How to Use a Curling Iron

Tap to Read ➤ Parul Solanki

Using a curling iron can help you get the beautiful glamorous curls and waves in no time. Here are some simple tips that help you use this hair styling tool with ease.

A curling iron is a popular hair styling tool that can give you those sexy, wavy curls easily. It is also quite simple to use. Just plug in the iron, heat it, and fashion your hair just the way you like it.

Learning the proper technique of using curling irons help avoid the damage done to the hair by this heat styling tool. If you are bored of straight hair and want to add a touch of glamor to your locks with some luscious curls, then here is a guide on using curling irons to create dramatic looks, without having to spend a fortune on professional treatments.

Instructions for Using Curling Iron

Selecting the Curling Iron

Choice of the curling iron depends on the size of the curls you want and whether you want waves and crimps as well. Your best option, in this case, would be to buy a curling iron that has a range of barrel sizes and attachments.

For example, for the fine curly hair, you would need a smaller barrel size of around .75 inch, while natural voluminous curls require an 1-inch barrel size.

In addition to this, you need to check for heat settings, safety features such as automatic shutoff, ready indicator light, and safety grip tip. Certain curling irons have additional features like steam settings to lock in curls and cordless types of irons that run on rechargeable batteries.

Curling Iron Material

This is an important feature that you need to keep in mind while purchasing a curling iron. The irons usually have a range of barrel plating, including ceramic, metal, and chrome plating.

The most commonly used and also the least expensive one is the chrome-plated curling iron. Metal-plated curling irons are best avoided as they can damage the hair and make it coarse and brittle. Ceramic-plated irons are your best bet as they can seal hair cuticles for a smooth, shiny finish.

Preparing your Hair for Curling

The first step in curling your hair is cleaning and conditioning your hair. Once you have washed your hair, dry it well. This is because wet hair is limp and does not curl as well as dry hair.

Apply some hair serum or thermal spray on dry hair to prevent any heat damage. Comb your hair and ensure it is tangle-free when you start preparing the hair for curling.

Using the Curling Iron

Section your hair into one- or two-inch partitions. Gather a section of hair from the front, and open the barrel of the curling iron by squeezing the handle. Now between the open plates, place the section of your hair, and clamp down.

With the hair secured by the iron, slide the barrel down to the end of the hair, and curl the iron under while you wrap your hair around the iron. Roll the iron till it is around an inch or two away from the scalp.

Hold for 30 seconds, and then release the curling iron by sliding it carefully out. Repeat this for the rest of the hair. If you have long hair, then bobby pins can be used to secure the curled sections.

Setting the Curls

Once you have got all those gorgeous curls or waves in place, set the curls using a holding spray.

Then unpin the hair sections and style your hair with your fingers. To create spiral curls, you need to hold the curling iron in a vertical direction.

You should also know how to care for your hair by using a good moisturizing conditioner and hair masks. Remember, to clean the iron to remove chemical buildup from hair spray and other styling. With time and some amount of practice, you can style your hair in a matter of moments to get those beautiful, glamorous curls.