How to use an automatic hair curler

Before you start

Automatic curlers work on dry hair only. Wash and dry your hair fully, then brush out every knot, because tangles in the section are the main cause of hair catching in the chamber. Apply a heat protectant and let it dry. A light texture spray can help fine, slippery hair hold the curl.

Set the heat and timer. Lower heat and a shorter time suit fine or damaged hair; higher heat and a longer time suit thick or coarse hair. If your model has a direction setting, choose left, right or alternate. Our explainer on what temperature to use explains the general heat ranges for hair, and the temperature converter helps with manuals in °F.

Step by step

Work from the back to the front, clipping the rest of the hair out of the way. Take small sections and keep them flat, like a ribbon.

1. 1

   Section off a strand about 2 to 3 cm wide. Comb it smooth and hold it taut.

2. 2

   Hold the curler with the chamber opening facing your head, as the manual shows. The hair goes into the slot, not straight into the chamber.

3. 3

   Place the section in the slot a few centimetres from the root, keeping the tool away from your scalp.

4. 4

   Close the handles. The barrel winds the hair into the chamber.

5. 5

   Hold still until the beeps tell you the curl is ready.

6. 6

   Open the handles and gently pull the curler away. The curl drops out.

7. 7

   Let each curl cool fully before touching it, then repeat around the head.

How to avoid tangles

Most tangles come from a section that is too thick, uneven or knotted, or from placing hair the wrong way round. Keep sections narrow, brush each one smooth and make sure the hair lies flat in the slot. Do not twist the section before placing it.

If hair catches, stop and open the handles straight away. Many automatic curlers stop or reverse the motor if they detect a problem; check your manual for what yours does. Switch off and unplug, let it cool, then gently free the hair without pulling. Do not force the chamber open with tools.

• Sections too wide: halve them.
• Knots in the section: brush first.
• Hair placed into the chamber: place it in the slot only.
• Tool held too close to the scalp: start a few centimetres away.

Getting the look you want

For defined, bouncy curls, use smaller sections, a longer timer and the same direction on each side. For softer, looser curls, use slightly larger sections, a shorter time and alternate directions, then break the curls up with your fingers once they are cool.

Automatic curlers give uniform curls. If you want a more natural, beachy look, a large or tapered wand gives more control; see automatic curler vs curling wand and our guide on how to get beach waves. Premium wands and tongs are in our best curling wands and tongs guide.

See the best curling wands and tongs →

Cleaning and safety

Product build-up inside the chamber can make hair stick. Some automatic curlers come with a cleaning tool; use it as the manual describes, with the tool unplugged and cool. Never immerse the curler in water. Check the cord and plug for damage regularly and stop using a curler with a frayed cable. Our guide on how to clean curling tongs covers general cleaning.

Note:The chamber and barrel get very hot. Keep the curler away from your face and scalp, never use it on damp hair, keep it out of reach of children and unplug it after use.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my automatic curler keep tangling my hair? Usually the section is too big, knotted or placed in the chamber instead of the slot. Use small, smooth sections and follow the placement shown in the manual.

Can you use an automatic curler on short hair? It depends on the model. Most need shoulder length hair or longer to wind properly. Small tongs often suit short hair better.

Which direction should the curls go? Away from the face usually looks most natural. Alternating directions gives a looser, more textured look.

Do you need heat protection with an automatic curler? Yes. It is still a heated tool, so use a heat protectant on dry hair first.