With curly hair styles making a comeback, the curling iron is destined to become a favorite styling tool of women with straight hair who long for waves and bouncy curls. Curling irons are fabulous for creating all types of curl, but there are some definite do's and don'ts when choosing and using this heat styling tool. Follow our Round Rock hair salon tips for creating gorgeous curls.
CHOOSE A GREAT STYLING TOOL * First decide what barrel size will be needed to create your favorite style. If you want to create a variety of different sized curls, you may want to invest in more than one iron. For loose curls or "beachy" waves, you will need a curling iron with a barrel that is about 2 inches in diameter. For more defined or smaller curls and spirals, choose a barrel diameter of 1 inch or less. * The best tools are manufactured with ceramic or tourmaline surfaces. Ceramic irons allow heat to be evenly dispersed through your hair as you style it, while tourmaline irons help to control frizz by using negative ionic charges that seal the cuticle of the hair. You will find curling irons constructed of gold, titanium and chrome on the market, but these do not provide good protection against frizz and may not provide the same quality results as a good ceramic or tourmaline iron.
ALWAYS DRY, NEVER WET * Never use a curling iron on your hair while it is wet or even slightly damp. If you hear a sizzle as the iron touches your hair, then your hair is not dry enough for curling iron use. Using a curling hair wet or damp hair can cause damage to the hair cuticle and your hair can eventually, over time become dry and brittle. KEEP IT CLEAN * Before using your curling iron, make sure it is clean and free from styling products. If you are using gels, hair sprays, mousse or thickening products on your hair, these can collect on the barrel of the curling iron. Make sure to clean the iron with a damp towel before using it again. PROTECT FROM EXCESSIVE HEAT * If your curling iron has a temperature control, set it to a temerature that will work best for your hair texture and type. A setting of 200 degrees and under is best for fine, damaged, or color-processed hair. For super thick or coarse hair, choose a higher temperature of between 200 - 300 degrees. Never go above 400 degrees or you could damage your hair. * Using a thermal heat spray or protective product on your hair before using a curling iron can help to protect the hair against damage.