Choosing the Right Curling Iron

When you get ready in the morning have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and wondered, "What do I want to do with my hair today?" If you are like most of us that question has come up more than once. Curling your hair is an option that many will choose, but are you actually using the right curling iron in order to achieve that certain curl you are looking for?

When choosing the right curling iron for the perfect look you are trying to achieve there are many different factors to consider. Just to name a few, you should know your hair type, whether you want curls or waves, you should know about the different types of technology and the barrel size. Whether you are trying to create brilliant curls or just basic waves it is imperative that you understand the type of curling iron that you need in order to achieve the "perfect" look.

Types of Curling Irons

There are two types:

Spring or Spiral - Good for everyday life and is inexpensive

Marcel - Designed for professional use. Not as user-friendly as the spring/spiral curling iron.
Technology and Barrel Feature

The technology of the barrel is a very important component. There are 5 major technology features:

Teflon - Eliminates frizz and creates soft bouncing curls by distributing the heat evenly throughout the barrel

Ceramic Ionic - Creates silky shiny hair immediately while eliminating frizz

Tourmaline - Infused into the plates is tourmaline which delivers negative ions to neutralize the hairs positive charge. This in turn creates smooth, calm, shiny hair strands.

Metal - Less expensive, heavier, can take up to 5 minutes to reach full heat

Titanium - Hard yet smooth surface, lightweight strength, durable, static free hair, evenly distributes heat across the hair

Hair Types and Barrel Size

There is a particular type that is best suited for your hair type. Using the right type determines how well the curl will hold and how long it will last.

Flat/Thin/Bleached/Fine/Damaged Hair - 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch barrel; curls last longer
Normal Hair - 1 to 2 inch barrel
Thick Coarse Hair - Large barrel 1-1/4 to 2 inch
Hair Length and Barrel Size
Short Hair - Small, 3/4 to 1-1/4 inch barrel
Medium Hair/Shoulder Length - 1 to 1-1/2 inch barrel
Long Hair - 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inch barrel

Temperature Setting

A high quality curling iron will come equipped with many different temperature settings. Some models allow the user to set the temperature manually. For the most part, the thicker your hair is the higher the heat setting. Please, keep in mind that the higher the temperature the more chances of damaging your hair.

Bleached/Fragile/Damaged/Thin/Fine Hair - Temperature setting below 180 degrees
Normal Hair - Temperature setting between 180-190 degrees
Coarse/Thick/Ethnic Hair - Temperature setting between 190-210 degrees

Want Curls?

Depending on the curl you are trying to achieve will determine the type of product to use.

Spiral Curls - Most commonly used for dances and weddings, use a 3/4 inch curling iron
Formal/Casual Styles - 1 inch (3/4 inch and 1-1/4 inch may also be used)
Loose Curls/Waves - 1 1/4 inch
Loose Waves - 1 1/2 inch

You now have at your fingertips all you need to know when it comes to using the perfect curling iron for your needs. You can now achieve that gorgeous look you've been waiting for.

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