A curling iron is an electric hairstyling tool used to curl your hair. On this page, you’ll discover how a curling wand works, how to create different types of curls with it – from beach waves to tight curls and Hollywood waves – and what to pay attention to when using a curling iron.
A curling iron uses heat to temporarily change the shape of dry hair. The heat breaks the hydrogen bonds in your hair, while the cylindrical barrel shapes it into a curl. Once your hair cools down, the hydrogen bonds reform in that curled shape, so the curl stays in place until your hair comes into contact with water or heat again. Because a curling iron operates at high temperatures, it’s important to pay close attention to the temperature you use.
The temperature of your curling iron plays a major role in how healthy your hair remains and how long your curls last. If the iron is too hot, you risk drying out your hair, causing split ends and even breakage. If the temperature is too low, your curls will often drop out quickly.
As a general guideline, these are the recommended temperatures for different hair types:
How to curl your hair with a curling iron in 5 simple steps:
The simplest technique is to curl your hair away from your face for an open, blow‑out‑style look, and towards your face for full, classic curls. Many curling irons come with multiple barrels or attachments in different sizes. Each one creates a different type of curl: the larger the barrel, the looser and softer the curl; the smaller the barrel, the tighter and more defined the curls. There are also specific techniques for styles such as beach waves, tight curls and Hollywood waves. These are done slightly different from standard curls. Below, we’ll explain step by step how to create each style.
Creating beach waves with a curling iron requires a different technique than when you’re going for classic curls. Follow these steps:
You can create tight curls by combining the right curling iron with the right technique. For full, tight curls, choose a curling iron with a barrel diameter of around 19 to 25 millimetres. If you want very small, compact curls, opt for an even slimmer barrel, for example under 14 millimetres. Then follow these steps:
Hollywood waves have been a red-carpet favourite for years. These glamorous waves are popular with brides, but they’re also perfect for parties and special occasions. You can create Hollywood waves with a curling iron by following these steps:
Never use a curling iron on wet hair. The heat can cause the moisture inside your hair to boil, burning the hair and causing serious damage. This can lead to:
You also risk damaging the curling iron itself. The water can cause rust to form on the metal barrel, and the protective coating on the curling iron may loosen or crack.
A curling iron is the classic hairstyling tool for creating curls. Always make sure your hair is dry and protected with a heat protectant, as both the temperature and the thickness of the barrel determine not only how your curls look, but also how healthy your hair stays. With a curling iron, you can create all kinds of curls, from tight curls to beach waves and Hollywood waves. Never use a curling iron on wet hair.
