feature ridges that will grip the hair, making these wands perfect for beginners or anyone that struggles with keeping hair in place when using curling wands.
Do curling wands come in various sizes and materials?
Much like curling irons, curling wands are available in a variety of sizes. The most popular being the 1/2″ to 1″ barrel, which is good for shorter hair and tighter waves, or the 1 1/2 to 2″ barrel, which is great for longer hair and looser waves.
In terms of materials, curling wands are also come in chrome or metal; gold, titanium, or Teflon; and ceramic or tourmaline. Although a bit more expensive, we highly recommend opting for something gold, titanium, Teflon, ceramic, or tourmaline in the interest of keeping hair healthy.
What features are included in most curling wands?
Again, like curling irons, most curling wands feature a variety of heat settings as well as an automatic shut-off feature. However, curling wands also typically come with a heat protective glove to prevent burns while curling. Additionally, you can also purchase sets with interchangeable attachments, allowing you to switch out the size and shape of the curling barrel with ease.
Are there any downsides to using a curling wand?
The one concern users have about curling wands is struggling to keep hair in place, but we promise, with a little practice we guarantee you’ll get the hang of it.
3 – Hot Rollers:
What type of curl do hot rollers create?
Hot rollers are great if you’re looking to create curls with a lot of body that will last from day to night. The biggest plus about hot rollers is that you can set it and forget! Get dressed, do your make-up, or even unload the dishwasher while your curls set. Once the rollers are completely curls, simply let down your curls, tousle, spray, and you’re good to go!
Are different styles of hot rollers available?
Of course! While you can always opt for simple Velcro, foam, or wand rollers that don’t require heat, we strongly (we repeat, strongly) advise against that.
When it comes to hot rollers you can choose between steam rollers or electric rollers. The major difference between the two is that steam rollers are heated by steam, so they take a bit longer to heat up, whereas electric rollers heat up almost instantly.
If you have the time, we would definitely recommend giving steam rollers a try. They create curls with soft, natural volume, and they’re also very gentle on hair. What’s not to love about that?
Do hot rollers come in various sizes and materials?
Yes and yes. Like curling irons and curling wands, hot rollers are available in multiple sizes. In fact, most sets include multiple sizes to enhance volume and body by creating a variety of curls.
Again, the size you’ll want really depends on the length of your hair and the size of curl you’re going for. Smaller sized rollers will result in more defined ringlet curls, while larger rollers will create loose, beachy waves.
Hot rollers are mainly made of hard plastic, ceramic, titanium, tourmaline, and ion. Much like chrome or metal curling irons and wands, plastic hot rollers are not nearly as good for your hair as some of the more expensive materials like ceramic, titanium, or tourmaline.
We highly recommend a combination of tourmaline and ceramic as these materials heat hair from the inside, so hair stays health and shiny on the outside.
What features are included in most hot rollers?
Like most curling irons and wands, hot rollers typically feature a variety of heat settings and an automatic shut off off. Additionally, some hot roller sets may also come equipped with an instant heat up function to significantly cut down on styling time.
Are there any downsides to using hot rollers?
Yes, if you’re sort on time you should definitely opt for another styling tool. The biggest mistake most people make when using hot rollers is taking them out too soon. The directions may instruct you to leave them in for 10-20 minutes, but in order to create a long-lasting style you’ll need to leave the rollers in until they are completely cool, which in take case of some rollers can take several hours.
4 – Curling Tongs:
What type of curl do curling tongs create?
Curling tong are one of the newest curling tools to hit the scene, but are also one of the most difficult to learn to use. However, if you have the time and patience to get the hang of it, you will seriously fall in love with the variety of looks you are able to create. Curling tongs look like a cross between a flat iron and a curling iron and create perfect, bouncy curls that will last all day. The shape and size of the curl depends on the angle at which you position and pull the hair through the tongs, so you can change up your style anytime you want.
Are different styles of curling tongs available?
Since curling tongs are still relatively new to the styling world the market is rather small, so there are very few sets of curling tongs that appear to be the exact same. That being said, the top brands we would recommend for anyone interested are Tyme, Babyliss, Carteret, and Ion. Although they all appear to be slightly different, they serve the same purpose and reviewers cannot stop raving about how much they love these products.
Do curling tongs come in various sizes and materials?
Again, curling tongs are a relatively new concept, but like curling irons and wands the sizes of tongs seem to vary slightly. The wider the tongs the looser the curl, so just keep that in mind when determining which product to try. When it comes to materials, most curling tongs are created using gold, titanium, ceramic, or tourmaline, all of which will protect hair from damage. Just remember to avoid chrome or basic metal at all costs.
What features are included in curling tongs?
What really sets curling tongs apart from other styling tools is the added side heating panels featured in addition to the center heating plates. That being said, most curling tongs can be used to either curl or straighten, which is our favorite feature by far. Additionally, like curling irons and wands, curling tongs typically feature a variety of heat settings and automatic shut off.
Are there any downsides to using curling tongs?
As we mentioned before, curling tongs can be hard to master. However, the unique styles created by curling tongs are well worth the time and patience spent learning the art.
Best Curling Tool for each Hair Type
Obviously not everyone’s hair type is the same, so the optimal styling tool will vary from person to person as well. Below we’ve created a list of recommendations based on hair type to further assist in your search for the perfect curling tool.
- Long Hair: For anyone with hair below the shoulders, we don’t recommend using a curling iron or wand smaller than 3/4″, instead we would suggest opting for something between 1″ and 2″. Additionally, hot rollers or curling tongs are great for a natural, beachy look.
- Medium Hair: If you fall into the medium or shoulder length hair category you’re in luck, just about anything goes. If you’re looking for more defined curls, we recommend a good old fashioned curling iron with a barrel size between 1/2″ to 1″. However, if you’re just going for waves and body, a curling wand with a 1″ barrel or larger should do the trick. And if you’re looking for a style with volume and staying power, hot rollers are a great option as well!
- Short Hair: If you’ve got short or very short hair you are slightly limited in the curling tools that will work for you. Nevertheless, any tapered barrel wand ranging from 3/8″ to 1/2″ will definitely get the job done.
- Thin Hair: For anyone with locks that lack volume, a ceramic iron or wand may be your best bet to create smooth, long-lasting curls. Additionally, keep in mind that thin hair reacts best to low temperatures, so make sure to look for something with a variety of heat settings so you can keep the temp as low as possible.
- Thick Hair: If you’ve got a thick coarse mane it doesn’t really matter which styling tool you opt for – iron, wand, rollers, tongs – anything will do, what you really need to look for in a product is moisture-locking HEAT. Above all, go for something with a variety of heat settings so you can crank that baby up. Additionally, anything made of titanium will help lock in moisture, creating a look that will last all day.
Styling Products to Enhance Curls
Finding the perfect styling tool just isn’t enough, in order to protect your hair and create long-lasting curls you must also invest in a variety of products to add to your beauty regimen. Depending on your hair type and how frequently you use styling tools, we highly recommend some sort of heat protection, texturizer, and hair spray.
- Heat Protection: If you heat treat your hair regularly (and even if you only do it every once in awhile) heat protection is a must. Tresemmé Flat Iron Smoothing Spray, Keratin Smooth is by far one of our favorites. Just spray the product about 8 inches away from your head before using any hot tool. The best part? You can find this heat spray just about anywhere, and you can usually get it for right around $5! To further protect or repair damaged hair, a repair serum may be just the thing. Bumble & Bumble Repair Blow Dry is an effective option and is super easy to use. Simply apply to damp hair right when you get out of the shower, then blow dry or let hair air dry before styling. Unfortunately, this stuff isn’t cheap. For if you’re looking for a less expensive option maybe go for John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Thermal Protection Formula or Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector.
- Texturizing Spray: Regardless of your hair type, hair will hold a curl best when it has some texture to it. So maybe think about using Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun to coat each layer of hair before curling. And if that’s a bit pricey for your taste, maybe try the Allure Best of Beauty winner, Garnier Fructis Style De-Constructed Texture Tease Dry Touch Finish Spray. Now, if you’re already working with some natural wave, a curl-enhancing mousse, like Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse, will provide hold and staying power. And for a less expensive option try Eden BodyWorks JojOba Monoi Hair Milk. Or, if you have straight hair, try something with a little more oomph, like L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Curl Activating Mousse.
- Hair Spray: To keep your locks in place, finish the look with a flexible hair spray like Rusk W8less Plus Shaping and Control Hairspray. If you’re looking for something a bit less pricey, Dove Strength & Shine Flexible Hold Hairspray is a great option as well.
How to achieve the perfect curl:
If you’ve already got your curling tool but are a looking for tips on how to achieve the perfect style, look no further. We’ve addressed several of the best insider tips for each of the above styling tools below.
Curling Iron:
- First section off a piece of hair.
- Then, rather than clipping your iron to the end of the section and spinning the iron up, clip it closer to the roots and twirl your hair through the clamp.
- Hold the iron in place (cord down) for several seconds until the hair is warm to the touch (keep in mind to hold your iron vertically for looser curls, and horizontally for bouncier, tighter curls),
- then open and close the clamp rapidly while pulling the iron downward to release the curl.
These techniques together will help to prevent creases and create perfectly, gorgeous curls.
Additionally, remember to curl your hair away from your face on both sides to create a natural, voluptuous look.
Finally, if you’re trying to create a look that will last an extended period of time, slide your hair out of the clip into your hand to allow the curl to cool before dropping, or take it a step further and pin coils to your head until full cooled. (Note: this tip works for curling wands as well).
Curling Wand:
- First, remember that you will hold your curling wand differently than you would hold a curling iron.
- With a curling wand, the cord should be up and the hair should be wrapped around the wand from base to tip. Like with a curling iron, remember to always curl the framing section away from your face.
- However, for a natural look, consider alternating the direction of each curl as you move around the back of your head.
- Also remember that pulling the hair on the crown of your head forward with the wand will give you extra volume.
Finally, if you have already curly hair, let your hair air dry and then rather than curling your whole head, strategically select large (flat) sections to curl. This will create a natural, beachy look.
Hot Rollers:
- To use hot rollers, first portion off the central Mohawk area of your hair.
- Divide it into sections and then wrap each section around a medium or large roller, winding away from your face.
- Finally,secure hair with a clip.
- After the Mohawk section is complete, set the sides and back of your hair by wrapping the rollers under from the ends up. Only use the smallest rollers where your hair is the longest to keep the curls from getting too tight.
- Once set, wait about 20 minutes for the rollers to cool COMPLETELY, then unravel and rake through your hair to get soft bouncy curls.
Curling Tongs:
- As you would do with a curling iron or wand, section off hair (starting on the bottom layer) and place the tongs close to your scalp on the first section.
- Clamp the section as if you were going to straighten.
- Then, pull the hair away from your scalp (rather than straight down), rolling the tongs in a downward direction as you go. Keep rolling until you have wrapped the entire section of hair around the tongs.
- Once hair is entirely wrapped, gently pull / slide the tongs down the length of the hair.
- Position your curl however you’d like and you’re done!
Keep in mind that you always want to keep the “tail” of the strand in front of the tongs in order to keep the curl uniform. It sounds confusing, but we promise, once you get the hang of it this is an amazing curling technique!
Do you have a pro-tip, favorite product or styling tool?
Please share it with us in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!