The iron is a versatile device for creating various styling. With this tool, you can easily straighten hair, shape waves, curl curls for short, medium and long curls at home.
How to choose a rectifier
There are several basic rules for choosing a device that will have a minimal aggressive effect on the hair. The material used to make the plates (working surfaces) of the instrument is one of the most important criteria for the quality of the straightener and its effect on the curls.
Today there are various devices with different inner coatings:
Metal | It is considered the most dangerous for strands. It heats up very unevenly. In addition, it burns the hair a lot, destroys its structure. Low price is the only advantage of the device. |
Ceramics | A popular facing coating that is also used as a base for another material (tourmaline, titanium). This device is widely used. It keeps the required temperature, heats up well, glides easily over the surface of the curls. However, it cannot be heated in 1 minute, because the glowing process is slow. Another disadvantage is that the styling products remain on the surface of the device and should be removed immediately after use. In addition, it is more expensive than its metal counterpart. |
Titanium | It is often applied over ceramics. It gives smoothness to the plates, guarantees fast sliding. This reduces the risk of overheating. But its price is quite high. |
Teflon | This is a rather expensive application. However, the tool is in demand. It does not allow tangle of curls, delicately acts on the strands. He has good glide. The device fits soft curls. Because heating occurs the same along their entire length. It does not injure hair, excludes sticking of strands and styling products. You can use it every day. However, over time, this application wears out and the device, having lost its properties, begins to aggressively affect the curls. |
Marble | Usually, such a material is paired with ceramics, and such devices are called two-piece. They sparingly affect the structure of the strands, but are distinguished by their high cost. The working surfaces of each side have 2 parallel plates. Ceramic application heats the curls, and the marble coating immediately cools them. That neutralizes the harmful effect of strong temperature heating. |
Tourmaline (or ion-ceramic coating) | The tool warms up evenly. It removes the static effect, moves easily through the hair. Also helps to retain moisture. Therefore, it practically does not harm their structure. Such an iron is used mainly in beauty salons, hairdressers, beauty centers. |
Greedy inserts | Such devices are classified as professional tools. |
Silver plating | This is a very expensive gadget, which makes it less popular. |
The iron is produced in 2 modifications. Such devices have straight and rounded edges.They also have different types of fasteners. Typically, these tools are equipped with fixed or floating plates.
The latter are attached with springs or rubber bands to the body. Therefore, they gently drop and rise as they move along the strands. Such devices are rarely found in stores. However, they are considered the most convenient to work with.
The width of the plates should be selected based on the length and density of the curls. In short, the thicker the strands, the larger the area of the working surfaces.
For instance:
- a device with a coating with a diameter of about 2–2.5 cm is suitable for shortened, not very thick curls;
- curls with an iron on medium hair are processed using plates about 2.7-3 cm in size, if the hair is not very heavy;
- for denser hair of the same length, devices with a working surface width of about 3.1-4 cm are suitable;
- for thick elongated curls, it is necessary to choose a device that has the widest plates about 7-8 cm in size.
You can use irons with inserts of any width and shape. But it is most convenient to have a compact device with narrow working surfaces, as well as rounded edges.
It is preferable to buy a tool that has no gap between the plates. In the absence of a lumen, the curls will be tightly compressed, and the heat will spread evenly through them. The strands warm up worse if there is a short distance. And then the procedure will have to be repeated.
When purchasing such an iron, it is necessary to watch that for fixed inserts the clearance does not exceed 1 mm, as well as 2 mm if they are floating.
The presence of a thermostat is a prerequisite for devices of this type. The iron will warm up as much as possible if it is not there, which is not always convenient and very dangerous, especially for weak, thin or colored curls.
It is desirable to choose devices having a lower heating limit of approximately 100 °, and an upper temperature regime of about 150-230 °. Weak, soft, thinned curls are processed at 130-155 °. For regular strands, 180 ° is enough.
Often these devices are equipped with additional attachments.
Of these, the most common:
Rectifier inserts | They are suitable for strands of any length. They are used not only to straighten hair. But they can also give curls a slight curl effect. In this case, the coverage should not be very wide. 15-25 mm is enough. |
Corrugated plates with fine and coarse teeth | They are used for straight as well as thin strands. Small-toothed attachments help create volume. Larger ripples form big, beautiful waves. |
Spiral nozzle | With its help, perfect curls of different sizes are obtained, strictly separated from each other. The heating temperature is usually set to about 160 - 180 °. And the ends of the curls are held with your fingers when they are wound. |
Large diameter curling iron | It creates large wavy curls that are not connected to each other. |
Small curling iron | It forms small curls like a perm. |
Round brush | This comb makes the hair feel light |
In terms of power, it usually starts at 25 watts. But it is better to buy a device with a stronger wattage. Because the temperature should be much higher while curling the curls than when straightening them.
In addition, the device can have an ionization function. That is, it removes the electrification of the curls, makes them more obedient, shiny. Also, the iron is equipped with a rotating cord. And it is convenient during operation. This wire will not tangle. A heat-resistant bag is also provided. An instrument is placed in it, which may not have completely cooled down.
How to create curls with an iron without damaging your hair?
The iron can damage curls if used incorrectly. Therefore, it is necessary to comply with certain conditions for creating curls for short, medium or long hair.
- The device should not be used more than 2 times a week.The rest of the time, the curls must be moistened with special balms.
- For damaged, dry strands, the maximum safe mode of operation of the device is set.
- It is best to buy a model that has a thermostat.
- From the total mass of hair, thick strands must be taken in order to get a natural hairstyle. In this case, the heating force of the device should be reduced.
- For elastic curls, a temperature of at least 180 ° is suitable, and the thickness of the bundle will be about 1 cm.
- The device should not be kept for too long while straightening or curling curls.
- The styling turns out to be excessively curly if you move the iron slowly along the curl.
- Graceful classic waves are created by holding the device horizontally, and spiral curls are formed by the vertical position of the device.
- Elastic original curls make the iron with plates with rounded edges.
- Tough curls are treated with a high temperature of about 210 °.
- Thin strands are suitable for t 160 °.
- The thickest hair types are set to 200 ° C.
Features of medium length hair curling
There are some nuances to consider when creating hairstyles:
- The smaller the length and density of the curls, the narrower the plate of the device is chosen.
- Curling the strands at different angles allows you to create light, small or large and sharp curves. However, it is preferable to leave the ends of the hair straight.
- The hairstyle must be selected, focusing on the features of your appearance. For example, soft waves are most suitable for owners of a round oval shape.
- Wide-faced women should not choose African curls. They will visually shorten the curls, and also form additional volume in the face area.
- Therefore, on women with an elongated or square type of face, such styling looks best.
- Thinner strands heat up much less.
- Curls are given a neat look only with your fingers, without using a comb after ironing. They are beaten at the roots, and then fixed with varnish. The bottle is kept at a distance of about 40 - 50 cm from the hair. It is sprayed only to the length of the curls, avoiding the root zone.
- The iron is carried out in a uniform, smooth movement, trying to maintain the same speed and pressure.
- The ends of the curls must be twisted. Do not immediately tear off the device at the end of the strands. Otherwise, they will look casual.
- Curls with an iron on medium hair are rolled from the face, creating natural waves. Additional volume is formed by curling the curls alternately inward and outward.
- When the strand slides off the tool plates after twisting, it must be held in your hand until it cools down (about 2 - 3 seconds). Otherwise, she will straighten under her own weight.
- One curl is processed once. But you can return to it at the end of the styling process, when it cools down.
Preparing hair for curling with an iron
Before you start styling your hair, you need to prepare it in order to minimize the possible harm from using the styler:
- Before starting the procedure, the curls are washed well with a shampoo that creates volume. The air conditioner is taken from the same line. And after the strands are carefully combed so that they do not get tangled.
- During washing, a light massage of the scalp is carried out with the fingertips. This method increases blood circulation, which improves the quality and stimulates the rapid growth of hair shafts.
- When the strands are washed, they are rinsed with cool water.
- Shampoos are applied only to the roots. Otherwise, the curls can be overdried with an iron if you use detergents for the entire hair volume.
- Masks, balms, conditioners are used strictly according to the instructions on the package. Strands can become greasy or heavy from improper use of cosmetics. They simply won't curl.
- The curls are dried with a hairdryer for subsequent styling. Then they will be more manageable than naturally dried strands.
- However, the appliance is not immediately turned on at full power.Otherwise, a sharp temperature drop will harm the curls.
- Hair is treated with a thermal protective compound before drying, distributing it evenly over the strands. This will facilitate further ironing work.
- The curls are dried, lifting them slightly. Such a technique will allow you to create volume at the roots with a smoothing styler and will make future styling more effective.
- Hot curling is performed only on dry strands.
- Be sure to use conditioners and leave-in products. They are applied to the length of the curls, avoiding the roots. Then they use drugs with thermal protection. For example, gels, sprays and even regular creams. Then wait until the hair is completely dry.
- Mousse or varnish of medium to strong hold is used to create long-term styling. Moreover, the foamy agent is applied in about 10 - 15 minutes. before working with the device, and the varnishing composition after.
- A more voluminous styling is created using dry shampoo, which is applied to the roots.
- Parting is done on the head after washing the hair, but before drying the strands.
- Curling the curls will be much easier if you divide them into sectors, and then fix the bundles with clips. The strands are fixed with hairpins until they cool completely.
- The instrument is turned on and warmed up. When using attachments, put them on before connecting the device to the outlet.
Ways and types of winding. Step by step instructions
Curls with an iron on medium hair are created in various ways.
However, there is a universal instruction that is used in all methods:
- To begin with, a small strand is taken from the selected sector. It is clamped with a rectifier.
- Next, the device is smoothly moved to the ends of the curls. It is slowly rotated around its axis.
- But the styler doesn't stay in one place for long. Otherwise, overheating of the strands and the formation of creases will occur.
- Then the curl is sprayed with varnish, leaving it in this position until it cools down.
Zigzag
Broken strands are formed using foil. It is cut into rectangles along the length of the curls.
- First, the hair is divided into sections.
- Then take a bunch. It is wrapped in vertically folded foil as for hair dyeing.
- Next, the strand is folded horizontally in foil like an "accordion". You should get a short square.
- Then the folded curl is pinched with an iron. It is held for 5 seconds.
- The foil is removed after processing all the strands.
- Then the hairstyle is varnished, and then the curls are taken apart by hand.
Careless curls
Slight messy styling is very relevant today.
- First of all, the strands are divided into bundles. They are treated with wax or other means.
- Then the selected curls are wound onto a straightener, moving from bottom to top.
- In this case, the device is held vertically or at an angle of 75 - 80 °.
- On each curl, the direction of the curl is changed so that they look more diverse.
- The iron is rotated very smoothly.
- At the end of the procedure, the hairstyle is fixed with varnish.
Large curls
In addition to the styler, you must prepare a fixing spray.
- The first step is to separate the curls. The device is placed horizontally.
- Then the plates are placed at the base of the strand. The clamped bun is wrapped once around the instrument, pulling the hair slightly.
- Then they move to the ends, constantly squeezing the strand with springy, as if vibrating movements.
- This is how the whole head is treated.
- The cooled curls are fluffed up and varnished.
Harnesses
This method is called flagellate.
- First, the separated curls are twisted into buns.
- Then each element is wrapped in foil.
- Next, the workpiece is clamped between the plates.
- After that, they pass it with an iron several times.
- Then the strands are taken apart by hand.
- Then they are ruffled, fixed with a spray.
Light curls with foil
Curls with an iron on medium hair also create like light waves.
- First of all, take a strand. It is wound by 2 fingers to the roots.
- The formed ring is wrapped in foil, keeping the curl shape inside.
- Such a blank resembles a "pancake".
- Each such curl is about 10 - 15 minutes. pressed with a rectifier.
- After processing, they are deployed.
- Then the hairstyle is shaped.
Large curls from hair roots
This styling is very simple to do:
- Before the curls are treated with a styling agent.
- Next, a fleece is made at the roots. It is lightly pressed with an iron several times.
- Then part of the whipped strands is squeezed with a comb, adjusting their volume.
- Large curls are curled in the standard way using a straightener.
- Then they are fixed in rings using invisible clips or clamps.
- When the curls are processed in one zone, they are combed a little from the roots, adjusting the splendor.
- Then they continue to work in other areas.
- Then the hair is fluffed up, and the result is recorded.
"Beach" curls
Such styling can serve as the basis for everyday and holiday hairstyles.
- To begin with, the hair is simply twisted into a tight tourniquet.
- Further, it is carried out with a styler several times.
This option is very suitable for thin curls.
But there is also a slightly different way of curling:
- First of all, the hair is delimited into several areas using clips.
- Then the strands are taken in turn, starting from the crown zone. They are sprayed with varnish, and then wound around the finger.
- Next, the curls are wrapped in foil.
- Then an iron is applied over the wrapped piece, lingering for about 10 minutes.
- This is how all parts of the head are treated.
- At the end, the hairstyle is fixed with varnish.
California curls
This styling is not difficult.
- First, the selected curl is clamped at the base, holding the iron at an angle of 75 °.
- Then it is screwed onto the device to the middle.
- After that, the tool is turned around itself, and the strand is twisted in the opposite direction.
- You can simply pull out the device and grab a curl with it by winding the lower part in the opposite direction.
- The end must be left straight.
- Then the styling is fixed with a spray with salt or other styling.
Small spirals
They are called in another way African curls. They look great on medium to long curls.
- First, the mass of hair is divided into thin strands about 0.5-1 cm wide.
- Then the separated curl is wound on a skewer or a thin stick.
- Next, the wound strand is squeezed with a tool, holding for about 4 - 6 seconds.
- When it cools down, they release it.
- The blanks are dissolved after processing all the curls, and then varnished.
Curls with a pencil
Another option for creating small afro-curls.
- First of all, the mousse is distributed through the hair.
- Then they are delimited by gripping with clamps.
- Next, a pencil is wrapped very tightly with a narrow strand.
- Then it is squeezed with an iron. The wound curl is kept for about 5 seconds.
- These actions are repeated all over the head.
- After the curling procedure, the curls are fluffed up by hands. They are sprayed with varnish.
Hollywood Wave
It is quite simple to create waves like those of Hollywood film stars:
- First of all, the strands are covered with mousse.
- Then they are divided into 4 - 6 segments. The beams are stabbed with invisible ones.
- Then the curls are wound, starting from the lower sector. After that, they gradually move from the back of the head to the temples.
- To begin with, it is preferable to process one part of the head, then the other.
- Then the curls are clamped with a straightener at a distance of 2 cm from the roots.
- After the device is turned 180 °, it is held for about 10 - 15 seconds. Move from the face, and hold the end with your fingers.
- When the strands are curled, they are sprayed with varnish, disassembling a little at the roots.
Curling hair ends
A similar method of curling is suitable for the owner of medium, elongated curls, as well as for cutting a cascade and a ladder.
- Initially, the iron is placed vertically, capturing a large strand.
- Then they smoothly slide down, and towards the end the curl is pulled back.
- Then the device is slowly turned. Then they hold it for a few seconds and release it.
The best remedies for fixing curls
In the modern world, there is an extensive range of fixing products for creating hairstyles that allow you to keep styling as long as possible.
The most famous of them are:
- Lucky. These are popular curl fixers. Their cost starts from 50, 00 rubles.
- Mousses or foams. They do not glue strands, but give shape to hairstyles. Approximate price: 150.00 - 700.00 rubles.
- Gels. Such cosmetics keep the styling well, they add shine to the hair. Price: RUB 300.00 - RUB 750.00
- Wax. It is usually applied before styling. Curls look natural with him. The cost of the drug is approximately 200.00 rubles.
- Powder. It perfectly fixes strands, suitable for oily curls.
For medium hair, various curls are created using an iron. All presented methods are considered popular and not difficult to implement. You can try each technique, choosing the best option for yourself.
Hair Iron Curl Video
Four types of curls in one iron: