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How to Use a Curling Iron?

While a curling iron can be one of your favorite ways to create your style, it is very easy to damage your hair. Here are instructions on how to safely use your curling iron and what to watch out for.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: n/a

Here's How:

1. I would highly recommend that you practice using the curling iron while it is cold. Handling is going to be awkward until you get a "feel" for the tool.
2. Use a thermal product to protect your hair from burning. Revlon Lisse Smoothing Balm will offer protection from the intense heat of the iron, but there are lots of thermal protecting products on the market.
3. Comb hair carefully so that there are no tangles. Hair should be as smooth as possible for the best results.
4. For short hair, you are obviously going to try to get as close to the scalp as possible. Be very careful that you don't touch the scalp with the iron. Lots of stylists position a comb between the scalp and the iron just to be safe.
5. For longer hair, using a curling iron is far easier. Practice however, is still important.
6. It is really important to curl small amounts of hair at a time. One of the biggest mistakes is trying to wrap too much hair around the barrel of the curling iron. This will result in the need to re-curl the section several times to get the amount of curl you want. This can lead to a lot of damage. With small amounts of hair, it should take about 5 seconds to curl the section.
7. Remove the curling iron from the curl and allow to cool without touching. This will allow the curl to set. Move on to the next section of hair.
8. Be aware of the ends of the hair. They need to be firmly held in place before closing the iron. What is referred to as fish hooks are the result if the ends are not secured.
9. When the curls have cooled, loosen with your fingers and spray with your favorite styling spray.

Tips:

Look for a curling iron with multiple settings. This will allow you to choose the heat level.
Using for too long or too often can dry out and sometimes burn your hair. Pay special attention to your useage and potential split ends. Trimming your hair on a regular basis will ensure that the damage does not travel up the hair shaft.

Curling irons come in a range of sizes. The narrower the barrel, the tighter the curl.

Related Curly Hair Information and Tips:

• Curling Your Hair Step by Step
• Curling Iron FAQ
• Can Use a Curling Iron While Hair is Still Damp?
• Curling Iron Technique

Recommended Curly Hair Care Products:

T3 Curling Iron	CHI Professional Ceramic Curling Iron, 1" Barrel Size
BaByliss Pro TT Tourmaline 500 Spring Curling Iron	Cricket 7000 Series Ceramic Curling Iron

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