Curling Tools Buying Guide
Buying Guide: Finding The Right Curling Tool
Curls come in all shapes and sizes. Whether your curls are natural or homemade, there's a tool to enhance or make every type of spiral, on every type of hair. Curling irons are the most commonly used curling tool and they're very versatile. You can create a whole variety of looks depending on the iron type, whether it is spring like the Hot Tools Professional Spring Curling Iron or Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron.
Read on to learn which curling irons create which looks.
Spring Curling irons
Spring curling irons are easy to use and the most popular curling iron type. This is a good iron to start with if you don't own any curling tools yet.
Benefits:
A spring-action arm or clip maintains a firm hold on hair for simple styling. Use your thumb to catch and release sections of hair as you work.
Available in the widest selection of barrel sizes.
Shop All Spring Curling Irons »Clipless Curling irons
It can take a little bit of practice to get the hang of clipless curling irons but once you do, you enter a whole new world of curling opportunities. A popular clipless curling iron is Enzo Milano Clipless Curling Iron 1" Round. A few other clipless curling irons we recommend are the Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron which offers consistent heat across the barrel for long lasting curls and shop our full line of Clipless Curling Irons.
Benefits:
The ends of your hair wrap around the barrel last instead of first so there's less damage or split ends.
No arm or clamp means you curl your hair by wrapping it around the barrel. So, no creases!
Good for getting close to the roots (volume).
Available in a variety of shapes. Try conical or triangle for attention catching curls
Most come with a heat proof glove to protect fingertips.
Marcel Curling irons
Marcel curling irons were originally designed for professional stylists. The extra handle and manual operation offer excellent styling control but they're more difficult to master than spring or clipless curling irons so unless you're a seasoned pro, we suggest working your way up to a Marcel.
Benefits:
Two handles provide exceptional styling control and speedy curl creation.
Hot temperatures and professional grade materials give salon quality results.
Recommended Marcel Curling Irons:
Hot Tools Professional Ceramic Marcel Curling Iron » Andis Elevate Marcel Tourmaline NanoCeramic Curling Iron » Shop All Marcel Curling Irons »Spiral or Ribbon Curling Irons
Spiral or ribbon curling irons have raised ridges on the barrel that guide hair 'round and 'round into perfect spirals.
Benefits:
Get precise spirals and ribbon curls simply and quickly.
Try a tapered version to reach close to your roots and create a romantic curl that broadens as it descends.
Recommended Spiral Curling Irons:
Hot Tools Blue Ice Titanium Coil Curling Iron » Hot Tools Blue Ice Titanium Tapered Curling Iron » Shop All Spiral Curling Irons »Double and Triple Barrel Curling Irons (Wavers)
Double-barrel curling irons create figure-eight type loops and triple barrel curling irons ("wavers") press your hair into beachy, flowing waves.
Benefits:
Double and triple barrel curling irons actually create waves.
Press big sections of hair at a time for fast styling.
Recommended Spiral Curling Irons:
Hot Tools Professional 3 Gold Barrel Waver » Rsession Tools Nalu Waver » Shop All Double and Triple Barrel Curling Irons »TIP: By the way, you can also curl your hair with a flat iron. It's one of our favorite in-house tricks. Get Curly With Your Flat Iron
Curling Iron Barrel Sizes
Barrel size is the main feature that determines what your curl shape (and size of course) will be. If your hair is shorter than shoulder length (or has short layers), you'll need a smaller barrel so that your hair can wrap all the way around it. We suggest no larger than 1". If your hair is longer, you can create curls with any size barrel. For real variety and more fun, try an iron with interchangeable barrels like the Barbar 3 in 1 Professional Spring Curling Iron.
Many popular curling irons like the Conair Instant Heat Curling Iron come in a variety of sizes and serious stylists keep a few sizes around for versatile styling.
Here's a handy chart to help you choose the right barrel for your curliest desires:
| Curl Type | Best Barrel Size | Hair Length | Folica Faves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pencil Thin Tendrils | 3/8" | Short to Medium | |
| Shirley Temple Ringlets | 1/2 - 5/8" | Short to Medium | |
| Classic Coil Curls | 1" | Medium | |
| Long Looping Curls | 1 1/4" | Medium to Long | |
| Big, Round "Victoria's Secret" Curls | 1 ½" + Clipless Irons | Medium to Long | |
| Loose Flowing "S" Shaped Waves | 2"+ and Wavers | Long |
Curling Iron Technology
| Benefits | Folica Faves | |
|---|---|---|
| CERAMIC | Heats up very quickly and maintains consistent temperatures to prevent damaging hot spots. Produces negative ions which smooth the cuticle, add shine and tame frizz. |
|
| TOURMALINE | Magnifies negative ions by up to six times to create seriously smooth, glossy, healthy looking hair. | |
| TITANIUM | Provides even heat distribution for consistent styling and its extremely slick surface means no stickiness or snags. | |
| ADJUSTABLE & DIGITAL TEMPERATURE | Lets you adjust the temp to accommodate your hair type and styling routine. Use cooler temperatures on fine, thin or delicate hair and hotter temperatures on thick or coarse sections. |
Other
Travel Curling Irons
Curling irons come in all shapes and sizes including minis which are great for traveling or stashing in your desk or car for touchups on the go.
Cordless curling irons (they're butane fueled) are also popular for travel or just the convenience of cord-free styling.
Accessories
Heat proof mats and cases are handy accessories that protect countertops and other tools (including the curling iron) from heat damage.
Curling iron stands are also great accessories for protecting your counter top from heat damage or scratches. They're heat resistant and keep your curling iron ready and at-hand while you're styling. Most can also be mounted on the wall to save space.
Product Warranties
Folica stands behind every product we sell and we honor all manufacturers' warranties. For more information, visit our Returns, Exchanges & Warranty Replacements section.
Shop All Curling Irons »
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