A Guide to Choosing the Right Hair Curler for Your Hair

There is a lot that goes into achieving the perfect curls, but using the right curler makes up for most of it. In fact, using the wrong device can actually cause a lot of damage, so naturally, you want to ensure you’ve got something that will help you look gorgeous but not smelt off your strands. If you’re wondering about which hair curler will be best for you, you’ve got to know your hair!

In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right hair curler for your specific hair type and length.

1. Choose the Right Type of Barrel

The first step to knowing which hair curler to buy is to know what type of curl you want to achieve, and this will determine the type of barrel you need. Here are the different types of barrels you can choose from:

• Small barrel - if a tight curl is what you’re after, then you need a hair curler with a small, thin barrel (9.5mm to 19mm). Hair curlers with small barrels are also perfect for anyone with fine or short hair
• Medium barrel - great for creating those defined waves or timeless curls then a medium-sized barrel (25mm to 31.75mm) is ideal. The medium size is also a great size that suits a variety of lengths
• Large barrel - when you want a curls with that volume, whether its curls or waves, a large barrel (38mm to 50mm) is the best option. The large barrel is also perfect for long or thick hair as it will have enough surface area to work with all the hair

1. Look for a Hair Curler with Adjustable Temperatures

There’s a misconception that when it comes to styling hair, the higher the temperature the better it styles. It’s not only incorrect, but it can cause irreversible heat damage to your locks. The best temperature for styling will depend on your hair type. This is why it’s important to find a hair curler that allows you to adjust the temperature.

There are four main types of hair, each with its own variants:

• Type 1: Straight hair (120° - 150°C) - this type of hair can range from hair that is completely straight and fine to straight with a few bends or straight with a coarse texture
• Type 2: Wavy hair (150° - 180°C) - the second type of hair ranges from wavy and fin, to wavy with more of an s-shape, and then wavy with a very defined s-shape
• Type 3: Curly hair (150° - 180°C) - type 3 hair ranges from hair that has loose curls to tighter and more springy curls to curls with an “S” or “Z” shape
• Type 4: Coiled hair (180° - 200°C)- this type of hair can range from loose coils, to curls with a defined “Z” shape to tight curls

Obviously those with curly and coiled hair don’t need to use a hair curler, but the ideal temperatures for styling remain similar when curling or straightening. So, adjust the temperature of the hair curler to whichever best suits your hair type, and don’t risk sizzling off your strands. Having a curler with a digital temperature display is a bonus!

1. Choose the Right Materials

Another important aspect of choosing the right hair curler is which material it uses. This will also depend on your hair type because different materials will conduct heat differently, and some types of hair do not require as much heat to others. Here are the different types of materials that hair curlers use and which would be better for the different hair types:

• Ceramic - Hair curlers that feature ceramic plates are an all-rounder because they suit just about any hair type. They emit negative ions with soothe frizziness and can minimise the chances of getting hotspots
• Tourmaline - Curlers that use tourmaline is a brilliant option for thicker, frizzy hair and effectively emits even more negative ions than ceramic ones
• Titanium - Titanium curlers are an ideal option for anyone with thick, coarse hair because they’re able to heat up really quickly
• Gold-plated - These curlers are great for those with coarse and thick hair because of how well the material tolerates high temperatures for long periods of time

1. Go Clamp Or Clampless

One thing you’ll notice about the multitude of different curlers on the market is that they either come with clamps or they don’t. Whether you get a hair curler with a clamp or not should also depend on your hair type. Clampless wands are a wonderful option for anyone with fine or short hair, while ones with clamps are best for those with long, frizzy or coarse hair as it’ll help smooth out and provide better control when styling.

Final Thoughts

Healthy hair is always the most beautiful, which means you need to make your hairstyles work best for you by using tools that have been designed to suit your particular hair type and length. Remember that what works for one person isn’t necessarily going to work for another, it’s all about personalisation.