The curling iron and the straightening iron are two commonly used tools when it comes to curling hair. Both are capable of producing stunning curls, but they each have a little different method and outcome.
Should you enjoy experimenting with various hairstyles, you may be curious about the best tool to use to achieve flawless curls. Even though curling irons are made especially for this use, many people also use straightening irons to curl and create waves.
Your hair type, the amount of time you have, and the kind of curls you want will all play a major role in which option you choose. Let’s examine the differences between these tools and see which one might work better for your styling requirements.
- Description of devices
- Description of a curling iron
- Description of the iron
- Their difference
- What curls are obtained
- Cost
- Complexity of execution
- Tips for creating curls
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Description of devices
Description of a curling iron
An electric tool used to curl hair is called a curling iron. Amazingly large, small curls and waves are achieved with its assistance. The size of the curling iron rod that the strand is wound around determines the outcome. The curl is created when the device reaches the appropriate temperature. The following coating is applied during device manufacturing:
- metal;
- ceramic;
- titanium;
- tourmaline.
There are extra attachments included with the device. They enable you to achieve both elastic large curls and spiral curls. Even a curling iron/hair dryer is now available.
Additionally, the functions of curling irons vary:
- for curling;
- for creating additional volume.
The device looks like a rod and has a volume of up to 5 cm. It has a thermostat to control the temperature. Different coatings aid in preventing strand damage.
Description of the iron
The purpose of the iron is primarily to straighten hair, not to curl it. With the device’s unique attachments, you can curl curls in both horizontal and vertical directions. To regulate how hot the plates get, the device has a regulator. There are typically three of them: minimum, medium, and maximum modes. The choice is contingent upon the type of hair. Low is appropriate for weak, thin hair; maximum is advised for thick, unkempt curls.
Please be aware that you can add volume and create gorgeous, flowing curls by straightening and curling hair at the very roots with the iron.
Several coating types are used in the production of the device:
- Metal – it is not recommended to use often to avoid damaging the hair;
- Ceramic – makes the strands obedient, shiny, elastic. You can use this coating several times a week;
- Tourmaline – allows you to retain moisture, elasticity, however, residues of applied styling products may remain on the plates;
- Teflon – minimally damages hair, are the most popular.
The apparatus has the form of tongs with plates on it. It occasionally features an electronic display to control the heating temperature.
Their difference
The main distinction between a curling iron and a straightening iron is what they are used for. A curling iron helps create dense, elastic curls that are spiral. The curling iron’s diameter determines its shape, and using it is very simple.
In essence, a curling iron is a kind of straightening iron. The major goal is to straighten hair to give it a smooth, well-groomed appearance. Light and large curls can be achieved with tongs attached. A straightening iron gives curls a more natural appearance than a curling iron.
What curls are obtained
The following curls can be achieved by curling strands with a curling iron:
- Elastic curl – a strand is wound on a rod heated to the desired temperature, held for 50 seconds. To keep the curl from losing its shape, you need to wait until it cools down.
- Hollywood waves – strands are wound on a heated curling iron on a minimum or medium setting.
- Volumetric curls – styling is applied before curling means. Lower your head, curl your hair in a chaotic manner. Let the hairstyle cool, spray with hairspray.
You can choose from a variety of curling techniques and achieve the following types of curls with a curling iron:
- Classic large— any lower strand is selected, clamped between the plates and rotated in a 360-degree radius.
- Spiral— the hair is divided into equal parts. The strands are clamped at the very roots, pulled down, simultaneously rotating the curling iron.
- Beach style — the strands are twisted into a bundle, then clamped with tongs. Each curl will take a minute.
Suggestions. Curls created with a curling iron are characterized by a certain artificiality. An iron can be used to create an easy, natural look with loose curls.
Cost
These devices come in various price ranges. The device’s coating, available temperature mode, attachments, and functionality all affect how much it costs. The least expensive will be standard metal gadgets, which start at 500 rubles. Tongs made of ceramic and tourmaline start at 1,200 rubles. Professional straighteners that rotate and spiral, starting at 2700 rubles.
Complexity of execution
Even though curling irons are very simple to use, the desired outcome isn’t always achievable. This place is full of significant secrets. The biggest challenge when using a device to curl hair on your own is remembering the timing and temperature settings incorrectly and not following the guidelines for preparing the hair strands.
To make sure the hairdo lasts as long as possible and the curls maintain their appearance and shape, you must:
- Wash your hair so that the fat covering the hairs does not interfere with the creation of curls.
- Dry, comb.
- Apply a special heat-protective agent.
- Hold the curl for no more than the allotted time.
- Do not comb the resulting curl until it cools down.
- Spray your hairstyle with hairspray.
For curls that are artistically designed, a curling iron is a better option. Using an iron to curl requires a certain level of skill. The ends of the curls can occasionally get kinked. Using a straightening iron on your own to create luscious curls on the back of your hair is quite challenging because you have to twist the iron constantly.
Tips for creating curls
To get the correct volume and size of curls, there are a few tricks to follow:
- to get large elastic curls, the device must be held horizontally when using;
- for spiral curls, the strands are curled vertically;
- wavy curls cannot be combed, you can separate the strands with your hands with a light movement;
- spray for fixation is applied in small quantities, otherwise the product will stick the hair together, you will get the effect of hard straw.
Women can experiment and create new looks by styling with curling and straightening irons. A professional tool will assist in creating opulent hairstyles, the quality of which is the manufacturer’s responsibility. To change and transform oneself, all it takes is deciding on the size and shape of your curls and the brand that is best for you. This can be done with little effort.
| Factor | Curling Iron | Straightening Iron |
| Ease of Use | Designed specifically for curling, easier for beginners. | Can curl but requires more skill and practice. |
| Heat Settings | Usually has adjustable heat for various hair types. | Also has adjustable heat, but often gets hotter. |
| Versatility | Best for creating different types of curls. | Can curl, straighten, and create waves. |
| Damage Risk | Lower heat generally causes less damage. | Higher heat can cause more damage if not careful. |
| Speed | Takes longer to curl large sections of hair. | Can curl faster with practice. |
You can achieve gorgeous curls with both curling and straightening irons, but each has advantages and disadvantages. Curling irons are a great option if you want defined, bouncy curls that are easy to achieve because they are specifically made for creating curls and waves.
Conversely, straightening irons are more adaptable. Although their primary purpose is to straighten hair, they can also be used to create softer, looser curls if applied correctly. They are therefore perfect if you want to use a single tool to switch between curly and straight styles.
In the end, what matters most to you is the kind of curls you desire and how frequently you want to use the tool. Consider using a curling iron if you enjoy big, defined curls. However, the straightening iron might be your best option if you value adaptability and want a tool that can create both straight and wavy looks.
The choice between a curling iron and a straightening iron for curling hair ultimately boils down to personal preference and comfort level with the tool. A straightening iron offers greater versatility by enabling you to create both waves and curls, though it may take more practice than a curling iron because it is made specifically for creating soft, defined curls. Both can produce excellent results, but which one you choose will depend on the desired curl type and how simple you find each tool to use.
