A styled, well-groomed hairstyle every day is the dream of many women and girls. A chic curl in 10-15 minutes is made possible thanks to a hair curling iron. Manufacturers offer a large selection of curling irons, various designs that will allow you to get curls of different diameters, curling directions, etc. There is no need to sleep on the curlers at night, or wear them during the evening or day. How to choose suitable ceramic hair curling irons, what should you pay attention to when choosing?
How tongs work
The design of the curling iron consists of 2 parts: a plastic handle and a working surface. The working surface includes a roller of various shapes and a clamp. The metal roller heats up evenly, thereby providing a curl that lasts a long time. The control buttons are on the handle.
The number of functions and buttons will depend on the model of the curling iron, this will tell you how to choose a hair curling iron.
Here you can find:
- On/off button;
- Mode switching panel;
- Small display;
- Temperature control button;
- Light lamps of different colors indicating heating, connection to the network, etc.
The handle has a built-in relay that turns off the heating of the tongs when a certain temperature is reached.
Powered by electrical network. The cord is attached in such a way that it is convenient to use the curling iron, without twisting it.
The work of forceps is known to every representative of the fair sex. It is necessary to separate a strand of hair of the required thickness, wind it onto a heated roller, hold it with a clamp, and after a few seconds, pull the curling iron out of the curled curl.
Automatic curling machines are gaining popularity. Such machines themselves tighten strands of hair and wind them onto a heated shaft. Automatic machines are used in hairdressing salons, since the high cost does not allow them to be used at home.
Conclusion
When considering curling irons to buy, pay attention to the manufacturers Babyliss and Philips, because their device models are found in most price segments and also have good characteristics that users highly value.
Speaking of budget models, consider the options REDMOND RCI-2324, BaBylissPRO BAB2269TTE and Polaris PHS 3058K, because the cost of the most expensive one does not exceed 5,000 rubles and they have no unnecessary functions, only the most necessary.
If we consider premium-class curling irons, they can work real miracles with your hair, you just need to learn how to use them. Pay attention to the best selected models - BaBylissPRO BAB2665SE, Philips BHB876/00 StyleCare Prestige, BaBylissPRO BAB2091EPE/LPE/NKWE/NKPE and GA.MA Wonder Curl (GC0101).
Types of hair curlers
Classic - cylindrical
The most popular, well-known types of curling irons with a cylindrical rod. They gained popularity due to their simplicity of design and ease of use. Different models have differences in the diameter of the rod. There are tongs with replaceable attachments of different diameters that are included in the kit.
Heating temperature - +200/+230С. In expensive trim levels there is a thermostat to control the temperature.
The cord is up to 2m long, which is convenient for use at home.
Cone shape
The cone shape of the working surface allows you to create natural curls. These curling irons create additional volume at the roots and reduce the diameter of the curls at the ends. These are semi-professional curling irons, so they are not easy to curl at home.
Heating temperature - +180/+200С. The design includes a thermostat that allows you to select the desired temperature. The standard number of modes is up to 13.
Spiral shape
The design of the rod resembles a spiral. Strands of hair are placed in it to obtain even, neat curls. The design of hair curling irons does not include a clamp; at the base of the shaft, some manufacturers place a small fixing clamp that keeps the ends of the strands from unwinding.
Heating temperature - +180/+190С. The design includes a thermostat that allows you to select the desired temperature. The standard number of modes is up to 6. The spiral rod can have either a cylindrical or conical shape.
Double curling iron
Such electric hair curlers are used by professional hairdressers, as they are difficult to work with.
The design of the styler consists of 2 parallel rods onto which strands are wound. All work is done manually and if used improperly, you can get burned.
The temperature range is +200/+210C, with a rod diameter of no more than 15 cm.
Triple forceps
The design of the best triple ceramic curling irons resembles a double curling iron and a straightening iron. To obtain curls, strands of hair are clamped between 2 working surfaces, creating even curls.
Possessing high power, such tongs quickly reach the optimal heating temperature of +210/+230C. The thermostat allows you to select the appropriate mode for operation from 15 offered. The display is located on the handle.
The advantages and disadvantages of each of the above forms of forceps are given in Table 1.
Table 1 - Pros and cons
| View | Advantages | Flaws |
| Cylindrical shape | The clamp holds the strands tightly; Several temperature modes to choose from; Simplicity, ease of use; Good hair styling for any length. | Short cord; Control buttons on the handle that are easy to touch when using a curling iron. |
| Cone shape | Natural look of curls; Several temperature modes to choose from; The curls last a long time; Cord 3m long. | More expensive than classic forceps; The perm procedure is complex. |
| Spiral shape | You get smooth, neat curls; The curls last a long time; Long cord – 3.5 m; The presence of heat-insulating linings helps to avoid burns. | High price; Not suitable for long hair. |
| Double | Styling long and “super” long hair; Various shapes of curls; Uniform heating of the working surface allows you to get neat curls. | There are no clips that secure the strands; Used by hairdressers only; Risk of burns. |
| Triple curling iron | Large selection of heating modes; Unusual curl shape; Convenient cord length (up to 4m); Saves time because you don't need to twist strands of hair onto the work surface. | High price; Inconvenient for independent use; Short hair cannot be styled. |
What to look for when choosing
There are many parameters that influence the choice of a particular model. The main ones are listed below.
Power
Power affects how quickly the curling iron heats up to the desired operating temperature.
- For home use of the styler, the optimal power is 25/50W.
- Professional hairdressers use curling irons with a power of up to 130W.
Coating
The design of standard pliers uses uncoated stainless steel. These types of hair curlers can harm healthy hair, so they are recommended for infrequent use. If you purchase a curling iron model with an uncoated rod, you should choose one with a thermostat in order to regulate the temperature during styling.
The use of coatings on rollers allows you to make styling more gentle on the hair.
Types of coatings:
- Teflon - helps protect hair from drying out and burning. Over time, it cracks and loses its properties.
- Ceramic – used as a coating on professional and semi-professional devices. By creating an ionization effect, it helps protect your hair while creating curls.
- Tourmaline - tongs with this coating are considered the safest for frequent use. Returns naturalness and healthy shine to hair.
- Titanium – similar in properties to tourmaline coating. It has high strength characteristics and heating speed. Unfortunately, the prices for such tongs are high.
Principle of operation
The principle of operation of all such curling irons is to capture individual curls in a special chamber, after which the hair is evenly heated. All excess moisture reserves are removed from them, due to which, under thermal influence, the strands take the required shape.
All modern models have the ability to manually adjust the temperature mode by the user, which allows you to curl even the thinnest or weakest curls without any risk. They are also equipped with a special timer that allows you to set the time interval after which the signal will follow. It will indicate that the work on the strand is completed and it has taken the desired shape.
Heating temperature and thermostats
A convenient function that allows you to set the desired heating temperature for convenient and safe operation.
Important! When choosing a curling iron, you need to carefully study the modes.
Types of modes:
- +60/+80С – at such temperatures you get airy strands that will not last long. The mode is suitable for thin, brittle hair;
- +100/+120С – the mode allows you to get soft strands without harming your hair;
- +150/+180С – mode for obtaining elastic curls that will last up to 2 days. Allows you to curl coarse colored hair;
- +200C – style unruly healthy hair that is difficult to curl.
The choice of temperature depends on the material of the curling iron rod.
Important! When using uncoated curling irons, the temperature should be set 30C lower so as not to harm the hair.
Recommendations for using a curling iron
If you get used to it, using a curling iron is quite simple. However, there are certain recommendations and precautions that should be followed:
- Before use, you must wash and dry your hair. There is no point in trying to dry your hair at high temperatures. The risk of harm to the hair structure in this case increases significantly;
- Regardless of the curling method and the device used, it is better to divide the hair into several zones or strands to make the styling process easier. The head region is often divided into temporal, occipital and parietal. Only the top and bottom can be separated. It all depends on personal convenience and habit. But the thinner the strand, the better it will be curled;
- Follow the instructions for use that come with each device. Improper use of a curling iron can lead to skin burns or damage to the hair structure. For thin and weakened hair, it is better to choose a lower temperature setting. Try not to overexpose the strand on the device and do not press it tightly against the skin. To protect your hands, it is better to use a thermal protective glove;
- Do not use the products in a damp place or with wet hands. Do not leave plugged in without supervision. During operation, the wire should not be twisted or caught. Put the instrument into storage only after making sure that it has completely cooled down.
Video: using a curling iron
Which ones to choose
If you need a budget option, then if you have healthy hair and do not style it often, you can take curling irons without coating or attachments. It is worth choosing a model with a thermostat to protect the device from overheating.
If styling is done more than 3 times a week, then you should choose tongs with titanium, tourmaline coating, and increased power. You should not save on the health of your hair and its beauty.
The optimal ratio of quality and price are hair curlers with Teflon-coated attachments. It is better to look for models with a thermostat.
For fine, limp hair, it is better to choose a ceramic curling iron to minimize unwanted heat exposure to your hair.
A thermostat is required in the design. The presence of replaceable nozzles is optional. High power in this case is not necessary, since with such hair the maximum temperature is +120/+150C.
Features of using the device on hair of different lengths
Depending on the length of your hair, you need to know certain subtleties of using a curling iron:
- Short or medium length strands. For them, it is preferable to use a curling iron of small diameter and size. But for long curls it is not suitable, because it simply does not have enough ability to capture it completely.
- Long strands. It is best to use the diameter of the device slightly smaller than the desired curl. It is ideal to use a spiral or cone attachment for them.
- Thick hair. For this, it is better to use the largest diameter curling iron.
- Weakened hair. If the curls are fragile or damaged, then it is better to use curling irons with a narrow heating element.
Best models
If it is difficult to understand how to choose a hair curler, then below you can understand which ones are best suited for your hair. Rating of the best companies.
BaByliss C1300E
BaByliss C1300E ceramic tongs have an ergonomic, stylish design. The manufacturer used high-quality materials for their manufacture, and used a ceramic coating for the shaft so that the curling does not harm the hair. Convenient to use.
The maximum heating temperature is +230C.
The kit includes 2 replaceable heating chambers.
You can set the heating time of the strand (4 modes), there are 3 options for the direction of curling.
Price – 8500 rub.
Rowenta CF 3611
The unusual design gives the tongs an ultra-modern look. The blue body makes them recognizable.
The manufacturer has used a tourmaline-ceramic coating, as a result of which no harm is caused to the hair during curling.
The maximum heating temperature is +230C.
Heating time – 30s.
You can set the heating time of the strand (3 modes); in case of overheating, the automatic shutdown function is activated.
Price – 3500 rub.
Philips HPS940
A professional ceramic hair curling iron is designed for stylish styling and creating smooth curls.
Philips HPS940 is made of quality materials, ceramic and titanium coating is used to avoid hair damage. Heats up in 30 seconds. to optimal operating temperature.
The maximum heating temperature is +230C.
Number of heating modes – 3 positions.
Uniform heating of the working surface guarantees gorgeous curls that will last a long time.
The LCD display shows all the main parameters for convenient operation.
A long cord and a hanging loop create additional ease of use.
Price – 6800 rub.
Philips BHH822 StyleCare
The Philips BHH822 StyleCare multi-styler allows you to become your own hair stylist. The set of replacement parts includes 3 attachments: cylindrical curling irons, plates for creating perfectly straight hair, and a brush attachment. OneClick technology allows you to quickly and easily change attachments.
The hair straightening plates are 80 mm wide, which allows you to create a style in a matter of minutes. In addition, they have a ceramic coating that protects the hair during straightening.
The brush attachment with a diameter of 32mm will help you create a voluminous hairstyle.
Heating temperature - +160/+210С.
The time to reach the optimal temperature is 45s.
Light lamps indicate that the device is ready for use and heating. In case of overheating, the circuit breaker trips.
The length of the cord is 1.8 m; a hinge is provided to avoid tangling.
Price – 4000 rub.
Polaris PHS 2525K
Due to the elongated shape of the roller, the Polaris PHS 2525K ceramic hair curling iron allows you to curl hair of any length. They will help create not only elastic waves, but also light curls, even with a short haircut.
A ceramic coating is applied to the device’s blades, which protects the hair from drying out and does not damage it.
Heating time – 60s.
The maximum heating temperature is +180C.
There is no temperature control.
In case of overheating, the device automatically turns off.
The handle has a rubberized coating, thanks to which the tongs do not slip out of your hands during use.
The hinge at the base of the cord prevents the cord from getting tangled. The presence of a hanging loop makes it possible to store them in any suitable place.
Price – 1500 rub.
Review of popular brands
- BaVyliss.
The most popular brand of stylers of all types and purposes. The manufacturer has combined innovative technology, simplicity and ease of use with versatility. This made it popular among both craftsmen and amateurs. Most often, curling irons from this brand are made of safe materials. But the price is quite high.
- VelectaParamount.
A highly specialized brand that produces high-quality curling irons for both professional and household use. Comfortable and practical, with quick heating and safe coating. The reviews from them are the best, even taking into account the high price.
- Valera.
The brand comes from Switzerland. The company conducts joint developments with the world's leading hairdressers. Therefore, their devices are innovative, safe and expensive. The most popular styler model is the IonicMultistyleProfessional, with ceramic coating and ionization.
- Remington.
A middle-class brand represented by a wide variety of models. Quite a popular brand among household appliances. Various price ranges and quality of impact. Customer reviews are divided 50/50.
- Rowenta.
The Germans have always cared about the quality of the goods they produce, and this also applies to curling irons. Their most striking representative is the CF 3322 curling iron, made of tourmaline with fast heating and a rotating cord, which protects it from fracture. The tip of the curling iron is protected by thermal insulation. More than 10 temperature settings. But you need to be careful, because there are a lot of fakes on the market.
