Choosing the Right Curling Iron

There are so many types of curling irons. From straighteners to crimpers to wavers and wands, it can be hard to decide which is best for you.

When on the search for the right curling iron for you, it’s important to determine which type of curl you want to wear.

For traditional curling irons, the smaller the barrel the tighter the curl. Larger barrels will provide larger curls. How much hair you place in the iron will effect the look of the curl as well. More hair in the iron will provide looser curls.

For tight, spiral curls or short hair, try a small barrel curling iron (1/2-3/4″) or a spiral curling iron.

For spiral curls on medium-long hair use a 1″ barrel.

For larger, bouncy curls try a large barrel (2″).

If you’re looking for smooth, tapered curls try a wand curling iron.

If you want beach waves or loose curls, use a double or triple barrel iron, waver or a deep waver iron.

Here’s some ironing tips:

• Determine the heat setting based on your hair type. For fine, fragile or color-treated hair, use a heat setting under 200 degrees to avoid burning or damaging your hair. Curly, coarse or thick hair can be a little hotter (200-300 degrees). Prep your hair with Aveda’s Smoothing Fluid after it is dried to give it a smooth, shiny finish.
• Ceramic and tourmaline irons are the safest and healthiest for your hair. Tourmaline irons emit six times more negative ions than ceramic, smoothing hair cuticles and providing extra shiny and healthy hair. Gold and titanium irons conduct heat well, but won’t protect against frizz. Chrome irons are the type that you usually see in drug stores. They don’t always heat up evenly, won’t protect against frizz and can snag fragile hair.
• Cylinder irons produce spiral curls quickly. Conical irons create tight curls at the ends and wide curls at the root. Reverse cone-shaped irons create wide curls at the ends and tight curl at the root. Double barrel irons create loose beach waves. Triple barrel irons create repetitive waves that look like hair that was in braids for days then loosened.
• Always make sure your hair is completely dry before curling it!
• The less combing and brushing you do to your curls, the longer they will stay and less frizzy they will look

Need some more advice on curling irons? Talk to your XEX stylist at your next appointment for specific iron recommendations and other curling tips.

Credit: Maximum FX, Empire.