BEFORE YOU BUY
If you already know what to look for in a curler, you can skip ahead to discover which products are best for:
Big, open curls
Beautiful, beachy waves
Classic, covetable curls
But if you’re unsure, then before you even begin looking at any products, it is worth first considering a few options to save you some time. First things first, when looking at buying a new curler, you need to think about the types of curls you would like to create with your new styler. This will not only help you pick the right sized and best shaped barrel but also whether you should be looking at a curling tong or a wand.
Size matters
To pick your styler size and shape, make note of the dimensions of the barrel of the curler, the thicker the barrel, the bigger and more open the curls. So if you’re after tight ringlets then go for the thinnest styler you can find, or if you want cascading waves then opt for larger barrel sizes. For a more versatile curling tool, opt for wands with a diameter of around one inch, from this it is easy to create small curls by tightly wrapping the hair around the iron, or more open, beachy waves by loosely wrapping the hair around the wand.
The shape
Another important feature about the curler itself, is the shape. It is possible to purchase curling irons with very unique shapes (bubble wands or the Enzo Milano Bi-Tube Curling Iron anyone?) but the ideal shape for a full-bodied curl is an oval shaped iron. Stylers with this shape are a great versatile tool as they can create most types of curls and will earn you some extra compliments, as those who know anything about hair will notice the extra body and volume in your curls.
Wands vs Tongs
After you’ve decided on what shape would be best for the look you’re trying to create, it’s time to consider the style or curler that would be perfect for you. Wands vs tongs have been a debate for years, but since it comes down to personal preference, you can choose whatever suits you best. Tongs have a spring-lever that holds the ends of the hair onto the styler as you twist your hair around it – perfect for those who find it hard to wrap their hair around the wand as they curl. Wands are the more traditional style as they don’t include the extra help of the clamp.