What are the Different Types of Curling Irons?

There are a variety of curling irons to choose from and the one that best fits your needs will largely depend on your intentions. Curling irons can add bounce and curl while also creating a glamorous look. You might desire tight curls or loose supple waves. Whatever your desire might be, a curling iron could just end up being one of the most important tools in your home. 

 

Many curling irons today are constructed with a fairly new feature known as ceramic. Some curling irons are thought to make hair dry and frizzy, over time, causing the user to be unhappy with the outcome of the product.   Ceramic curling irons actually infuse moisture into hair and they are the #1 tool used by professional beauty technicians. Ceramic prevents an uncontrollable rise in temperature creating a more even heat distribution to the hair. Ceramic curling irons will help produce shiny, silky, soft, and ultimately healthier hair after continued use. Ceramic curling irons are typically more expensive than traditional ones, but many consumers continue to be pleased with the results and feel the additional investment is worthwhile. They have become an extremely popular type of curling iron and many enjoy using them on a daily basis.      

Some might call this type of iron a flat iron or a straightener. They have become a popular way to make hair silky and smooth. Flat irons contain the same basic concept of a curling iron, only without the curl. The barrel is actually flat. The hair is placed between the flat pieces of the barrel and gently pulled through. The heat from the flat barrels helps to smooth and straighten the hair.

A curling brush is basically a curling iron with a built in brush. They typically contain soft bristles made of nylon that cover the entire barrel of the iron. The brush is heated with an internal heating element, similar to that of a traditional curling iron. It allows the operator to shape and style hair more freely. It is often used more to build fullness and body rather than actually creating curls.      

This type of curling iron is perfect for the consumer that wants curly hair one day and straight hair the next. This 2-in-1 mechanism is constructed to be used as a traditional curling iron as well as a flat iron all in one device. 

A hot air styling iron is basically a curling iron and hair dryer in one. This product combines the two steps that most individuals participate in on a daily basis and allows them to be completed in one easy step. It is built much like the curling brush. Bristles surround the barrel and heat is evenly distributed throughout the device. A hot air styling iron can also be used on dry hair to add shape and body.   

Some companies have created a cordless curling iron. This is an excellent idea for those that are on the go and need to carry their curling iron with them. Cordless curling irons function similar to a traditional curling iron only without the cord. Most cordless curling irons include some type of battery that produces the energy the iron needs to build heat.