What Size Curling Iron For Thick Hair

When information technology comes to curling irons, well-nigh of us reach for a hot tool with a one or two-inch butt (aka, the rod). However, these aren't the only curling iron sizes available and they might not even be the best size for the hairstyle you are trying to achieve. "The size of a crimper barrel will vary [depending on] the overall coil style," notes Gina Rivera, founder, president and hair expert at Phenix Salon Suites.

The general dominion is: "The larger the barrel, the more wave you create, the smaller the butt, the tighter the curl," she adds. "If you would like to loosen up your ringlet to have a defined wave, then I would advise using a larger barrel, like two inches," she notes, calculation that information technology creates a beach wave effect. "If you lot desire to maintain the curls you have [or add together more than divers curls], use a 1 to 1.v-inch barrel."

The looser the curl, the more space you desire betwixt spirals and the tighter the ringlet, the less space you desire betwixt each twist around the curling iron. However, curl size isn't the only thing that determines the all-time curling fe size for your hair — it also depends on your hair type, every bit well.

A black and gold 2in curling iron.

HOT TOOLS Professional 24k Gold Actress-Long Barrel Curling Iron, $59.99 | Amazon

Coily Hair: If you accept coily hair and want to loosen them up to create more than of a moving ridge outcome, Rivera recommends using a curling iron with a 2-inch barrel. However, if you lot want to maintain your natural coil and create a more than refined look, she says to avoid the crimper iron and "wet the hair, apply a styling cream or gel, so twist the pilus in sections" instead, every bit a curling iron might tamper with your already beautiful definition.

A white and gold curling iron.

T3 BodyWaver 1.75 Professional Ceramic Styling Atomic number 26, $129.99 | Dermstore

Curly Pilus: "The thought hither is to smooth [and] defrizz curls, non lose them," says Rivera. "So, look for a wide-barrel curling iron — 1 with a 1.5-inch barrel or college — [and] run the fe through the hair quickly to polish [and] define curls," she notes.

A mint green and black curling iron.

Harry Josh Pro Tools ii-in-1 Ceramic Marcel Curling Iron 1 Inch, $175 | Dermstore

Sparse/Fine Pilus: Thin or fine hair "has a tendency to lose curls quite quickly," explains Rivera. This isn't caused by the texture of the hair, but instead past the shape of the strand. "Straight hair will be more cylindrical in shape whereas curly hair will appear more than elliptical and apartment," she remarks. Simply put: Strands that are more flat hold a curl better, which explains why those with thin or fine hair typically take straighter, or less-divers curls and waves. She suggests using a i-inch or smaller curling wand to "initially create tight curls that volition naturally fall to a beautiful wave." Some other hot tip? "If yous desire your curls to stay all solar day, and then yous must attempt tools with infrared technology," suggests Rivera. "The infrared applied science allows yous to use less heat to grade a detail style. [It] works from the inside out, therefore you lot are able to quickly reform the hydrogen bonds [in the pilus] which helps ascertain the style while limiting the overall loftier heat exposure."

A black and red curling iron.

By-Gina Excel Infrared Crimper Iron, $104 | Amazon

Thick Hair: For thicker hair types, Rivera says to achieve for a 1.5-inch barrel, depending on the overall result you are going for. "This is a good everyday size that, depending on your sectioning [thicker or smaller sections], you tin create both tight and loose curls," she explains.

Amazon

Short Hair: If y'all take a short hairstyle such as a lob or bob, you might find it peculiarly challenging to wrap your strands around a curling iron. While you tin can accomplish a wavy effect by wrapping pieces around a curling wand or even spinning a straighter through your pilus to create a curled effect, Rivera prefers a thermal styling castor as "traditional curling irons can be a scrap unwieldy when it comes to styling brusque hair." This two-in-one hot tool "smooths while providing a quick curlicue [or] wave" and is piece of cake to work through short strands.

In addition to products and ingredients, Rivera recommends taking a closer look at the type of curling atomic number 26 in your armory. "Equally a minimum, look for a ceramic-coated iron — this will help evenly spread the oestrus so not one section of the hair is overexposed, [which] will limit oestrus impairment," she notes. Another cardinal do good to look for? Choose an iron that comes with estrus settings and allows you to adjust the heat. "There are lots of irons that tout their ability to heat up to 450 degrees … this is not a good thing for your hair," says Rivera. "Try to continue the iron under 400," she adds, while noting that infrared heat is as well a benign feature as information technology "delivers superior styling with limited heat exposure.

And whether you apply a thermal styling brush, curling fe, wand, or straightener to create your wavy locks, you will want to prep and prime before styling.

"Irons tin get incredibly hot and, unfortunately, we accept a tendency to field of study our pilus to unnecessary farthermost temperatures," notes Rivera. Ane way to avoid this is to take "no heat" breaks once or twice a week, meaning you don't blow-dry or roll your hair. Use "a thermal protectant lightly misted on the mid-lengths with special attention on the vulnerable ends" and store hair intendance products enriched with baobab, which is "brilliant at protecting the cuticle from the effects of excess oestrus."

Nosotros only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you lot purchase a production establish through our links, Lord's day Edit may earn an chapter committee.