Curlers: what is it, types, materials and features of choice

Beautiful curls are the dream of the vast majority of girls and women. There are many different ways to create them, but curlers have been invariably popular for several decades. Our mothers and grandmothers also twisted curls on them, today there is a large selection of products of various shapes and sizes, thanks to which everyone can make beautiful curls without injuring the strands.

Curlers are devices that allow you to curl straight hair. Visually, they look like cylinders with protrusions or spikes. To create an elastic curl, the strands are wound on curlers, fixed with an elastic band or a special clip, and then exposed to water, heat or chemical elements to create the desired hairstyle.

The prototype of modern hair curlers were wooden sticks, which were used by women in ancient Egypt. In ancient Greece, to create curls, representatives of noble families resorted to metal rods heated on a fire, they were made of bronze, iron and even gold, and Roman ladies twisted their hair into pieces of cloth.

The origin of the word goes back to France. It is believed that for the first time the term "curlers" was used in the French province of Brittany. The inhabitants of the town of Bigouden, located in this region, loved hats resembling a top hat, over time such hats began to be called "curlers".

Later, when curlers saw the light, many decided that they resemble miniature curlers, this is how the device got its name.

Despite the fact that this method of curling curls was used many centuries ago, it has not lost its popularity in our days.

For a long time, among women, the most popular types of curlers were considered to be round Velcro and bobbins.

Velcro curlers they are quite easy to use, with their help you can form a stylish, voluminous styling, while the likelihood of creases is completely excluded. Visually, they are small "cylinders" with a ruffled coating, so that no additional fixators are required. Such devices are optimal for women with short to medium curls. Using the model for long hair is undesirable, as in this case, the strands can become tangled.

Ladies with long hair are interested in the possibilities offered by spiral options. The benefits include:

• creating a small tight curl;
• low cost of the device.

There are also disadvantages:

• the inability to wind up for the whole night;
• it is difficult to place the strand exactly in the groove;
• the duration and complexity of the twisting process.

Bobbins - perhaps one of the oldest methods of curling. There are a wide variety of models designed for curling any options: curlers for afro curls, as well as Japanese and classic models. The final result directly depends on the way the strands are processed: you can twist the hair, starting from the ends, moving towards the roots, or you can visually divide the strands into two parts, then bring the curlers to the center, wind the lower half of the strand onto the cylinder, and then, rotating the bobbin, bring it closer to the root zone. Fixation is done with a tight elastic band, the curls at the exit are small and neat.

The advantages of bobbins are:

• democratic cost;
• long-lasting curling effect.

Not without drawbacks:

• you can not close your hair with bobbins for the whole night;
• the strands dry out for a very long time.

There are two main varieties: modern models and Soviet-style products. The latter are paraffin curlers with mesh patterns and small spikes. In order to twist the curls with their help, the devices must be placed in a container with hot water, brought to a boil and, carefully removing one by one, twist the curls as quickly as possible, the curlers should not cool down.

Most modern models look like plastic cylinders that contain paraffin rods inside. Under the influence of uniform heating, the filling causes gentle heating of the hairs, creating a curl in the most gentle way. The coating is usually Teflon or ceramic.

Among the advantages are:

• the opportunity to get beautiful curls in the shortest possible time;
• minimizing the risk of hair damage compared to curling iron or tongs;
• all modern curlers have a temperature indicator and heat protection.

Please note that the following precautions should be taken when using these products:

• you cannot use them too often, before each winding, you need to apply a thermal protective compound to the curls;
• if you have only Soviet-style curlers at your disposal, then upon contact with boiling water there is a risk of getting burned;
• when heating, it is required to have an electric or gas stove, if we are talking about Soviet samples, and a microwave oven - for more modern versions.

The set includes directly curling devices, elastic bands for fixing, clamps, as well as a stand with an electric cord. Before starting work, the stand with the elements strung on it is connected to the mains for 5-10 minutes. The exposure time is 15-20 minutes, depending on the structure of the curls and the size of the strand.

Among the advantages are:

• long lasting effect;
• modern models are additionally equipped with ionizers;
• if the coating of the curler is made of velor, velvet, teflon, tourmaline and ceramics, then the treatment will be as gentle as possible for the hair.

Of the minuses, we note:

• cheap products do not have a heat-protective edge, therefore there is a great risk of getting burned;
• electric curlers dry hair with frequent use;
• the possibility of using curlers directly depends on the availability of electricity;
• you can use the device only after applying thermal protection for curls.

Certain options are suitable for winding up all night.

• Papillots. There are special ones made of soft wire-based material, they can be twisted, giving the curl any desired shape. However, most often women use improvised means that give a similar effect. Usually wet wipes, pieces of cloth and paper are used. The size of the resulting curls directly depends on the thickness of the papillote. Keep in mind that when unwinding your hair, you need to act as carefully as possible - so as not to injure the decorated strands. The resulting curls should be treated with styling preparations.

• Boomerangs also suitable for night use. In their shape, they resemble an elongated cylinder made of silicone or rubberized material, inside which there is also a flexible wire. Boomerangs bend perfectly and therefore keep the curlers in the desired position, even during restless sleep.

The advantages of boomerangs are obvious:

• they hold their shape for a long time;
• do not pull out hairs;
• the absence of clamps reduces the risk of creases to zero;
• sleeping on them is comfortable.

But there are also disadvantages:

• given the unconventional form, at first winding up will require some effort - you need to get used to working with such devices;
• over time, the rubberized material breaks, and the wire turns out to be outside;

Modern curlers are produced in a variety of sizes, they differ in length and diameter - this is due to the fact that different women have hair also differ in their structure, density, density and other characteristics. Do not assume that the same curlers can be equally effective for any strand - you should take into account the severity of the hair, its elasticity and length.

From that what shape of the tool you chose depends on the final look of the hair... So, to create elastic curls, it is better to give preference to small options. These curls will last for a long time and are optimal for heavy and bouncy hair.

For those who are short and naughty, medium sized attachments are better. - they create root volume and form soft curls. Large curlers are indispensable for light, elegant waves.

Curlers are made from a variety of materials. They are metal, silicone.plastic, iron and wood. Let's dwell on the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

• Velvet. A curler with a velor or velvet finish is well-deservedly loved by the fairer sex. Made of soft material, they do not harm the curls, do not tangle them, thereby making the use of devices safe and gentle. As a rule, such curlers provide a large number of through holes, due to which the strands are fixed in the desired position and dry evenly.

• Plastic. Such models are rather dense cylinders. The curls obtained with their help look beautiful and last for a long time.

Among the advantages are:

• fixation reliability;
• durability and practicality;
• the hairstyle keeps its shape for a long time;
• affordable price.

Of the shortcomings, consumers indicate:

• it can be difficult for inexperienced users to put on retainers;
• plastic curlers should not be left overnight, as this leads to lack of sleep;
• during unwinding, the hair often gets tangled, clinging to the spikes;
• from clamps-crabs on the hair often remain unaesthetic creases.

• Rubber. These are relatively cheap and practical curlers, which are made in the form of tubes of rubberized material; holes are provided on the surface to speed up the drying of the strands.

Product advantages:

• low price;
• the possibility of winding a lock at night;
• safety and ease of use.

Of the shortcomings, it is noted that low-quality rubber breaks rather quickly.

• Foam rubber. These are the softest curlers, which consist of a plastic base on which soft foam rubber is attached through a fixing frame.

The pros are obvious:

• the curlers are quite light and soft;
• they can be twisted during sleep;
• use is quite safe for hair;
• winding a lock does not require dexterity and special skills;
• curls are elastic and hold well.

The disadvantages are:

• foam rubber has a tendency to fray and crumble over time, this leads to the loss of functionality of products and presentation;
• noticeable creases may remain in the hair fixation area;
• under the weight of the mass of the head, the foam rubber is often flattened, respectively, that during the rest, the wound strands can take on a very different, not always desired shape.

The most popular among women are the so-called "Magic curlers" Magic Leverage.

Such products allow you to create the most natural curls that last for a long time, and at the same time, the curling procedure has a gentle effect on the hair, without injuring it or drying it out. The product appeared relatively recently on the market and literally immediately won the love of women and girls all over the world.

Such curlers are multi-colored spirals, for the production of which plastic silicone is used, no wire frame is provided inside.

Magic leverage differ in length and diameter, so beautiful curls can be created on both short and long hair.

The advantages of the set are undeniable:

• ease of use;
• the most gentle effect on the hair;
• long-term fixation;
• no creases and clips.

But do not think that this magical product does not injure your hair at all. They still get adverse effects, albeit to a much lesser extent than with other varieties.

• Babyliss. These are very popular products that combine an affordable price and wide functionality.The devices have a ceramic coating, therefore, when curling, they do not injure the strands and are the best solution for gentle hair styling. The set usually includes curlers of different diameters, which makes it possible to create a wide variety of hairstyles.

• Philips Salon Rollers Pro. One of the most popular models, which is in the arsenal of many modern women of fashion. Curlers of this brand allow you to create a wide variety of types of styling from elegant waves to small curls.

• Remington KF40E Fast Curls. These curlers allow you to create curls in the shortest possible time. The device is convenient to use. The main advantage of the model is the presence of clamps, due to which it is not difficult to fix the curl in the desired position. The hair is gently distributed over the surface of the curler, this ensures uniform heating of the strand.

• Binatone HR-09. Convenient to use, compact model, which is distinguished by its low price and ease of curling the hair. These are road curlers - the small dimensions of the product even allow you to take the kit with you on a trip. Of the minuses, only a small number of elements in the kit stand out - only 8 pieces, so owners of long and thick hair have to buy 2-3 sets. However, the low cost does not make this disadvantage critical.

• Wella Curl Swing. Easy-to-use curlers that allow you to make curling as safe as possible - it's a matter of their special surface, which is optimal even for damaged hair, bleached and split ends.

Of course, these are far from all models of today's popular curlers that are available in retail outlets. The stores have a wide range of curlers of the Volna, Dewal, Valera, Vitek brands, Faberlic and Oriflame models are available to order. There are many more accessories, both among the mentioned manufacturers and in the assortment of other brands, so any woman can choose products that are suitable for her.

When choosing a curler it is best to follow the advice of a professional.

• Women leading an active lifestyle, who are constantly in a hurry and cannot afford long styling, can look for a suitable option from the number of thermal devices.
• If the strands are loose, then it makes sense to purchase products with a heating control option, as well as a non-stick coating.
• In order to get small spirals, it is necessary to wind the hair on rubber, plastic or wooden devices, the diameter of which does not exceed 1 cm.
• Those who like to sleep longer should pay attention to boomerangs or velvet devices. They can be wrapped around your hair before going to bed and removed in the morning.
• To give additional volume, curlers with a diameter of 6-8 cm are suitable.
• For those with thin hair, it is better to avoid velcro and hard products.

Depending on the length of the hair, when winding the strands on curlers, you should adhere to several rules.

You can wind only clean strands, otherwise the curls will not last long.

It is best to curl slightly damp hair. You should not twist wet hair - it will dry for too long.

In order for the styling to last as long as possible, you need to use styling products: gels, foams and mousses, a ready-made hairstyle is usually fixed with varnish.

For short hair, for example for a bob haircut, usually use a circular hair curling technique... This method of processing is optimal for strands less than 15 cm long, curling allows you to create additional root volume, while the direction of hair curling directly depends on the desired styling.

For short hairstyles, the option using papillotes without volume is also suitable., the result is the so-called "flat curling".This technique does not require any special skills; you can quickly and easily curl your hair.

On medium hair, curls obtained as a result of a W-shaped wrap look spectacular. Thus, it is possible to achieve maximum volume at the roots without creating pronounced curls. A characteristic feature of this technique is a step that is much larger than the diameter of the curler.

For hair from 15 cm, a spiral curl is also suitable, such a curl makes a curl of a natural shape, the direction of which directly depends on the characteristics of the chosen hairstyle.

The traditional technique used to distribute curls evenly forms the base for the most stylish hairstyles. The strand is wound from its end towards the root. Care must be taken to ensure that the hair curls evenly and that individual strands do not fall out. At the roots, do not fasten too much with clamps, so as not to get ugly creases.

When creating any styling, you must follow the safety rules.

• When winding the strands, you do not need to apply great efforts and create tension on the hair, this can damage the hair follicles, cause headaches and even increase blood pressure.
• Thermo and electric curlers should not be used for damaged and brittle hair.
• If the hair is weakened after dyeing or perming, then it is better to postpone the use of curlers and start treating them.

How to use the curlers correctly, see below.