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The curling iron has been a common tool used to beautify women's hair for generations. It is a cylinder that creates curls or waves when it is heated and hair is wrapped around it. There is a handle attached to the cylinder for better control of the iron. The handle also prevents you from burning your fingers.
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There are very early reports dating back to ancient Egyptian times of men and women using curling tongs to curl their hair. The first noted invention of a curling iron was in the late 19th century by Marcel Grateau, and the first electric curling iron was invented in 1959 by Rene Lelievre and Roger Lemoine.
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The size of the barrel determines the size of the curl or the look you want to create.
For tight curls use a smaller barrel such as a 3/8 inch or a 5/8 inch. The small barrel is also good for short hair, bangs and wisps.
Medium sized barrels are good for medium length hair. The 3/4 inch and 1 inch barrels create medium curls, waves and tendrils.
Larger barrels such as the 1-1/4 inch, 1-1/2 inch and 2 inch are best for long hair. Large barrels make for large, loose curls and waves. -
The material used on the barrel is very important when selecting curling irons. The coating determines how quickly and evenly the curling iron heats up, as well as the tendency for the material to snag and burn your hair.
There are five types of barrels to choose from: chrome, gold, velvet covered, Teflon covered and ceramic.
Chrome and gold curling irons are the least expensive but can be the harshest on your hair, especially if you plan to use the tools regularly. If your hair is delicate, dry and brittle, then the velvet covered, Teflon, and the ceramic types are a better choice.
A ceramic curling iron is the friendliest to your hair and is the most popular. It consistently heats quickly, evenly, and produces a smooth finish. It uses negative ion or tourmaline technology, which reduces snagging, hair breakage and burning. - The temperature used to curl your hair is important when it comes to getting the look you want. Higher heat settings produce full curls and waves that hold well. However, thin hair can be easily damaged and burned. Choose a curling iron with multiple heat settings if you are unsure what temperature works the best.
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Multiple heat settings provide the greatest flexibility to create the look you want without damaging your hair. Use the lowest setting possible especially if you will be curling your hair regularly.
An automatic shut-off is a good safety feature. It is critical for the times you may forget to turn the curling iron off.
An indicator light is another good feature to look for. A light will go on when the desired temperature is reached.
A swivel cord adjusts automatically as you twist and turn the curling iron. It minimizes tangling of the electric cord and your hair.
A grip-tip on the tip of the curling iron gives you better control as you work with your hair. It allows you to steady the barrel without burning your fingers.
Steam irons allow moisture to be applied with heat. This is designed to provide extra hold with lower heat settings.
Some curling irons have brushes. The bristled barrel is good for creating volume and loose waves. - There are many brands of curling irons. Listed in alphabetical order are a few: T3, Babyliss, Braun, CHI, Conair, Enzo, Hot Tools, Jilbere, Milano, Remington, Revlon and Wigo.
