How to choose an automatic curling iron: the 7 things that actually matter

An automatic curler winds the strand by itself, holds it for a set time and lets go. It sounds like a trick, but for most of us it is the only way to curl the back of the head – without help and without burnt fingers. The differences between models, however, are bigger than a photo suggests.

1. Barrel diameter decides the type of wave

A barrel of around 25 mm makes natural, beachy waves that still look good the next morning. A narrower barrel (19 mm) makes tighter curls, good for shorter cuts. For long hair go wider – tight ringlets on long hair look staged and drop quickly.

2. Temperature: less is more

Style fine and coloured hair at 150–170 °C, thick and resistant hair at 180–200 °C. What matters is that the curler has several settings and heats up fast – when the choice is between "cold" and "too hot", the hair suffers. A ceramic or tourmaline surface spreads the heat evenly and leaves no scorched spots.

3. Rotation direction and timer

A curler that switches direction (left / right / alternating) gives waves that fall naturally on both sides of the face. A timer with a beep after 8–12 seconds frees you from counting and gives every strand the same time – which is exactly why the result from an automatic curler looks so even.

4. Corded or cordless?

A cordless curler is great for travel and for bathrooms without a socket by the mirror; expect the battery to last one or two stylings and to charge over USB-C. The cordless model with a display is therefore ideal for travel; at home the classic corded one, with steadier power, is enough.

5. Safety

Look for tangle protection (the curler stops and reverses when it meets resistance), auto shut-off after 30–60 minutes and a cool tip. Try it first on dry, combed-through hair with thin strands – the thinner the strand, the surer the wind.

6. Preparing the hair

• Hair must be completely dry – a damp strand winds unevenly and gets damaged by the heat.
• Use a heat-protection spray before every styling, not "now and then".
• For faster drying without scorching, the premium hair dryer set gives the hair volume before curling.

7. Making the waves last

Let the waves cool after winding, only then run your fingers through. A little dry shampoo at the roots the next day brings the volume back, and a satin pillowcase is worth it – friction against cotton pulls waves out.

For travel

If the curler won't fit in your cabin bag, the travel ceramic-titanium straightener replaces it – turn the strand 180° and pull slowly downwards.

Every device in our range is EU-certified with a two-year warranty. Not sure which model suits your hair? Write to us via contact – we reply within 4 working hours.