How To Choose The Right Curling Iron

First choose the right size:

Keep in mind that your choice will largely depend on the type of hair you have and the kind of curling style you want to achieve. The size of its barrel determines the size of curls it produces.

Big Waves – A iron that is 2″ barrel will create large, loose waves in longer hair, or help smooth short hair. TIP: Wrap large sections around iron to smooth… wrap small sections to create waves.

Slight Waves – A 1-1/2″ curl iron will create nice, soft waves. TIP: Curl small sections of hair with the curling iron, then clip each section to head. When cool, release pins and run fingers through hair.

Big Curls – The right size used to create large curls is usually 3/4″ to 1″. TIP: Spritz small sections with mousse, then wrap them around iron and hold for five seconds. Release curling iron, let hair cool, then use fingers to separate curls.

Tight Curls – To achieve the perfect little ringlets use a 3/8″ to 1/2″. TIP: Wrap small sections from ends to roots in a spiral. Hold five seconds. Release curl, then let cool… spritz with hairspray, but do not touch!

Different Iron Styles:

Spring-loaded, Marcel, or Clip less handle?

Marcel Curling Irons – are designed for professional hairstylists.

Spring-loaded Irons- are easy to use and great for everyday use.

Clip-Less Wands- have no clamp. The hair wraps hair around a rod.

Different Barrel Types:

Chrome (Silver), Gold, Porcelain, Ceramic, Tourmaline, Titanium, Teflon, or Metal?

Chrome (Silver) – These are the most common and least expensive. They are pretty effective but there is a chance for damaging hot spots. Only recommend for occasional use.

Gold – These are great for daily use because this material distributes heat very effectively and provides a smoother surface that eliminates hair strand snags.

Teflon- Helps distribute heat evenly throughout the barrel to eliminate frizz and create soft, bouncing curls.

Ceramic – If you have frizzy, color-treated, damaged, dry, or hard to curl hair, this is the perfect choice for you. Ceramic seal the hair cuticle to lock in moisture during the heating process. This material also provides consistent heat and distribution.

Tourmaline – Delivers negative ions to neutralize the hair’s positive charge and create calm smooth, shiny hair strands

Titanium – These keep consistent temperatures, eliminating hot spots, for smooth, silky curls.

Metal- Metal plates are known to damage hair. They emit extreme heat which is very harmful especially when used for prolonged periods of time.

Additional Options to Consider:

Steam Curling Iron – Will help lock the curls in place, important for those with hard-to-curl hair; steam is also less damaging than dry heat.

Cordless – Is handy for traveling or touch-ups just about anywhere. Some cordless curling irons are rechargeable, similar to a cordless phone.

Brush Irons – are a 2 in 1 device with both hair blow-dryer and curling iron. Some are curling irons with plastic or bristle brushes around the barrel for ease of use.

Triple Barrel – have three barrels that create a wavy result. Works great for all hair types.

Now ask the question, What kind of hair do I have?

Fine/Thin Hair – You should choose a iron with a small barrel.

Thick Hair – You should need a iron with higher heat setting

Short Hair – Use a smaller barrel. For large curls, you should purchase a large barreled Iron.

Temperature Control:

Different hair types require different heat setting.
Normal hair can handle up to 180 F, while wavy, curly, thick or coarse hair needs between 180 F to style.
Those with Fragile and Thin Hair don’t need anything with more than a 150 F heat capacity.

Heat Indicator – Is another key feature. It will make your life easier if you have a means of knowing that the device is ready for use.

The 2 Curling Iron – Is it the Best Choice For You?

If you’re looking to curl your hair, then you may have considered a 2 curling iron – that is an iron that’s 2 inches in size. The important thing to remember is that everyone is different, so whilst a 2 curling iron might work for one person, it might not work for another. It pays to do your research to find the very best product you can to get the results you’ve really been looking for.

Different Sizes of Curlers

Curlers come in a number of different sizes. The main reasoning behind this fact is that (a) different sizes can create different types of curls, and (b) different sizes are suitable for different types of hair. For example, a 2 curling iron may be better for thinner hair. If you have thicker hair, then you could opt for a bigger barrel as your hair will be more able to hold the bigger curls better.

Other Factors to Look for in Your Iron

Aside from the size, once you’ve found out which size is best for your kind of hair and the type of curls that you ultimately want, you should then start to think about the following factors before you buy your iron:

1) What is Your Iron Made of? The material of the iron is very important, as it can make a big impact on the health of your hair. If you go with a metal curling iron, you could find that it damages your hair more easily than other materials. For this reason, ceramic curlers are generally thought of as the best in the industry. Other styles include brush style, which are perfect for ease of use.

2) Temperature: Next, think about how hot the iron gets. You might think that hotter is better – and it’s true that hotter means it can create more fixed styles. However, heat also damages your hair. If you have thin hair then you might not want to go as hot as those with thick hair. For best control, you could look for an iron that includes temperature controls.

Conclusion

So there you go, some factors to help you decide whether a 2 curling iron is the best choice for you. Remember – it all depends on the type of hair you have and the results you want to achieve. Take some time now to look for the best curling iron for you and you’ll be glad that you did once you see the results!