# How to use curling tongs Source: https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-curling-tongs Published: 2026-10-11 Publisher: Plate and Curl **In short:** Take a section about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide, open the clamp and close it over the hair either at the ends or at mid length. Roll the tongs up towards the root, away from your face, keeping the barrel clear of the scalp. Hold for a few seconds, open the clamp slightly and slide the tongs out, then let the curl cool before touching it. Avoid clamping hard on the ends to prevent creases. Curling tongs are the classic curler: a heated barrel with a spring clamp that holds the hair while you roll. The clamp makes tongs easy to control, which is why many people learn on them, but it can also leave a crease if used carelessly. This guide covers the two main clamping methods, how to roll and release cleanly, and how to adapt for short and long hair. Heat settings and holding times vary by model, so check your manual. ## Get set up Start with clean, fully dry, detangled hair and apply a heat protection product as directed. Plug in and let the tongs heat; ghd tongs work at a fixed 185 °C (365 °F), while adjustable tongs let you choose a setting. On fine or lightened hair, start lower if your tongs allow it. Section your hair with clips and start with the bottom layer. Many tongs come with a heat glove, which is useful for guiding hair around the barrel. Keep the stand or a heat mat within reach. - Curling tongs, with stand and glove if supplied - Heat protection product - Sectioning clips and a comb - Optional pin clips and flexible hairspray ## Method 1: clamp at the ends and roll up This method gives uniform, bouncy curls that are tightest at the ends. It is the traditional way and good for polished, classic curls and curled under ends on a blow dry. 1. Take a section about 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide and comb it smooth. 2. Open the clamp and place the hair ends between the clamp and the barrel, with the ends flat and not bent back. 3. Close the clamp lightly and roll the tongs up towards the root, away from your face. 4. Stop a little short of the scalp. Hold for a few seconds. 5. Open the clamp slightly and slide the tongs out downwards, letting the curl drop into your hand. 6. Pin the curl or leave it to cool before moving on. ## Method 2: clamp mid length and wind Clamping mid length gives a more even curl from root to end and avoids pressure on the fragile ends. It is a good choice for long hair and for looser, modern curls. Some people use tongs like a wand, keeping the clamp closed and wrapping hair around the outside, for a clipless look. 1. Take a section and close the clamp around it at mid length, near the root if you want volume. 2. Twist the tongs to wrap the hair down towards the ends, with the clamp holding the upper part. 3. Wind the free ends around the barrel, holding them with your gloved fingers or tucking them under the clamp. 4. Hold for a few seconds, open the clamp and slide the tongs out. ## Avoiding creases and dents Barrel size controls curl size. A 25 mm (1 inch) barrel gives classic curls, and 32 mm (1.25 inch) gives softer, looser curls; ghd's Curve Soft Curl Tong, for example, has a 32 mm barrel. See our [barrel size guide](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/what-size-curling-wand) and the [barrel converter](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/tools/barrel-and-plate-size-converter). - Do not clamp too tightly: a light hold is enough. - Keep the ends flat and smooth under the clamp, not folded. - Open the clamp slightly before you slide the tongs out. - Do not hold longer than needed; a few seconds is usually enough. - If you see a dent, rewind that section with the clamp mid length. ## Short and long hair On short hair, use a smaller barrel and clamp at the ends. Tongs are often easier than wands on short hair because the clamp holds the limited length for you. On long hair, use the mid length method, smaller sections and pin each curl while it cools so the weight does not pull it out. Not sure whether tongs or a wand suit you? Our [wand vs tongs](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/curling-wand-vs-curling-tongs) comparison explains the differences, and the [best curling wands and tongs](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-curling-wands) guide lists premium choices by barrel size and heat. [See the best curling tongs and wands](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-curling-wands) ## Safety and aftercare Keep the barrel away from your forehead, ears and neck, and use the cool tip to guide the tongs. Rest them on the stand, unplug when finished and let them cool before storing. Wipe product build up from the barrel once cool, as our guide to [cleaning curling tongs](https://plateandcurl.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-curling-tongs) describes. Note: Curling tongs can burn skin instantly. Keep them away from children and water and never leave them switched on unattended. ## Frequently asked questions **Do you curl tongs towards or away from your face?** Away from the face is the classic direction on both sides. Alternate for a more natural look. **How long should you hold curling tongs?** Usually just a few seconds. Start short and add time only if curls drop. **Why do curling tongs leave a crease?** The clamp is pressed too hard or the ends are folded. Use a light clamp and keep the ends flat, or clamp mid length. **Can you use curling tongs on short hair?** Yes. Use a smaller barrel and clamp at the ends; tongs are often easier than wands on short hair. ## Buying guides on this topic - https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-curling-wands - https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-straighteners-for-curling - https://plateandcurl.co.uk/best/best-hair-straighteners ## Sources - [ghd UK](https://www.ghdhair.com/uk)