HairToday
How to usea curling iron like a real pro
Gary Callan
Last week I shared the 'secrets'of using a blow dryer. This week I thought I'd tackle the curlingiron.
Let me start by explainingwhat I mean by curling iron. It is a hot styling tool used ondry hair to reshape the hair. It can be used to add curl, addbody, bend the hair, and straighten the hair. It can create spiralsor zig zags. Curling irons come in many shapes and sizes. Someare electrically heated and others need special ovens or stoves.They are known by many different names but to me they're all curlingirons. So whether you call them irons, tongs Marcel wavers, bumpersor styling wands, here's how to use them.
· The hair shouldbe dry to the touch. If there's a little moisture left in it'sOK. Think about ironing your clothes. Sometimes you need a littlewater to help create a sharp crease.
· You can use a thermalprotection product if you want. This is like a spray or leave-inconditioner. It prevents the hair from being burnt.
· With short hairstylesit's best to start at the crown. With longer styles it may bebetter to start at the back or nape area.
· Comb the hair thoroughly.
· Take small sectionsand place the iron near the roots.
· Close the ironand slide it up the length of the hair and make sure you coverthe very ends (or you'll have fish hooks).
· Roll the iron downto the scalp taking care not to touch. I place the comb betweenthe iron and the scalp.
· Hold it for aboutfive seconds then unwind it. Do not touch the hair until it coolsdown.
· Work your way throughthe entire head being especially careful around the hairline.
· When you've completedthe whole head, use a little hairspray to set the look.
· Style your hairinto the desired look.
There are one or two thingsto look for when selecting your curling iron.
· The width of thebarrel determines the size of the curl.
· Buy an iron witha temperature control. This will help avoid split ends.
· For home use aspring handle is probably better than the Marcel style.
· The type that hasthe brush built in is good because they only require one handto use them.
· Make sure thatthey have a stand (don't want to scorch the dressing table, nowdo we?)
You have to be careful usinganything hot near your face. I've seen some pretty bad burns causeby curling irons, but my favourite was the one when client explainedthat she'd burnt her bum using the iron. (Wait for it) Apparently,she burnt her finger while curling her hair and dropped the curlingiron. Not wanting to step on it she jumped back and fell overlanding on her bottom right on top of the curling iron. Not atall the explanation I had imagined.
So remember be careful.Happy curling.
If anyone has any problemswith their hair or scalp, please feel free to come and see mefor a free consultation, at my salon in the Strand. (949 0022)
Until next week
Gary