Hair curlers: how to choose

Hair plays a special role in women's lives. This is both a weapon necessary to attract men, and an integral part of the image, and precisely that detail of appearance, changing which you can change your appearance quite a lot. Therefore, girls love to experiment: to make fashionable haircuts, coloring, and styling. And in order to quickly create a vivid image, the craftsmen of the beauty industry came up with such a wonderful invention as a curling iron.

A hair curler is a special electrical device designed to wind strands and create curls. On the modern beauty market, there are many different configurations of curling irons necessary to obtain one or another effect.

Since the curling iron curls the hair by exposing it to high temperatures, many are afraid to purchase and use it because of the risk of overdrying and damage to the hair. However, do not draw premature conclusions. In modern devices, this danger is reduced to a minimum. And the advantages of the curling iron abound:

• Firstly, with this device you can quickly turn completely straight hair into wavy, and the diameter of the curl can vary depending on your preference. The curls are very beautiful, without creases, which are often obtained when using curlers;
• New models of curling irons most often have a protective coating that prevents excessive drying of the hair, as well as a temperature control function;
• Recently, many transformer devices with several interchangeable nozzles have appeared on sale. If you purchase such a curling iron, you can constantly experiment with a hairstyle.

We figured out the merits and they are really, difficult to underestimate. But girls are also interested in whether they outweigh her shortcomings. Well, let's look into the myths regarding this device.

We will not argue that they do not spoil the hair at all - that would be untrue. But with reasonable operation and the use of special thermal protective agents, the possibility of overdrying is minimized.

As for the danger posed by the curling iron as from an electrical appliance, here, too, many fears are groundless. Firstly, new models of pads have a special overheat protection, turning off the device when the desired temperature is reached. Secondly, with regard to styling wet hair - if you do not like to dry your hair with a hairdryer, but want to create a hairstyle with a curling iron, buy thermal brushing - a special curling iron, on which you can easily wind wet curls.

She will be able to dry and style her hair at the same time and will do it quickly and without unnecessary impact, as it would be when using a hair dryer first, and then a regular curling iron. Many girls call this device "curling irons". However, these are slightly different concepts. And you need to clarify what is their main difference. Everything is very simple: you can only curl your hair with a curling iron, and with the help of tongs, or, as they are also called, ironing, you can also straighten them.

There are a great many varieties of flats. In order not to get confused in this variety, check out our classification and decide what effect you want to get in the end. And then already choose the model that meets your requirements. So, curling irons differ in the following features.

By design:

• The most common option is the classic round device with a clip. Depending on the chosen diameter, you will get curls of one volume or another.
• No less popular recently is the cone-shaped curling iron. Its peculiarity is that it tapers from the base to the tip. There is no clamp on this device, so a special heat-resistant glove is always included in the kit, which must be put on the hand and hold the tip of the strand while twisting. By the way, this curling iron is very loved by professional hairdressers.
• A very interesting device that gives an unusual “broken” effect is a triangular curling iron.Most often, it is not sold separately, but comes as an additional nozzle.

• Another rather peculiar option is a double curling iron. She has two stylers instead of one. The hairstyle is created by winding the strands on each of them in turn, in the form of the number "8".
• It looks like a “tee” curling iron, equipped with three stylers. But her principle of action is different: the curls do not wrap around her, but are laid on top, from the roots, pressed and stretched to the ends. It turns out a wavy effect in retro style.
• The spiral device, as the name implies, is designed to create thin curls-spirals. This is a rather lengthy process, but for fans of Afro-curls, such a curling iron is a godsend.

• A flat iron is a flat iron used for both curling and straightening hair.
• Corrugated curling iron creates an interesting effect of small waves. Often used to perform basal volume.
• Texturizer. An unusual curling iron designed to decorate the hair with "squeezed out" patterns, for example, stars, geometric shapes, etc.

• Thermal brushing. We already mentioned it earlier. It is a hybrid of hair dryer and curling iron. Absolutely indispensable for styling wet hair.
• Automatic rotating curling iron. innovation in recent years. This "smart" device winds the strand on its own, heating it to the required temperature and informs about readiness by giving a sound signal.

According to the material of manufacture:

• Initially, curling irons were made only from metal. However, it quickly became clear that they damage the hair, drying it out and making it dull and lifeless.Now there are still such devices on sale, but they are gradually losing popularity. Their only advantage is their low price.
• Slightly more preferred tongs with teflon coating. It prevents the strands from slipping, heating occurs evenly and the hairs do not stick to the surface of the device. However, the shelf life of such a coating is short: after about a year of operation, it is erased and the metal base is exposed, and this is already fraught with a deterioration in the quality of styling and the risk of hair damage.

• tourmaline coating the surface of the curling iron not only does not spoil - it heals the hair. This is due to the fact that tourmaline crystals, of which, in fact, this coating consists, under the influence of high temperature, begin to produce negatively charged ions, which have a beneficial effect on curls. Tourmaline, unlike the previous two varieties, is a more resistant coating that does not wear off over time and lasts much longer.
• Titanium Coated Forceps do not dry curls and prevent the formation of static electricity. There are also combined, improved variations: titanium-ceramic, titanium-tourmaline and even titanium-silver (in the manufacture of the device, the smallest silver particles are used, which, when heated, release silver ions and contribute to the healing of hair) coatings. In general, titanium curling irons are strong, durable and resistant to various kinds of damage.

• Glass ceramic devices not as common in the public domain as the aforementioned varieties, but by no means because they are bad. It's just that professional hairdressers use them most often. If you find such a curling iron and decide to purchase it, know that it does an excellent job of twisting curls, does not electrify or catch them.
• anodized finish is a specially processed aluminum embedded in the metal surface of the curling iron. This increases the resistance of the tongs to various negative external factors. When heated, ionization occurs and hair protection improves.
• Innovative "Sol-Gel" coating obtained by melting ceramics and combining it with titanium particles. Such a curling iron is the most durable and heat-resistant, it is not afraid of either chemical or physical influences. Plus, it has caring properties, moisturizing the hair during styling. But such a device is very expensive and not so easy to find on sale.

Do not forget that, depending on what diameter of the curling iron you choose, you will get such curls. If you want to change every day, doing different hairstyles, then choose a device with several nozzles. So, according to the diameter of the curling iron, they distinguish:

• The largest diameter of the curling iron is 45-50 mm. This device is needed to add volume to the hair or to twist the ends.
• We go further in the direction of reduction. The 38 mm curling iron will create large wavy strands for you, 32 mm - medium. 25mm and 19mm are for retro style curls.
• A small curling iron with a diameter of 16 mm will help curl your hair into small curls, and a mini format - 10 mm will help you style curls that curl naturally.

There are other characteristics of the curling iron:

• What use is it for: professional or home. Of course, it is not a secret for anyone that professional devices are more functional and perfect than household ones. Of course, their cost is much higher. But if you seriously care about your hair and are willing to pay for quality, buy a professional device. The main differences between such a curling iron and a household one are a higher heating rate, a more modern and safe material for making tongs, the presence of several temperature modes, an auto-off mode and a temperature controller, as well as the length of the wire.
• The presence or absence of a clamp. The clip facilitates curling, since the device equipped with it does not require holding the curl with your hand. However, such curling irons have the same diameter along the entire length of the working surface and create curls that do not look too natural.

• Heating temperature and power. As a rule, the power of the pads varies in the range of 20-50 watts. The more powerful the device, the larger it is. The curling iron can heat up to 230 degrees Celsius. It is desirable that it be able to switch to different temperature regimes. Choose more gentle for weak hair and hotter for thick, coarse hair.
• The presence or absence of auxiliary options. Of course, you can purchase a basic model that will perform the main task of the curling iron - twist hair into curls, but it is still best to buy a device equipped with such nice additions as an automatic shutdown function, a temperature control function during the curling process to avoid overheating; with a rotating clamping surface - for the best pressing of the curl to the forceps. If you like to travel, a small travel wireless curling iron is a great option for you.

Separately, I would like to mention a very interesting variety of hair tongs. They are not intended for straightening and are not suitable for curling. They are needed for ... hair health! This is the latest development of recent years - ultrasonic forceps. Using them is as simple as using a regular straightener - you clamp a strand of hair between the plates and stretch it from top to bottom. First you need to apply a hair care product. What happens is that the hair scales seal and the hair keeps the nutrients inside. It becomes stronger, stronger, split ends disappear.

Of course, a very important role in choosing a curling iron is played by its manufacturer. There are a lot of companies on the modern market that produce both household and professional hair curlers. We recommend paying attention to the following brands:

• Rowenta;
• Philips;
• Bosch;
• Brown;
• Remington.

This is with regard to household appliances, which can be found in almost every store selling appliances. The following is a list of professional flat iron manufacturers:

• BaByliss;
• Velecta Paramount;
• Valera.

From year to year, new improved models of hair curlers appear and, accordingly, the rating changes. But the first places are most often held by the same manufacturing companies. This is easily explained by the fact that their product is of high quality and loved by consumers, and these companies make it better and better.

We present to your attention a list of the most popular models of flat irons, based on the preferences and choice of consumers:

• In 1st place is a magnificent professional curling iron BaByliss Pro, model BAB2280TTE. It is equipped with a protective coating of titanium and tourmaline, it has a temperature controller that allows you to work in the range from 110 to 200 degrees and has 25 operating modes; this curling iron heats up very quickly, is equipped with an automatic shut-off function, a heat-protective cap on the tip of the tongs and ready sensors. Comes with heat resistant gloves, mat and swivel cord.

• The 2nd place is rightfully occupied by a corrugated curling iron Valera 647.01. With its help, you can create a chic basal volume. Also, this device has an ionization function, so it does not spoil the hair when styling. The temperature can be adjusted from 80 to 230 degrees. The working surface is ceramic, very wear-resistant.
• In 3rd place is another professional model - Harizma Pro Waver 3-in-1. She got this name because she can form 3 types of curls - with a diameter of 3 cm, with a diameter of 1 cm and S-shaped. The temperature regime varies from 80 to 230 degrees. Coating of the working surface - ceramics + tourmaline. The curling iron comes with a heat-protective mitt and a mat.

• 4th place is occupied by a brand from Italy Ga. Ma., namely his devices "Tourmaline", "Nova", "Titanium". Each of them is of high quality, the presence of a rotating cord, wear-resistant protective surface. On sale you can find curling irons of various diameters.

• The 5th line is occupied by the brand device Rowenta - model CF 3345. Its feature is tourmaline cone-shaped tongs. Additional options include a digital display, the ability to adjust the heating temperature (up to 230 degrees Celsius), and a thermal protective glove.
• On the 6th place is a curling iron Bosch, namely its variety RNS 9490. It has a ceramic coating, LCD display, the ability to work in 9 temperature modes, auto-lock and automatic shutdown are provided. Comes with stand and heat resistant case.

• 7th place. In our rating, it is occupied by a device from Philips "Care CurlControl", model HP 8618. This is a conical curling iron with LCD screen, ceramic coating, temperature control. There is no clip in it, so the curls are obtained without creases, even and beautiful.
• The 8th line of the rating was chosen by the curling iron Remington Ci 5319. Its working surface is made of ceramic, the range of possible heating temperature is from 140 to 210 degrees Celsius. When heated, negatively charged ions are released, so that the hair remains intact and unharmed during styling.

• Penultimate, 9th place, at the tongs from Braun Satin Hair 7 Color. Works in 9 modes. It has an ionization function and an LCD screen.
• And finally, on the 10th place in our rating is a multifunctional curling iron from scarlett, variety SC-HS60594 Black-Gold. It combines the function of a curling iron with a hair straightener and a corrugated nozzle.Has a ceramic coating. Heats up to 210 degrees Celsius.

Each set includes completely different accessories. If you have the opportunity, buy a multifunctional device with a set of various nozzles (ironing iron, corrugation, spiral, ordinary smooth tongs of different diameters), a heat-resistant mat and gloves (if the curling iron does not have a clip), with a convenient case, hairpins-clamps for loose strands and etc.

It is best to purchase the device in specialized stores, and not on the Internet. Or if an online purchase seems cheaper to you, go to the mall first and decide on the model so that you can order it later. What you need to pay attention to when choosing:

• For ease of use. Take the device in hand. It should lie there so that you can comfortably hold it for a long time;
• On the cord. What is its length, is it possible to rotate, is the plug adapted to your household outlets. Does it have a hanging loop and stand?
• The presence / absence of a temperature controller (best with an LCD display) and an automatic shutdown function;

• Is there a heat shield at the end of the work surface. This is especially true for models that do not have a clamping mechanism;
• On the diameter of the curling iron and its applicability to your hair length.Remember that for short and medium hair, models that are not too large, with a small diameter are best suited; for long ones, it is advisable to choose cone-shaped models with a diameter slightly smaller than the desired result.

In order to make the desired styling without damaging the hair, it is enough to follow the following rules:

• Hair must be clean, dry and combed;
• Do not hold the curl in hot tongs for more than 30 seconds;
• Take smaller strands, so they will retain their appearance for a longer time;
• Wait for the curl to cool and only then comb it;
• To avoid burning the scalp, put a comb under the hot appliance;
• After curling, sprinkle the styling with hairspray;
• If you use a curling iron more than 2 times a week, apply heat protectants (spray, mousse) to your hair.

Step-by-step instructions for styling hair with a curling iron:

• Divide your hair into 6 sections. Fix each of them with a special hairpin;
• Take the strand from below and treat it with a heat protectant;
• Moving from the roots, wind the strand on the tongs, fix it for no more than half a minute;
• Carefully remove the strand from the curling iron;
• Curl the rest of your hair in the same way;
• If you have bangs, curl them last;
• Comb your hair, giving the styling the desired shape, sprinkle it a little with varnish.

Therefore, remember about proper care:

• Do not use the curling iron daily, maximum 3 times a week;
• Set the temperature not too high - up to 200 degrees, and if your hair is already damaged and thinned - up to 100;
• Make sure that the curl does not come into contact with a hot surface for more than 30 seconds, the only exception is ceramics - curls can remain in such a curling iron for about a minute;

• If you wind long hair, take thinner strands, no more than 2.5 cm wide;
• To get large waves, hold the device horizontally and grab a thicker curl, for tight curls - place the device vertically and wind the strands thinner;
• Pamper your hair with nourishing treatments: apply masks, oils, balms. Be sure to use heat protectants. Visit the hairdresser and cut off the dry split ends of the hairs.

A curling iron is a household electrical appliance that requires competent operation and timely care. If you make sure that it always remains clean and all its elements are in good condition, then it will serve you faithfully for more than one year. Read all about proper care below.

Warm up the appliance slightly and let it cool down a little. It should be warm, but not hot.

Pull the plug out of the socket. This must be done before cleaning.

Wet a small towel. The water should be slightly warmer than room temperature. Now dampen the towel and gently run the finger wrapped in it over the contaminated area. Do it slowly and carefully. Gradually wipe down the entire work surface.

Wipe the body of the tongs with the clean side of the towel.

Before using the curling iron again for its intended purpose, make sure it's dry. You can't use it when it's wet. You are unlikely to be electrocuted, but you can harm your hair.If it is absolutely necessary to use it right here and now, carefully wipe the entire surface with a dry rag. Clean your curling iron regularly. After each styling procedure, take a napkin, moisten it with water or alcohol and remove the remnants of styling products. This way it will always be clean and ready to go.

Of course, there should be a place in the apartment where you can put your tongs after use. Store them in the room where you will use them so that they are always at hand. There should be an outlet near the storage location.

You can put the curling iron in the dressing table drawer after it has cooled down. You can fix decorative hooks on the wall and hang the curling iron on them, or equip a special shelf on which the hair dryer, curling iron and other styling accessories will comfortably fit.

Just want to make a reservation that it has nothing to do with the expiration date. Hair curlers can last a very long time, but it is still recommended to change them after about 2 years of use. This is due to the thinning of the protective coating of the plates and, therefore, the possibility of damage to the hair.

The price of the device depends on its characteristics and configuration. You can find very cheap curling irons for about 1000 rubles, but if you care about your hair, you will never buy them. A good device can be purchased for 3000-6000 rubles. Professional have a cost of 10,000 rubles and more.

Reviews, in fact, are both positive and negative. This is directly related to the characteristics of the curling iron with which it was chosen and how it is operated. Girls who decide to save money, as a rule, note a gradual deterioration in the quality of their hair. Those who took the choice of styler more responsibly did not notice the difference between “before” and “after”.

How to choose the right hair curler, see the following video.