Best Curling Iron for Loose Waves

If you want lovely loose waves to create a lush, youthful look, all you need is the best curling iron for the job. But with so many curling irons to choose form and so many different sizes, how to pick the perfect one? 

When purchasing a curling iron, make sure it isn’t a cheap one. If you very rarely curl your hair then maybe a regular curling iron will suffice but if you tend to use one everyday then you should buy a professional model with healthy heating technology that helps you conserve the condition of your locks without damaging them or drying them out. Professional models use tourmaline or ceramic on their barrels, which are much safer on your locks than simple metal plated ones.

Barrel size plays an important part in creating perfect loose waves. A narrow barrel will produce tighter, spiral curls and a 1 inch barrel creates normal curls, but not loose waves. For long loose waves the best barrel size is 2 inches in diameter, working well for creating fat curls as well. You can also opt for a double or triple barrel curling iron, allowing you to create S shape or figure eight shaped curls and waves faster since the barrels work on larger sections of hair at a time.

Now, how do you use a large barrel curling iron to make waves? Just follow these steps:

·         Work in a styling product and thermal protectant into your locks. The styling product can keep a firm hold on the waves so to make them last longer. Use a manageable product such as a light hold mousse or gel to produce natural looking waves. 

·         Heat the curling iron to medium or high temperature (if you own a model that features adjustable heat settings). 

·         Separate a lock of hair about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick, and wrap it around the hot barrel of your curling iron. Wrap the ends of the section around the barrel first and rolling it all the way around until it is about 2 inches from your roots. For extra waves, twirl the lock of hair with your fingers before you wrap it around the barrel. Hold it there for about 10 seconds before releasing. 

·         Repeat this with sections of hair until it is all wavy. Finish with a light hold hairspray to hold the waves. You can tousle the waves gently with your fingers to separate them to make them less ‘perfect’.