On the hunt for the perfect curler to get your that perfect hairstyle? Granted, you could just walk into a shop and find one there with ease, but is it going to work for what you’re wanting to achieve? The reality is, there are tons of curlers on the market, and while they all curl your hair, different types of curlers have different functions!
To ensure you’re buying a curler that is going to help you achieve the look you’re going for, you need to do your due diligence by shopping around to see what the curler market has to offer – and we’ll give you the best place to start. Here are the different types of curling irons to choose from.
Gold-Plated Curling Iron
In the early days, curling irons often used gold-plated technology because of its ability to tolerate high heat for longer periods of time. A gold-plated curling iron’s ability to handle heat makes them a suitable choice for people with thick hair. However, this type of hair curler is not longer the most popular on the market, because while it does sound extravagant, gold-plated irons have been known to cause hot spots due to them not dispersing heat evenly over the plates.
Titanium Iron
Titanium is generally found in your more premium curling irons and is actually favoured by a lot of professional hairstylists. This is because this type of hair curler is generally more durable, lightweight, and holds heat for longer. They also heat up a lot faster, making them a suitable option for people who need to curl their hair in a rush.
Ceramic Curling Iron
The most common material used for curling irons is ceramic. Ceramic irons spread heat evenly, allowing you to get a smooth finish from your hair when you use them. They’re also great for thinner hair for this reason. Because they disperse the heat evenly, the chance of damaging your hair is reduced. However, there is a small catch.
Cheaper irons might mention that they use ceramic but will only have a ceramic coat over them. So, if you are after a ceramic iron, look for one with a full ceramic plate. Take a look at GHD curlers; they have a decent range of ceramic irons.
Tourmaline Curling Iron
Now, let’s take things up a notch. Tourmaline curling irons have plates cut from the tourmaline stone. They use negative ions that’ll help you maintain your hair’s health by reducing dullness, frizziness, and dryness. Great for curling thicker hair, tourmaline irons react with positive ions to balance out your hair, leaving it feeling smooth and glimmer.
1/2-inch Barrel Curling Iron
The 1/2-inch curling iron is the go-to if you’re looking to make amazing curls or improve your natural curls further. Plus, if you can get your hands on a GHD, its 6.25” ceramic barrier will give you a tight, wavy curl, even if you have longer hair.
3/4-inch Barrel Curling Iron
Wanting to go a little tighter, the ¾-inch barrel curling iron will give you the option. Being a relatively small curler, you can use it for shorter and finer hair, allowing you to get into a place where other curlers can’t and create those tight ringlets.
1-inch Barrel Curling Iron
Picking things up a little in size, the 1-inch barrel curler is a versatile tool in the hands of a stylist. This curly is great for creating different textures, particularly for individuals with shorter hair.
1 1/2-inch Barrel Curling Iron
If you’ve got long hair and want those dreamy, beachy waves, a 1 1/2-inch barrel curling iron is your go-to. It’s perfect because it evenly heats your hair from roots to tips, giving you that smooth, wavy look. For shorter hair, this size barrel offers a softer, blowout-like style.
2-inch Barrel Curling Iron
A 2-inch barrel curling iron is your secret weapon. This thicker barrel mimics the effect of a professional blowout minus the salon visit. Plus, the titanium barrel not only adds shine but also keeps frizz away. Just remember to start curling from the ends and be mindful of the heat.
Waver
Going for the waves you only ever see in movies on mermaids? A waver, with its two or three barrels, is the tool you need. It’s super easy to use and creates that natural, S-shaped wave pattern. However, be cautious. Although the waver might give you a decent textured look, it can also make your hair look a little uneven in places.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a curling iron and a curling wand?
While they both operate in a very similar way, curling irons have a clamp that holds the hair in place, while a wand just wraps the hair around it to develop curls.
Do you need to use heat protectant spray when you use a curling iron?
Yes, you should always use heat protectant spray on your hair when you use any hair styling tool that uses heat. Heat protectant spray will protect your hair from heat damage and give it nutrients to promote its health.
Why won’t your curls hold?
Let’s just say there could be multiple reasons as to why your curls are holding. For instance, if your hair is highly porous, it might not be able to hold the products well enough to help you hold a good curl. Likewise, you may be using the wrong size curler or a heat setting that’s too low for your hair type.
