How to use and how long to keep thermal curlers on short, medium and long hair – an overview of which are better

For many years, thermal curlers have been the preferred tool for producing gorgeous curls. They provide a quick, easy, and efficient way to style your hair, regardless of the length of your hair.

Knowing how to use them correctly can have a significant impact on the outcome. It’s crucial to get the specifics correct for each hair length, from selecting the ideal kind of thermal curlers to knowing how long to leave them in.

This post will discuss how to use thermal curlers most effectively, how long to leave them on for different hair lengths, and which curlers are best for different styles.

Thermo curlers – what is it?

A tool called a thermo curler is used to curl hair. Another name for them is hot curlers. They are regarded as a hybrid of a curling iron and traditional curlers.

Thermal curlers typically consist of a plastic curler frame with paraffin filling. The latter is more easily heated, but the plastic covering never gets too hot. In a matter of minutes, the curlers themselves begin to heat up. The plastic allows the paraffin to stay heated uniformly and for an extended period of time.

Crucial! The hot rollers don’t need to be heated to extremely high temperatures. The plastic’s external characteristics may be altered by hot paraffin, which will be bad for the hair.

It’s a very basic device. After turning on and heating up, the heat radiates outward from the center of the hot rollers to the soft surface. The latter ensures the formation of curls by transferring it to the hair.

How are hot rollers different from regular ones

Hot rollers look like ordinary ones, but they work on a different principle. Regular curlers must be left on the hair for an extended period of time. You have to share a bed with them occasionally. Heat is what powers the hot rollers. They fix the curls by heating the strands uniformly while they are curled. Curling is therefore accelerated several times.

Any hair length can benefit from the quick and simple addition of volume and curls provided by thermal curlers; the secret to getting the best results is understanding how to use them correctly and how long to leave them in. While medium- and long-length hair may need 20–30 minutes to achieve long-lasting curls, short hair usually requires less time—about 10-15 minutes. The type of thermal curler you use—foam, ceramic, or velcro—determines the various styles you can achieve. Knowing your hair type will help you choose the type that will give you long-lasting curls.

Varieties

Today’s manufacturers provide a wide variety of hot rollers. You must take into account the type, length, and structure of hair when making your decision. Products vary in terms of size, material composition, and heating technique.

By heating method

The first hot rollers were options that needed to be boiled in water. They can simply "cook" in a pan on the gas and are very easy to use. However, they cannot be called safe, as they can overheat. There are models that heat up in the microwave. They are often used for home curling.

Electric models are the most recent and cutting-edge. They are thought to be the safest because they heat up to safe temperatures and do so quickly and conveniently. Electrical heat is used to heat curlers. Time allows for temperature adjustment of the heating element. These models have a non-standard device. There is a thin metal wire inside them, which is why they are heated. The paraffin is added after it has been heated.

By size

The size of the curlers will determine the outcome of their use. You will obtain larger curls the larger the products’ diameter. Larger options work well with longer hair. Thermal curlers with a medium size are a universal choice.

The purpose of small curlers is to produce whimsical little curls. Spiral curlers are great for creating small, dense curls on hair of any length.

REFERENCE. Additionally, manufacturers provide travel-friendly sets of tiny curlers that are easy to carry with you. For people who travel frequently, this is a fantastic option.

By material

The type of thermal curler varies with the material. Aluminum models were the first. They produce a long-lasting effect, but they are dangerous because they damage the hair’s structure. Modern models are primarily made of plastic.

Teflon or ceramic devices are a more contemporary choice. Their effect is mild and they do not cause any harm when they gently create curls. An additional application of an ion coating can help prevent the hairs from overheating.

Additionally popular are flock models, which are unique in that they are safe. Strands are perfectly protected from exposure to high temperatures by curlers that have a velor coating.

How to use thermal curlers correctly – step-by-step instructions

Depending on the type, thermal curlers have different features. The products will be heated differently, but the curling process itself will remain the same.

Classic thermal curlers of the old model

You’ll need some free time, an enamel or metal container, and the curlers themselves. Please be aware that clean hair is necessary for a good curl, regardless of the type of curlers used; otherwise, the curl will not take as well or will take longer.

Crucial! The curlers in the pan will be extremely hot after boiling. Taking them by the edge is preferable since it typically keeps the temperature at a respectable level. You can wait for the products to cool down or wear gloves if they are extremely hot.

How long to boil

Transfer the curlers to a saucepan or similar vessel, top it off with water, and set it over low heat. To improve the way the products heat up, bring the water to a boil and then leave it there for three to five minutes. Once the water has been drained, place a lid on the curlers. This will take forty to sixty minutes in total. You can then begin curling your hair.

Electric curlers

All you have to do to use electric curlers is plug them into a 220 volt outlet and wait for them to warm up. Next, part your hair into four sections: frontal, occipital, temporal (right and left), and temporal.

Starting from the lower back of the head is the ideal place to curl. Take a strand, separate it, comb it to prevent the curl from fluttering, and begin curling. If you need to create root volume, begin curling downward from the ends. Natural curls are produced by starting at the base of the hair.

Curl the areas at the temples first, then the frontal area, as you move upward. Once your head is fully curled, you can use a towel to warm your head and put on a shower cap. After styling is complete, hairspray can be used to fix it.

Microwave hot rollers

The only difference between these rollers and others is that you have to preheat them in the microwave. After the allotted amount of time, place them inside the device, turn it on, and remove the papillotes.

How long to keep on your hair

It will suffice to maintain it at a low volume for five to ten minutes. Give the papillotes up to 30 minutes to produce a noticeable and long-lasting effect.

What is the best way to curl with hot rollers – on dry or wet hair?

Hair that is clean but slightly damp is ideal for using curlers. In this situation, styling takes longer because wet strands sustain damage more quickly.

Tips on how to curl hair on thermal curlers

Considering their features, hair of any length can be styled with hot rollers.

For short hair

For short hair, large rollers are not advised as the strands may not curl all the way and may stick out unsightly. For this length, small rollers with a diameter of 15-20 mm work well because they will produce lively, erratic curls. You can design a festive hairstyle as well as an everyday one.

Here are some characteristics of short hairstyles:

1. First, you should apply foam to your hair and crush it to absorb it.
2. To create a classic styling you should take fairly wide strands.
3. After removing the rollers, you will get fairly dense large curls. Use the sharp end of a comb to separate them into small curls, which will look very stylish and attractive.

Medium length

A standard length that works with rollers of any diameter. The intended outcome dictates everything. Products larger than 32 mm in diameter, however, will add volume without producing curls. Selecting items with a diameter of 25–30 mm is preferable.

It is suggested to lightly moisten the hair roots prior to curling. After curling, separate the larger curls into smaller ones by removing the curlers one at a time. This is done with your hands coated in wax, which will shield the hair from harm.

Long curls

Long strand styling requires a lot of work. Hot rollers, on the other hand, make it easier to achieve lovely, delicate curls. Large-diameter curlers are a great option for creating an impressive look.

Use more curlers with a smaller diameter if you wish to give the strands an apparent shorter length.

Crucial! The effect of using hot rollers is diminished in very long hair because there might not be enough heat to heat the entire strand.

The following should be taken into consideration for long curl styling:

1. It is better to start curling from the central part of the hair. Take a strand located near the forehead. Carefully wind it on a papillotte from the bottom up. Similarly, curl the middle third of the hair in the backward direction.
2. Next, curl the outer parts, twisting the strands in different directions. It is better to place the curlers horizontally.
3. After you have curled all the strands, cover them with a fixing hairspray to achieve a durable styling. The finished curls should also be sprayed with hairspray for additional fixation.

Review of popular brands – which ones are better to choose?

Several well-known manufacturers sell thermal curlers. Their designs, sizes, costs, and quality attributes vary.

BaByliss

The manufacturer provides a wide variety of products that let you create curls with varying types and volumes and curl lengths of hair. There are various cylinders in the set, making it easy to choose curlers for any kind of hair. Although the products are suited for use at home, they are frequently utilized in beauty salons.

Remington

The brand creates high-quality hair care products that are safe for hair and is listed among the top manufacturers. For instance, the Teflon coating on Remington KF40E thermal curlers prevents the structure of the hair from being negatively impacted by high temperatures. This model is of excellent quality, but it is fairly pricey. Options with an ion coating are also available, which improves security and safety.

Valera

There is a heating design on the curlers. All you have to do to use the curlers for their intended purpose is press the button and wait a few minutes. Given that it is nearly impossible to overheat the product, this design is both incredibly practical and safe.

Binaton

The company sells small, handy curlers that are perfect for travel and business trips. Their affordability, dependability, and superior quality set them apart. Fascinating detail: the hot rollers will turn white when they are ready, giving them a distinct color change from lilac.

Philips

The items offer the best value for the money. There are several different size cylinders in the set. A variety of clips are also included in the set to secure the products to the curls.

Vitek

The brand offers a range of thermal curler options in its series. They will enable you to swiftly and safely create attractive curls for your hair. The line’s centerpieces are curlers made especially for young fashionistas.

Wella

These types of thermal curlers allow you to achieve both big Hollywood curls and tiny, bouncy curls. Positive effects on the hair are avoided by the coating, and the products are reasonably priced.

Pros and cons

Thermal curlers let you achieve gorgeous curls in a matter of minutes and are safer than curling irons. One significant benefit is that their use has a long-lasting effect. The following are typically these products’ primary benefits:

1. You can create curls as quickly as possible.
2. Curls retain their shape for a long time.
3. Harm for hair is less severe than when using a curling iron.
4. You can create different types of curls.

There are still a few drawbacks:

1. Thermal effects are still present, so the strands can become dull and brittle.
2. Frequent use is fraught with the fact that the strands will become brittle and split.

If the strands are extremely damaged and too brittle to handle, you should not use heated curlers as this will only make them worse. Furthermore, such hair’s curls won’t last very long.

The hair won’t have enough time to heal if you use heated curlers more than twice a week. Typically, curling will last a few days. You can use regular curlers or folk methods to make it longer.

REFERENCE. Use heat-protective products, such as sprays, mousses, oils, or wax for fixation, to lessen the damaging effects on hair.

Are hot rollers harmful to hair?

Modern hot rollers heat up uniformly and smoothly, keeping hair from drying out and losing structural integrity. But, if they become too hot, they could get hurt, so it’s critical to manage this situation.

What is more harmful: hot rollers or curling irons?

It has been demonstrated by experts that curling irons damage hair more than hot rollers. The strands dry out when tongs are exposed to higher temperatures. It’s crucial to use heat-protective hair products when using them.

Hair Length	How to Use & Duration
Short Hair	Roll small sections of hair around the curlers, leave for 10-15 minutes for loose curls or up to 20 minutes for tighter curls.
Medium Hair	Divide hair into medium sections, roll curlers from the ends towards the roots, and leave on for 15-20 minutes for bouncy curls.
Long Hair	Take large sections of hair, roll from the bottom, and keep the curlers on for 20-30 minutes for defined curls or waves.

Regardless of hair length, thermal curlers are an excellent tool for adding volume or bouncy curls. Getting the ideal results from your curler depends on its size and type, regardless of the length of your hair: short, medium, or long.

While medium and long hair can benefit from a combination of larger sizes to create soft waves or loose curls, short hair can benefit from using smaller curlers for tighter curls and a more defined look. It’s crucial to adhere to the advised wearing time, which is typically between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the look you want.

Understanding your hair type and trying out various options are the key to selecting the best thermal curlers. You’ll be able to use them with ease and confidence to achieve the desired look with a little practice.

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