- A spiral curling iron is a thermal hairstyling tool used to create spiral-shaped curls and ringlets. It requires electricity to operate, although there are portable models that run on batteries. Sometimes the spiral barrel portion of the curling iron is an attachment that is designed to be used interchangeably with barrels of varying thicknesses or even clamps that crimp or straighten hair. The size of your curls depends on the diameter of the spiral barrel you use--the thinner the barrel, the tighter the resulting curls.
- Spiral curling irons do work, but there are conditions that help make your results more attractive. For instance, unless you intend to create an Afro-like hairstyle, your hair should be shoulder-length or longer as hair appears shorter after curling. Although a layered cut is not necessary, multi-layered hair flatters spirals better than hair that is all one length. As for texture, hair that is thick or coarse keeps the spirals weighted down in place, although you may curl fine or thin hair as well. Use your spiral curling iron only on dry hair. Curling your hair with this or any other thermal styling tool while it is still wet produces limp and misshapen curls at the very least, seriously damaged hair at most.
- Your hair does not have to be straight for you to benefit from a spiral curling iron. Even those with wavy or curly hair can reshape their tresses with this tool. In fact, it takes less effort to create spirals on hair that is already wavy. The impeccable spirals naturally curly-haired celebrities sport at special events appear that flawless with the help of a spiral curling iron. You do not have to stick to only one size barrel either. If you have medium to long hair, you have plenty of room to create a multi-textured hairstyle. Even though spiral barrels are considerably smaller than regular barrels, they are not all one size. Alternating between thin and thinner spiral barrels gives you curls that appear more natural than perfectly uniform ones.
- While regular curling iron barrels are typically used to create loose and free-flowing waves, a spiral curling iron is ideal if you want tight, obvious curls. These are made possible by the grooves that wind up and down a spiral barrel. Even if you run your fingers once or twice through your hair after using a spiral curling iron, the spiral shapes remain evident, and even somewhat coil back into each other as the day goes by. For the most flawless curls, make sure to comb and detangle your hair prior to styling.
- If you do not want to risk the health of your hair, purchase a ceramic or tourmaline spiral curling iron. The old-fashioned metal-plated or chrome variety may be cheap, but you are literally cooking your hair whenever you use this particular type. If you invest in a ceramic or tourmaline curling iron, on the other hand, negative ions are generated to seal your hair shaft and lock in the moisture as your hair curls. Regardless of which kind you use, protect your hair from even the mildest heat styling damage by applying a protective serum or spray every time you use your spiral curling iron.
