Ready to transform your locks into stunning waves and curls? Then you're going to need some must-have haircare tools that are up to the task — everything from curling wands and tongs to heated rollers and hair wavers.
But which gadget is best for your hair? Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete newbie to the world of styling, our guide will help you get to grips with all types of hair curling tech so you can find your perfect match.
Overview:
Types of hair curlers
When it comes to hair curlers, you have two main types to choose from — heated and heatless. Let's dive into their differences and explore the most popular tools in each group…
If you want to achieve quick curls that'll last from dusk until dawn, heated hair curlers are the way to go. As their name suggests, they use the power of heat to reshape your hair so you can get long-lasting curls and beachy waves for every occasion. Here are some of the most common heated hair curlers out there:
Curling wands
These handheld gadgets help you create everything from tight spirals to loose, relaxed waves. They usually feature a tapered barrel, so you can simply wrap a section of your hair around it and wait a few seconds for the heat to work its magic. The result? Natural-looking curls that'll turn lots of heads!
Curling tongs
Curling tongs (also known as curling irons) feature a barrel with a clamp that can hold your hair in place while you style it. They're brilliant for getting consistent, uniform curls that won't fall flat halfway through the day.
Heated rollers
These more traditional hair curlers come in different sizes so you can get everything from tight twists to big, bouncy coils. Just let the hot rollers heat up first, carefully take them out, then wrap portions of your hair around each one using clips to keep them in place. After about 10 minutes, take the rollers outs and voila — you'll have buoyant, salon-quality curls.
Hair wavers
Hair wavers often have multiple barrels that you simply clamp on and release over sections of your hair — forming smooth, S-shaped waves and curls that even a mermaid would be jealous of! They're perfect for achieving a more flowing, elegant look.
If you want to curl your locks overnight or without the fear of heat damage, then traditional heatless hair curlers can still be a great and affordable choice. Here are some popular heat-free options you can try:
Velcro rollers: These classic self-gripping rollers are quick and easy to put in either damp or dry hair. They're ideal for creating soft, glamorous curls and really great at adding volume and bounce in flat hair.
Foam rollers: Also known as sponge rollers, these products are super soft so they're comfortable to have in your hair while you sleep. That way, you can wake up to beautiful curls. And they work well for most hair types and lengths too.
Flexi rods: These nifty styling tools come in different sizes so you can give your tresses anything from tight ringlets to loose curls. The best thing about these is that they're bendable, which means you can anchor them in place without the need for fiddly pins or clips.
It might feel a bit daunting using a heated hair curler for the first time. But if you follow these steps, you'll be able to get gorgeous results without frying your hair:
Use a heat protectant: Spray a heat protectant onto your hair first to help shield it from damage. You can find loads of these in supermarkets and online.
Section your hair: This is so you can easily work on different parts — you can't cover everything in one go! It applies to all types of heated curlers, from wands to rollers.
Use the curling tool as directed: For curling wands and tongs, hold each section of hair for no more than 10 seconds. Hair wavers only need to be clamped on for around 5 seconds at a time as you work your way down from your scalp. While heated rollers can stay in for up to 10-15 minutes.
Allow your curls to cool: Before styling any further, let those coils chill for a bit. Then run your fingers through your hair to detangle and smooth things out for a softer style.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray: You don't have to do this if those bountiful curls look like they'll hold strong. But to make sure they stay all day long, you can set them using a light hairspray.
Beauty tip: To keep your hair healthy, avoid using heated tools too frequently and make sure you always apply some kind of heat protectant first. Don't over-tighten your curls when styling either, as this can lead to hair breakage.
Not sure which curling tool will work best for your hair length and type? Here's a quick guide:
Long hair
If you've got long hair, opt for products that can handle the full length of your locks. Wands, wavers, and heated rollers are all fab choices. But also consider tools that offer larger barrels or rollers so you can get more dramatic curls and waves.
Short hair
If you're rocking a shorter hair style, look out for curling gadgets with smaller barrels that can easily grasp shorter sections — like curling tongs. They're really good for short hair as they give you plenty of precise control. Smaller heated rollers can work wonders too.
Thick hair
Lucky enough to have thick, voluminous hair? Yeah, we're a bit jealous. To style thicker or coarse hair, you'll need to use products with higher heat settings that can effectively curl those stubborn strands. So, keep an eye out for curlers with adjustable temperature controls and also consider larger barrels or rollers to manage your hair's volume.
Thin hair
For thin hair, choose curlers with low heat settings to prevent damage. It would also be a smart idea to use smaller barrels or rollers, as tighter curls can add volume and make your hair appear fuller.
What is the best curling wand?
There is no best curling wand, as it totally depends on your hair type and whatever style you desire. But if you're after versatility more than anything, go for a wand with interchangeable barrels and adjustable heat settings. That way, you can create different sized curls and play around with how defined you want them to look.
Ceramic hair curlers are worth thinking about, as they're really good at smoothing out hair and locking in shine. While ionic curlers can minimise frizz, especially in thicker hair.
How long do you leave hair curlers in for?
For heated hair rollers, 10 minutes per section of hair is usually sufficient — but you can leave them in a little longer if you want curls with more staying power. Heatless curlers can be left in for several hours or overnight for the best results.
Any more questions?
We hope our guide has provided you with the confidence to give hair curlers a go. For even more inspo and ways that tech can change up your look, check out our guide to the best hairstyling and hair removal tools. And we’ve got plenty more health and beauty tech to get you glowing in no time.
