Every girl dreams of curls and even curly girls want different types of curls! Curls aren’t just one size; they’re huge and voluptuous, small and tight, loose and beachy or simply kinky. So whether you’re blessed with a head full of spiral-shape curls or if you were born with dead straight hair with not a curl in sight, you’ll want to know how to transform your tresses into the curls you really want.
Bearing the above in mind, there are various hair tools available on the market today that do achieve good looking curls but with so many different types to choose from, when it comes to buying the right one to deliver exactly what you want, it’s a tough decision to make. I’m here to give you my best advice on rotating curling irons, a relatively new hair tool that might well be exactly what you’ve been searching for!
We have included our top 3 selections below. Each option includes a detailed review in the article below.
What is a Rotating Curling Iron?
If you don’t already know, a rotating curling iron is similar to a regular heated curling iron except its barrel rotates. They are only for use on dry hair. A regular curling iron remains static, so you do all the manual work. A manual curling iron requires you to wind your hair around and holding it until the curl is ready to appear.
A rotating curling iron winds your hair up and sets your hair so all you do is hold the tool in place. It also rotates in different directions which gives you a more natural looking curl rather than curls all going in the same direction. As the barrel is smooth (no bristles) there’s less chance of tangling hair than with the rotating bristle brushes that are also available. Today’s rotating curling irons have many more features than traditional curling irons, but more on that later.
Benefits of a Rotating Curling Iron
The benefits of a rotating curling iron include smooth, natural looking curls rather than very “set” curls such as those you get when using a regular rotating iron. That’s because you can adjust the rotating curling iron to the rotating mechanism. Also, today’s rotating irons deliver really smooth looking shiny curls as they have up-to-date technology.
Rotating curling irons are good for different types of hair styles, such as tight curls, loose curls, bigger, loopier curls or gentle waves. You just need to get used to letting them do the work for you. One final big benefit is there’s noticeably less wrist ache as you just hold the iron in place while it controls itself.
What Features Should I Look For In a Rotating Curling Iron?
Well, it’s a good idea to look for a rotating curling iron that is the right size for your hair. If you have short hair, a large barrel won’t work for you. But if you have long, thick hair, look for a bigger barrel to cope with the amount of hair you have. It’s also beneficial to look for ionic technology. This type of technology banishes positive ions in the atmosphere and locks moisture into your hair so it stays hydrated. It also gets rid of unwanted frizz, static and flyaway hair.
As with any heated styling tool, look for variable temperature control so you use the right setting for your hair type. Keep the temperature low for damaged, chemically processed or fine hair, but raise it higher for thicker hair that is undamaged. I like auto-shut off too because with this feature, you don’t need to worry that you’ve left your curling irons on when you’ve left your home. It stops them overheating or worse-case scenario, starting a fire.
A Cool tip is useful too as rotating curling irons get very hot so if you can avoid burning your fingers – try and find one with this feature. You should also look for curling irons made of ceramic, titanium or tourmaline because these materials conduct heat well.
A swivel cord is useful if you want to reach the areas at the back of your head. If you travel to foreign countries, you might like dual voltage so you can take your rotating curling irons away with you.
Are there any Accessories Useful for a Rotating Curling Iron?
The only accessories you need for your rotating curling iron are a safety glove to protect your fingers, especially important if you don’t have a tool with cool tip. A safety mat is also useful as if you put a rotating curling iron on a surface that can’t take heat, you might burn it and leave a mark. A travel bag is also a good idea, especially if you want to take your hair tool away with you on business or on vacation.
What Rotating Curling Iron is best for My Hair Type?
Really, there’s no one-size fits all (literally). Choose a slender rotating curling iron for short hair or for fine hair as you will be able to wrap hair around the barrel without a problem. Slender or short barrels are also best for choppy hair styles and great for styling fringes.
For thicker or longer hair, choose a bigger barrel rotating curling iron so you get the most out of your curls. Always use a low setting to begin with, on whichever rotating curling iron you use. This protects your hair from damage. Raise the temperature higher if your hair is healthy and in good condition.
How Often Should I Use My Rotating Curling Iron?
As with any heated styling tool, less is more. Don’t over use your rotating curling iron. Never go over and over the same section of hair as this causes stress to your hair and will dehydrate it so it dries out, potentially breaking. Always use a heat protecting spray on your hair before using heat. Never use a rotating curling iron on wet hair. It’s best to use one once or twice a week if you want to treat your hair well.
Safely Use a Rotating Curling Iron on my Hair
Here are some top tips for safe use:
- Always use your rotating curling iron on dry hair.
- Always spray a heat protector on first.
- Never go over and over the same section of hair.
- Avoid over-use, once or twice a week is sufficient.
- Always use the right temperature setting for your hair type.
- Be careful of fingers and scalp, hot rotating curling irons reach high temperatures and can burn.
- Never rest it on a flammable surface.
- Always switch off after use and store safely, once it has cooled down.
What are the best and easiest to use auto rotating curling irons?
Every girl dreams of curls and even curly girls want different types of curls! Curls aren’t just one size; they’re huge and voluptuous, small and tight, loose and beachy or simply kinky. So whether you’re blessed with a head full of spiral-shape curls or if you were born with dead straight hair with not a curl in sight, you’ll want to know how to transform your tresses into the curls you really want.
Bearing the above in mind, there are various hair tools available on the market today that do achieve good looking curls but with so many different types to choose from, when it comes to buying the right one to deliver exactly what you want, it’s a tough decision to make. I’m here to give you my best advice on rotating curling irons, a relatively new hair tool that might well be exactly what you’ve been searching for!
#1) The Beachwaver Pro Rotating Curling Iron
Acknowledged by Star Magazine as the Best Heat Styling Tool and titled TotalBeauty Editor’s Pick, the Sarah Potempa The Beachwaver Rotating Curling Iron is an innovative rotating curling iron. This curling iron offers the ability to rotate in both directions, allowing you to flaunt waves similar to those of the stars. Invented by celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa, it is suitable for all hair types as it heats up to 310-450 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 seconds.
To keep the heat uniform, the tool comes infused with gold powder. Priced in the premium segment, reviewers have praised its ability to curl even straight hair and ensure that it holds all day. It is also easy to use and quick enough to curl a thick head of hair in just 15 minutes.
Now the rotating curling iron did receive its fair share of criticism as well, especially regarding its “super hot” barrel. However, as the experts point out, this high heat is what makes the curls or waves last long. Similarly, the smaller clamp contributes to making waves. As for frazzled ends, these can be avoided if you follow the instructions provided.
#2) Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron, 1 Inch
The Bio Ionic Stylewinder Rotating Styling Iron is a professional hot tool which promises the easiest curling experience ever. This rotating curling iron flaunts 440 degrees Fahrenheit full-barrel heat that is maintained by dual heaters. As a result, it can effectively style thick coarse hair as well.
In addition, this curling iron flaunts the innovative NanoIonic Mineral Technology, which micronizes water molecules and quickens styling time by 50%. Also contributing to the curling iron’s speed is the Far Infrared Technology, which styles your hair from the inside out without causing damage.
However, what most reviewers praise the Bio Ionic rotating curling iron for is its twisting clamp on the barrel. You won’t have to continue twisting your wrist in ways you can’t just to get the hairstyle you want. Simply wrap your hair around the barrel and twist the clamp with your fingers. Rest assured that you won’t be burning your fingers since this styling tool comes with a cool tip at the top.
To master using this curling iron, though, make sure to watch the DVD provided with the kit.
#3) BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Spring Curling Iron
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium aims to concentrate the curl at the root of the hair and leave the ends a bit "unfinished" for more natural looking waves. It heats up to 430F for professional results and its innovative hybrid mineral complex is designed to eliminate frizz and protect the hair from heat damage.
#4) FHI Heat Glamour Ceramic Rotating Iron
The FHI rotating curling iron is able to deliver a wide variety of different curls, from waves to beachy kinks or big, glamorous curls. As the barrel is textured, hair doesn’t slip off giving you plenty of control. Great for short or long hair, it wraps hair from the root to the tip.
The iron comes with a heat protecting mat and glove so there’s no risk of burning fingers or surfaces. It also offers variable temperature control right up to 220 degrees celsius. The barrel is made out of ceramic with tourmaline so it’s a great heat conductor plus it boasts ionic technology which means that curls look soft, silky and smooth. Additionally, there’s a swivel cord so it’s very easy to style the back of the head.
#5) Chi ARC Rotating Curling Iron
With an automatic rotating barrel, this curling iron prevents wrist-ache while styling hair so it looks defined and evenly curled. The temperature display features a useful LCD screen so you can easily keep an eye on the heat and adjust it accordingly. This is a good rotating curling iron for mid-length hair and delivers a pretty curl that is smooth, shiny and hydrated looking.
How do you use the auto rotating curling iron?
Watch how fun and easy to use these amazing tools are and they work with higher precision in half of the time compared to the classical curling irons.
Now that you have an idea of which rotating curling iron is both literally and figuratively hot, take your pick and get the curls or waves you’ve always wanted from the comfort of home.