How Do I Choose the Best Tourmaline Curling Iron?

If you want to buy the best tourmaline curling iron, decide first whether you want a solid tourmaline curling iron or a tourmaline-coated curling iron. You should also decide if you want a curling iron with or without a clamp. Other considerations include the size of the barrel, the available temperature settings, and additional features such as a swivel cord, the ability to go cordless, and the presence of an indicator light.

A tourmaline-coated iron may be cheaper than a solid tourmaline curling iron. The coating can, however, wear off after a certain amount of time, and this will expose the metal underneath. If you want to buy a curling iron that will last longer and offer better protection, a solid tourmaline curling iron is the best choice.

You should also decide if you want a curling iron with a clamp or without. A curling iron that doesn't have a clamp is sometimes referred to as a curling stick or a curling wand, and the hair can be twirled around the barrel easily. Two types of clamps are available: spring loaded and manual. If you plan to use the curling iron on your own, a spring loaded clamp is best. Manual clamps are usually used in hair salons and can take a lot of practice to get used to.

The size of the barrel should be determined by two factors, the length of your hair and the type of curls you want. For short hair, it's generally best to go with a barrel of 0.75 inches (about 1.9 cm), and for medium length hair, a barrel of about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) is best. If you have long hair, opt for barrel size of 1.5 inches (about 3.8 cm) to 2 inches (about 5 cm). Smaller barrel sizes will give tighter curls, and are good for creating ringlets, whereas larger barrels will create softer curls.

Experts also recommend looking for a tourmaline curling iron with adjustable temperature settings. A curling iron that has adjustable heat can be used on any hair type, which makes it very versatile and helps minimize damage to your hair. If you have fine hair, you'll need to use lower temperatures, and the same principle applies if your hair has been treated with chemicals or if it is damaged. Thick or coarse hair, on the other hand, can be styled using higher temperatures.

Some tourmaline curling irons can be used without a cord, and this is especially handy when traveling. If you buy a curling iron with a power cord, try to get one with a cord that swivels. This means that the cord will never twist when you're using it. An indicator light can be useful as well. It provides a quick and easy way to see when the curling iron has reached the correct temperature.