"Straighten curly hair, straight - curl" is the motto of almost all women, because every woman has a desire to constantly change her appearance. The curling iron perfectly copes with this task - a multifunctional device that allows you to create great styling and hairstyles.
The most important question that often worries many girls is how to choose a hair curling iron, because functionality alone is not enough: it must also be of high quality, affordable, safe and as harmless to hair as possible. Do I need to take into account the individual characteristics of my curls when choosing? In all this we have to figure it out.
Content
Types of pouches
When choosing a curling iron for hair, pay attention to its shape, as it significantly affects the ease of use. It is better, of course, to give preference to universal devices that have a wide variety of attachments in their arsenal. Let's take a closer look at what types of pouches there are and which one is most suitable for you.
Clip curling iron (classic)
The usual model with a clip is quite convenient to use: the tip of the strand is clamped and wrapped around the base with rotational movements, or vice versa. Such curling irons can have clips of different lengths. If you really prefer this option, then it is better to purchase a device with a short clip - you do not have to forcefully remove the curls from under it, thereby injuring them.
Conical
The principle of operation with a cone device is completely different - there are no clamps in its design, therefore, the strand must be wound independently, holding it with your hand. While working with them, there is an increased risk of burns, but, as a rule, a special protective glove is supplied in the kit, the use of which should not be ignored.
Spiral
Spiral curling models are ideal for short hair. The heated base is protected from above by plastic in the form of a spiral. This way, you simply lay the strand into the holes, absolutely avoiding burns. For longer hair, this option is not suitable, since the entire strand simply does not fit.
Double and triple
Models with a double or triple design look quite unusual due to their design, which provides respectively 2 or 3 rods. You need to get used to such a curling iron and get the hang of it. Strands using this curling iron are very effective, original and unusual. If you want to buy this type of curling iron, be sure to choose the device with the deepest waves, this will make your styling more expressive.
Corrugation tongs
The curling iron is a separate type of curling iron, because it produces very small and strong waves, which gives incredible volume to fine hair. A similar result can be seen after long-term wearing of fine braids.
The choice of the optimal shape depends on the length of your hair and the expected result. Thus, a spiral model is perfect for a short hairstyle. Long hair is easiest to curl with classic curling irons with long clips, while medium-length hair is perfectly curled with a tapered device.
Manufacturing material
To choose the right curling iron, it is very important to consider the material from which it is made. Devices are of the following types:
- metal
- teflon
- ceramic
- tourmaline
Metal
Metal devices most affordable and most common. They are characterized by a huge number of disadvantages and, first of all, it is a high temperature that cannot be adjusted. Due to the peculiarity of the metal, the hair literally "sticks to it", therefore, receives significant damage. In addition, when using this curling iron for long hair, be prepared for uneven heating and insufficiently spectacular curls.
Teflon
Teflon model - the same metal device, but with a significant advantage in the form of a Teflon coating. It is necessary to protect hair from the harmful effects of high temperatures. Thus, the hair does not stick to the surface, it becomes smooth and shiny. The curls are warmed up more evenly, they are denser and more beautiful. The disadvantage of a Teflon device is a short service life - about one year, subject to active use.
Among professional ply, the most common are ceramic devices... Such devices can be made entirely of ceramic or have only a ceramic coating. A ceramic coating, like Teflon, also wears out rather quickly, and an all-ceramic product can serve for many years. It is worth noting the high cost of such models. The material does much less damage to the hair than the rest.
Tourmaline
Tourmaline models appeared quite recently. They have a large number of advantages. According to reviews, curls with the help of such a curling iron are the most elastic, shiny and beautiful. During operation, many negative ions are released, which is beneficial for the hair. Thus, this material is the least harmful to the hair, but its price is much higher compared to other varieties.
Based on the foregoing, we recommend giving preference to all-ceramic curling irons, which successfully combine price and quality. If the budget allows, you can also purchase a novelty - a tourmaline model.
Power
According to this parameter, devices are different, but the best option is a power of 25-50 watts. If the model has less power, it is better not to buy it. The heating time is only 1 minute. It is advisable to have a special indicator that indicates that the device is connected to the network.
The presence of a thermostat
When choosing an inexpensive but good curling iron, be sure to make sure that it has a temperature regulator, since this is not a frequent function for budget curling irons. The optimal temperature for curling is considered to be 150-170 degrees, but this mode is not suitable for everyone, for example, for thin hair, damaged or colored curls, it is required to set a lower temperature - 130 degrees.
The thermostat can be equipped with a wheel or buttons for setting the desired mode. According to experts, it is better to choose a curling iron with buttons, since with the help of such a thermostat, more precise adjustment is possible. In addition, most often there is a button lock function to avoid accidental temperature changes.
How often do you forget to disconnect a device from the power supply? The auto-shutdown function of the curling iron when the maximum temperature is reached will definitely come in handy for safety reasons.
Curling iron diameter
On average, the diameter varies between 10-32 mm, however, you can also find larger models with a diameter of about 40 mm.To make the curls look beautiful, elastic and keep their shape for a long time, it is better to buy a curling iron, which is ideally suited to your hair type in terms of parameters:
- Small diameter curling irons up to 19 mm are ideal for short hair (shoulder length or higher). Too thin a model does not fit long hair, as the strands will warm up unevenly.
- Wide curling irons (from 25 mm) are used to create the effect of waves or large curls, and not for persistent curls.
- Classic models with a diameter of 19-25 mm are the best choice for hair of any length and stiffness.
Cord length
The optimal length of the cord is 2-3 m. Such a cord does not limit the actions and does not interfere with the laying process. A cord up to 2 m long makes the process of using the device very inconvenient. According to the advice of experts, it is necessary to choose a curling iron in which the cord is not fixed at the base, but is held on a hinge. It allows the cord to rotate freely, so that it does not interfere with work.
Number of attachments
We examined the most basic questions, it remains only to decide which is the best to buy a curling iron with a solid rod or with a design that provides the ability to change the nozzles. Do you need a lot of attachments? As the experience of specialists and those who have already acquired whole sets (the main device complete with attachments) shows, most often most of the additional curling devices are idle. One nozzle is preferred, the rest are almost never used. If you are aiming at buying just such a set, then it should contain the main nozzle, a straightening iron and a spiral nozzle. For the rest, the choice of a good curling iron depends on your preferences: for large curls or for root volume, a nozzle with a wide diameter is required.
It is best to refuse too many attachments. Firstly, most likely, they are of insufficient quality (a good set is quite expensive). Secondly, frequent change of attachments can lead to the fact that the place of their attachment to the base is damaged.
Which company to choose a curling iron
As is the case with all other products, a well-known manufacturer is a guarantee of excellent quality, although the cost of the product is much higher. It is better to choose a curling iron, focusing on the budget allocated for it, and the following rating of firms will help you navigate in popular manufacturers:
- Babyliss, Valera - professional devices of the highest quality
- Philips, Rowenta - mid-range models for home use
- Polaris, Vitek, Scarlett are the most affordable devices.
Rating of the best pods of 2020
Sometimes it is very difficult for girls to choose the best device for themselves, which will include all the most necessary attachments and functions, but at the same time match the price and quality. Of course, we cannot determine which curling iron will be 100% best for each girl, this is still an individual matter, but we can present to your attention a rating of the best curling iron models for 2020, which have become quite popular. Choose the device that will satisfy all your wishes.
- Philips HP8618
- Remington S8500
- Scarlett SC-HS60004
- Philips HP8344
- Rowenta CF 3345
- BaByliss BAB2269E
- Braun es2 satin hair
- Polaris PHS 2405K
- Moser 3303-0051
- Panasonic EH-HV51
Conclusion
Despite the fact that manufacturers regularly invent completely new models, experience of use shows that ceramic devices are the best in terms of cost and quality. As for the rest of the parameters, the choice already depends on the requirements of the buyer, the estimated budget and individual characteristics. Now you know exactly how to choose a hair curling iron that will be an excellent, irreplaceable assistant in terms of hair care, and will not harm their health and beauty. And if you have to choose between certain models of pods, be sure to study their detailed reviews and read the tips on the user forum.
