If you are in the market for a new hair curler, there are many different options, from curling tongs and wands to materials like titanium and ceramic.
Products go into great detail about how and why they are good for your hair, which can be confusing. To make things simpler, we have come up with our hair curlers buying guide.
Hair Curlers Buying Guide
The reality is that most of the considerations you make regarding your hair curler purchase depends on your hair, its texture, length, and the type of curls you want. That being said, let’s dive right into the things you need to consider when buying a hair curler.
Materials
When it comes to hair curler materials, you have 4 main options.
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Ceramic
This option is the most popular. It is a good material because it can spread heat evenly to smooth out your hair and leave them shining. They work by heating your hair from the inside out, and the heat transfer is quick, which helps trap moisture and reduce damage.
It is a great material for thin hair that isn’t suitable for high-temperature curlers. If you go for ceramic, make sure you do it for a ceramic plate instead of ceramic coating because they are not as good or reliable.
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Titanium
Titanium is the most commonly used hair curler material among professional hairstylists. This is due to its durable and lightweight nature that can retain high temperatures for longer. It offers quick heating, but the heat travels from the outside in, which means there is a learning curve to using these curlers.
In the wrong hands, it can cause hair damage over time. Titanium is best for curling thicker hair that can sustain high temperatures.
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Tourmaline
This incredible stone material emits negative ions to react with positive ions in your hair to create a balance. This helps fight dry, dull, or frizzy hair. It is great for unmanageable, thicker hair. Tourmaline hair curlers are great for turning such hair into smooth, shiny, and manageable hair.
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Gold-Plated
Gold-plated curling irons can tolerate high temperatures for longer. This makes them ideal for thick, coarse hair, but they are not recommended because they do not balance heat evenly. This is why they are not a commonly used material for hair curlers.
Barrel size
Barrel size will dictate how much hair your curler can hold at one time, which means it can dictate the style of your curls, depending on your length and texture.
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3/4-inch
This small barrel size means that the curler is great for tight ringlets and a good option for fine and short-haired individuals. However, it can also add definition for people with naturally curly hair of any size because they can use it to retouch and freshen their natural curls.
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1-inch
This barrel size is suitable for a wide range of hair lengths and textures. It is great for anyone who wants to create texture for any length of hair. Short-haired individuals can especially take advantage if they want to add definition.
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1 1/2-inch
This barrel size is best for longer haired individuals because it can hold more hair for even heating. It is also great for creating loose waves and can offer a soft, blown-out look for shorter hair.
Curler Type
The type of curler comes down to preference for ease of use.
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Hair Curling Tongs
The traditional hair curler features a clamp to hold your hair and ends in place as you curl. It is recommended for beginners as this is easier to use. You can easily create curls like beachy waves, Hollywood glam, and soft waves.
Professionals hairstylists often prefer curling tongs, like GHD curling tongs, because they offer more control and distribute heat evenly.
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Hair Curling Wands
This type of hair curler has no clamp and instead allows you to wrap a section of your hair around the barrel. This option is great if you have damaged ends because you can keep them away from the heat by not wrapping them around the barrel.
It is great for creating natural-looking waves or an undone beach wave that leaves your hair looking a bit messy.
Heat Settings
Heat settings are crucial to consider, especially if you want to prevent your hair from getting damaged.
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Low Heat
This setting is perfect for fine, thin, or chemically treated hair because they are prone to heat damage.
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Medium Heat
This temperature is ideal for most hair, especially medium-thick or healthy hair.
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High Heat
High heat settings are not for everyone because they can easily damage your hair, especially in the long run. It works great on thick, coarse, or curly hair that can sustain the higher temperatures, but you should work fast because long exposure to high heat is damaging.
Conclusion
Hair curlers are a great item to have, and with the right one, you can completely change your look. If you follow our guide, you will easily find the best hair curler that suits your hair length, texture, and the type of curls you want to go for.
We recommend only opting for trusted brands that manufacture hair curlers that use quality materials and develop long-lasting products to make things easier.