How to Use Your Favorite Automatic Curling Irons

By Leah Williams •  Updated: 10/02/22

There’s no need to go to a salon to get the perfect curl when you have an automatic curling iron. These irons are easy to use and give you polished, professional-looking curls every time.
However, using an automatic curling iron isn’t always intuitive, particularly when it comes to wrapping your hair around a barrel or gently winding it into a curling machine.

With that in mind, in this article, we explain to how to use an automatic curling iron to achieve beautiful, bouncy curls. Plus, we weigh up the pros and cons of using an auto curler versus an regular static curler.

How does an automatic curling iron work?

An automatic curling iron wraps hair strands around its inner barrel with just a button click. Yes, no more holding on for 15 seconds or so with your arms in an awkward position!

Unlike a traditional curling iron, you don’t have to make much effort. With the best automatic curling irons, all you need to do is slip a section of your hair into the curling chamber, adjust the heat settings, and get beautiful curls. Lazy girls rejoice!

As for the hair curling process, it’s the same as with regular curling irons. You still need to section your hair depending on the curls you want to achieve.

Types of Automatic Curling Irons

There are two types of automatic curling irons-the ones that have a curl chamber inside a larger outer barrel and the ones with an auto-rotating barrel that pulls your hair in as you clamp it down (this kind of looks like a regular curling wand).

The first type is easier and faster to use since you only need to clamp down a section of your hair, and then the machine will do the work for you. The second type requires you to hold on to your hair as it’s being pulled in, so it will take a little getting used to.

Even so, these tools save you precious time in curling your hair. Plus, there’s a lesser risk of accidentally burning your skin.

How to Use an Automatic Curling Iron

  1. Start with clean and dry hair. If your hair is dirty, the curls will not hold as well. If it’s damp, your hair may get damaged by the heat.
  2. Section your hair. Clip up the top layer of your hair so you can start with the bottom layer.
  3. Curl small sections of hair at a time for best results.
  4. Place your hair in the chamber and close it gently.
  5. Turn on the curling iron and wait for the timer to release the curl when done.
  6. Mist with hair setting spray.

Pros of Automatic Curling Irons

Automatic curling irons have many advantages over regular ones.

First, as we’ve mentioned, is the time-saving factor. With an automatic curling iron, you can achieve perfect curls in a fraction of the time it would take with a regular curling iron.

Second, automatic curling irons are easier to use. You don’t have to worry about winding your hair around the barrel or holding the curling iron in an awkward position. You also don’t have to worry about overheating your hair, as they have an auto shut-off function.

Third, automatic curling irons give you more consistent results. Since the machine does all the work for you, you can ensure that every curl will look perfect.

Finally, automatic curling irons are less likely to damage your hair. It instantly goes to sleep mode after letting your hair go.

Cons of Cutomatic Curling Irons

No hair tool is perfect, and automatic curling irons are no exception.

Although it works for all hair types, it’s best for long hair. So if you have short hair, it can’t curl hair close to the scalp. Thick hair will take longer to curl, just like regular irons, because you must properly section the strands.

As for the barrel sizes, not all brand offers interchangeable barrels. This is fine if you want only one kind and size curls.

What to Look For in an Auto Curler

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better than using a regular curling iron?

We think so! automatic curling irons have many advantages, like being time-saving and easier to use.

What is the best material for an automatic curling iron?

Tourmaline ceramic is always a good choice as it helps with split ends and creates long-lasting curls.

Do I need to use hair spray?

Not necessarily. If you want your curls to last longer, we recommend using a light hairspray. If you wish to lose rings, you can leave them as it is!

Can I grab more hair with it?

It depends on the size of the curling iron. A bigger diameter means you can have larger sections for more natural curls.

Can I use it with damaged hair?

As with a regular curling wand, use heat sparingly with damaged hair. Always use heat protection and appropriate styling products.

Wrap Up

You have a beautiful hairstyle with this new tool. We love its convenient key features!

We hope this article helped teach you how to use your favorite automatic curling irons! Check our best automatic hair curler recommendations if you haven’t bought one yet, or if you want to swap an old one.

Leah Williams

Leah Williams is the founder of Lucky Curl and has been in the hair care and styling industry for the last 15 years. Since then, she has developed incredible expertise and a deep understanding of how to treat and style the most difficult hair types and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with the readers of Lucky Curl.

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