To curl hair with the curling barrel of a hot air styler, start with hair that is mostly dry, take a section no wider than the barrel, wrap it around the barrel away from your face, hold it in the warm air for 10 to 15 seconds, then let the curl cool in your hand before you let go. The cooling step is what makes the curl last. Hot air curls are softer and looser than curling iron curls, more like a bouncy blow-dry.
How is a hot air curling barrel different from a curling iron?
| Point | Hot air curling barrel | Curling iron |
|---|---|---|
| How it shapes hair | Warm air flows through hair wrapped on the barrel | Hair touches a hot metal or ceramic rod |
| Typical heat | Lower | Higher |
| Hair should be | Slightly damp to dry, depending on the tool | Completely dry |
| Result | Soft waves and loose curls with volume | Tighter, more defined curls |
| How long it holds | Depends heavily on cooling and product | Usually longer |
What do you need?
- A hot air styler with its curling barrel attached
- Heat protectant
- A light mousse or styling spray, if your hair drops curls quickly
- Sectioning clips
- A comb
How damp should your hair be?
For curling, aim for about 80 to 90 percent dry: no longer wet to the touch, but not yet fully set. Hair takes its shape as the last of the moisture leaves it, so a little dampness helps the curl form. If your hair is soaking, rough-dry it first with the drying attachment or a towel. If it is completely dry, mist each section lightly with water or styling spray before wrapping.
How to curl with the barrel, step by step
- Apply heat protectant and any mousse, then comb through.
- Section. Divide hair into a bottom, middle and top layer, and clip the upper layers out of the way.
- Fit the barrel while the tool is off and cool. Make sure it locks in place.
- Choose your heat. Start on the lower setting if your hair is fine.
- Take a section about 2 to 3 centimeters wide, no wider than the barrel is long.
- Wrap the hair. Hold the styler upright beside your head. Place the section against the barrel near the mid-lengths and wind the hair around it, away from your face, leaving the last centimeter of the ends until last. If your barrel is designed to draw hair around itself with the airflow, follow the instructions for it instead.
- Hold for 10 to 15 seconds. You should feel warmth through the hair.
- Use cooler air if your tool has it, or switch off for a few seconds, before you unwind.
- Catch the curl in your palm and hold it coiled until it feels cool. For extra hold, pin it in a loop with a clip.
- Repeat around the head, then do the next layer.
- Finish. When everything is cool, loosen the curls with your fingers. Do not brush them.
Which direction should you curl?
- Away from the face on both sides gives an open, flattering shape. This is the usual choice at the front.
- Alternating directions through the back looks more natural and stops curls merging into one.
- All in one direction gives a smoother, more uniform wave.
A styler with a curling barrel
The Uexim 6-in-1 multifunctional hot air styling brush combines a curling barrel with several other styling attachments to dry, curl and straighten. It is described as suitable for dry or wet hair, with thermostatic temperature control, a maximum of approximately 120°C and a lower setting under 80°C, and an anti-scald design. It has a 360 degree rotatable cord and is sold with an EU or US plug, in a box or a carrying case, so choose the plug that fits your sockets.
Why do hot air curls fall out, and how do you fix it?
- The curl was released while still warm. Always let it cool in your hand or in a clip.
- Sections were too thick. Air cannot reach the middle. Take smaller sections.
- Hair was too wet. It did not finish drying on the barrel. Dry it further first.
- Hair is very clean and silky. Add a little mousse or texturizing spray before curling.
- The curls were brushed out. Use fingers only.
Safety and care
Change attachments only when the tool is switched off and has cooled. Keep the barrel away from your scalp, ears and neck. Unplug after use, let it cool on a heat-safe surface and remove any hair caught in the attachment. Keep the tool away from water.
Frequently asked questions
Do hot air stylers curl as well as curling irons?
They make a softer, looser curl with more volume. For tight, long-lasting ringlets, a curling iron holds better.
Can I curl short hair with a curling barrel?
If the hair is long enough to go around the barrel at least once, yes. Shorter than that, you will get lift and bend, not a full curl.
How long do the curls last?
It varies with hair type and products. Cooling each curl fully and using a light hold product makes the biggest difference.
Should I use hairspray before or after?
After, once the curls are cool. A light mist is enough.
The bottom line
Mostly dry hair, small sections, wrap away from the face, hold, then cool before you let go. Get the cooling right and soft hot air curls will last through the day.
0 comments