Curling hair doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you want to create beach waves or sleek curls, your curling iron can do it all. The key is to know your iron well and know exactly what it can do for your hair. So, before you start curling your hair, brush up on how to best use your hot tools. Here are nine curling iron tips to know before you style your hair.
1. Know your curling iron
There are three main materials from which to choose a curling iron. The first is ceramic curlers. Ceramic curlers dissipate heat evenly along the hair shaft and release negative ions to moisturize and soften the hair. These negative ions are essentially extremely small particles that help seal the hair cuticle and remove moisture. By smoothing the strands, the hair is left shinier and softer. The ceramic coating also allows the hair to flow smoothly through the cylinder without pulling on the strands. The next type of flat iron is the tourmaline iron. What makes these irons special is that they release six times more negative ions than ceramic or titanium irons. By releasing large amounts of negative ions, tourmaline straighteners smooth the hair cuticle and add a lot of shine to the hair. The last type is the titanium curling iron. This type of iron distributes heat evenly and has a smooth surface on the barrel that prevents the hair from sticking or catching on the iron. Which iron you choose is up to you, but most stylists opt for ceramic or tourmaline irons.
2. Understanding the different sizes of curling irons
As you probably already know, there are different sized curling irons. From the smallest, 3/8 inch, to the largest, 2 inches, there is a curling iron to suit the curl you want. If you want a slight curve in your hair or to make loose, wavy curls, you can choose a 1 ½ inch to 2 inch curling iron. However, if you want spirals or tighter curls, choose a 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch iron. Not sure which one to choose? When it comes to choosing a curling iron, the 1 inch is always the safest.
3. Size of curling irons for short hair
For people with shorter hair (e.g., shoulder length or shorter), it is best to choose smaller barrels when curling your hair. With shorter hair, the strands may not be able to wrap completely around the larger barrel. Keep your hair length in mind when choosing your next curling iron.
4. Suitable operating temperature
The temperature of the iron definitely matters when curling your hair. For people with fine or thinning hair, the temperature of the iron should be kept below 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too high, the hair strands may get burned. For those with thicker or thicker hair, set the temperature of the curling iron between 200 degrees Fahrenheit and 300 degrees Fahrenheit for the best curling results.
5. How to hold the curling iron
If you don't know exactly how to hold your curling iron, remember to always start with the tongs facing your face. This position allows your hands to better control the curling iron and make more natural curls. Next, you can hold the curling iron vertically, horizontally or diagonally. If you hold it vertically, the curls will be looser, while if you hold it horizontally, the curls will be tighter and fluffier. If you hold the curling iron diagonally, your curls will be somewhere in between.
6. Ponytail Tricks
Want to get some nice big waves as soon as possible? Try a ponytail. Start by tying your hair into a high ponytail. Then heat up the curling iron and start curling the top two to three centimeters of the ponytail. When all the hair is curled, release the rubber band and let the perfect wave fall. Secure the curls with a good hold hairspray to keep them in place all day.
7. DIY supermodel waves
You know those beautiful curls often seen on celebrities and models? With a few changes in the position of the iron, you can create the same hairstyle with your own iron. To make curls like these, hold the iron upside down so that the top of the barrel is diagonal to the floor. Next, make sure the tongs on the iron are facing away from your face so that the curls move in the same direction. Use this trick all over your hair to create supermodel curls.
8. Leave the ends out
When curling your hair, leave the ends outside the barrel to create a beachy texture for your hair. This will make the ends look straighter and give the hair a more bohemian look.
9. Let the curls cool down
To prolong the life of your curls, hold them in your hands after taking them out of the iron. This way the curls will cool naturally and hold their shape better. Be sure to wear gloves so you don't burn your skin.