Heat styling is often a catch-22: It's the most effective way to get salon-worthy hair, but too much of it can weaken strands over time. However, there are curling irons that won't damage hair — or that will at least keep damage to a minimum — so you can achieve your go-to styles without risking breakage or brittle texture. These styling tools have wide temperature ranges and are made with materials like ceramic and tourmaline, which are gentle on hair.
What To Look For When Shopping For The Best Curling Irons
Materials
You’ll generally find three materials used in curling irons: ceramic, tourmaline, and titanium. Ceramic is usually budget-friendly, and since it doesn’t reach super high temperatures, it tends to be gentle on hair — but note that it may not be powerful enough to curl thick or coarse strands. Ceramic barrels are sometimes coated in tourmaline, a mineral that emits negative ions to smooth frizz and add glossy shine to strands. Tourmaline also acts as an extra shield against damage, and provides even heat distribution, which means it’s great for multiple hair types, from fine, thin hair to coarse, thick hair. Last, titanium offers the most powerful heat output; for that reason, it’s the most likely to be hard on strands, and should be avoided if you’re looking to prevent damage.
Multiple Heat Settings
Good curling irons will give you the versatility of multiple heat settings. As you may already know, fine, fragile, or chemically treated hair can’t withstand higher temperatures without damage, while coarse, thick hair won’t see much of a curl without a little more intensity.
Types Of Curling Irons
Standard curling irons (think: barrels with clamps) create bouncy, long-lasting curls with a more traditional, glam look. If you’re looking for the best curling iron for beachy waves or looser curls, though, opt for a wand. A wand won’t have a clamp that clips your hair while you style, and they often have tapered ends, allowing you to create various curl shapes, unlike irons which have uniformly sized barrels.
Heat styling always comes with some risk of damage, but if you're still using an old curling iron you got years ago, chances are you're missing out on a key way to keep your hair healthier. Below are some great curling irons that won't damage your hair.
Shop The Best Curling Irons That Won’t Damage Your Hair
In a hurry? These curling irons won’t damage your hair:
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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