Curling iron

The best curling iron for every hair type

When choosing a curling iron, your hair type is the most important factor. A large choice of heat settings is nice, but more important is to find a temperature that suits your hair type. Do you have thin and fine hair? Then 180 degrees is more than enough, as thin hair heats up faster and therefore curls quicker. Also if you have dyed hair, 180 degrees is the setting you want to use. If you have 'normal' hair, 200 degrees would almost always be in the right direction. For thick and coarse hair, it's best to opt for 220 degrees.

What kind of curls do you want?

What also plays a big role with a curling iron is what type of curl you want to create. Do you want big wavy curls or small curls with lots of volume? Here is some advice on which curling iron is best for each type of curl:

Big, wavy curls

Want to create big, wavy curls? A slightly thicker curling iron is best for this. Make sure your tongs have a diameter of at least 25 millimetres. These tongs can also be used to create waves in your hair. A thicker version is not suitable for treating short hair.

Average curls

Do you prefer average curls, exactly between big and small? Then use one with a diameter of 15 to 24 millimetres. You can also create waves with this curling iron, albeit with a slightly less natural result. This size, like the largest variant, is not really suitable for short hair.

Small curls, lots of volume

If you like small curls with lots of volume, a curling iron with a diameter under 15 millimetres is for you. These tongs create denser, smaller curls. These tongs are suitable for shorter hair, though!

Natural curls

For the most natural curls, go for the conical curling iron. Because it is wider at the handle than at the tip, curls will be smaller at the ends of the hair than at the root. Conical curling irons have a wider diameter, and are therefore less suitable for shorter hair.

How often do you use the curling iron?

Are you going to use the curling iron (pretty much) every day, or at least several times a week? Then buy one with full ceramic plates or a titanium curling iron anyway. These ensure that the heat is distributed evenly over the hair, so it does not overheat. Positive for your curls (because less static), but also for the health of your hair! Do you use it occasionally? Then a ceramic-coated one will do. These also protect your hair, but do not last as long because the coating wears out over time. In any case, do not use a curling iron with a worn ceramic coating; this can damage your hair!

Think about this too!

Are there other things to look out for when buying a curling iron? Definitely! You can also think about the following things:

• Automatic curling irons: Little time? Then maybe an automatic version is just the thing for you! These rotate the tube automatically, so you don't have to do this yourself!
• Cable length: Sitting there with your new curling iron in front of the mirror, it turns out the cable doesn't reach the socket. It seems very logical, but most people don't think about this. Make sure you have enough cable length!
• Instant heat: Impatient? A tong with instant heat is at the desired temperature within seconds!
• Screen: Sure the temperature is right? Some curling irons have a screen where you can read exactly this kind of thing!

Frequently asked questions