Curling Irons 101: How to Achieve Perfect Curls
Gorgeous curls require the right tools. That's why it's important to select the best curling iron to deliver the curls you crave. Learn how to get every sized curl with these curling iron basics.
Silver or Gold?
It's not just a color preference. Both Paul Mitchell curling irons and Neuro curling irons have great options. Choose the barrel material that best suits your curl needs.
- Gold-plated and aluminum barrels distribute heat evenly for consistent, long-lasting curls.
- Premium IsoTherm titanium barrels are durable and provide fast, even heat.
- Ceramic-blend CeraShine ceramic barrels gently apply heat without dragging or pulling on hair, delivering smooth, shiny results.
Size Really Does Matter
Choose the best barrel size for your hair type and the size of the curl you desire.
1.75" This extra-large barrel is similar to the size of a round brush making it a quick way to fake a blowout. Perfect for creating big, voluminous waves on long hair.
1.5" This larger barrel works well on medium to longer hair. It's great for creating beachy waves and adding volume at the roots.
1.25" Not too big, not too small, this barrel is just the right size for creating old-Hollywood waves and other glamorous hairstyles.
1" This is the most versatile size barrel. All hair lengths can use it, and depending on how you hold it or wrap your hair, you can create everything from polished, classic curls to tousled waves.
.75" This slender barrel creates defined ringlets and corkscrew curls. It's great for short to medium hair and for creating tendrils on romantic updos.
3/8" This extra-slim barrel creates tiny ringlets. Ideal for anyone with extra-curly or coily hair, it's perfect for touching up hair since its width is similar to natural, defined curls.
Change It Up
Keep your curl options open with an interchangeable curling iron that lets you change out barrel sizes like the Express Ion Unclipped 3-in-1 Curling Iron.
Clamp or No Clamp?
Whether you choose a curling iron with a clamp or a wand that's clipless, both options produce beautiful curls. The choice is totally up to you!
- More traditional spring-loaded curling irons have a clamp that makes it easier to capture the curl but can sometimes result in an indentation if not used properly.
- Clipless wand curling irons require you to manually wind hair around the barrel to create the curl.
Find Your Clip Tension
A tool with adjustable clip tension allows you to fine tune your curling iron to suit your unique hair type and texture! Discover your ideal clip tension with the Neuro Curl+ Curling Iron, designed with a TensionTune dial.
Tight: Extra smoothing for coarser hair types
Regular: For traditional curling and waving
Loose: Gentle tension for fine, fragile hair or for styling larger sections with volume
How to Handle the Heat
- As a general rule, the finer hair, the lower the heat setting should be on your curling iron.
- Always apply a heat protectant like Neuro Protect or Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press before curling.
- Start with the recommended heat settings for your texture and decrease or increase heat as needed.
| TEMPERATURE SETTING | HAIR TYPE |
|---|---|
| 250-290°F (121-143°C) | Fragile, Very Fine |
| 290-330°F (143-166°C) | Fine |
| 330-370°F (166-188°C) | Medium-Textured |
| 370-410°F (188-210°C) | Thick |
| 410°F (210°C) | Coarse, Very Thick |
Hot Off The Press
$24.00
Neuro Protect
$28.50