How To Use A Triple Barrel Curling Iron

Although the current run of three-butt curling irons may look similar to the crimpers of Y2K and '80s-era sleepovers past, the two tools couldn't be farther from each other when it comes to the finished outcome. While a crimper creates the tight, angular texture that adorned the prom tendrils of starlets in Disney Channel Originals, 3-butt curling irons provide a softer, mermaid-esque end. We have a strong feeling that Lizzie McGuire, had the reboot taken its full grade, would be extremely on lath.

Here, we spoke to pro hairstylists Devin Toth and Joseph Maine to find out what three-barrel curling irons practise, the benefits of using one, and how to work with the tool. Keep reading to learn all about three-barrel curling irons and meet some of our favorite wave-making options.

Meet the Expert

Devin Toth is a hairstylist with over a decade of experience working with celebrity clients and backstage at Style Calendar week shows. He is based in New York Metropolis at Salon SCK.
Joseph Maine is a hairstylist who has worked on numerous editorial shoots, on brand campaigns with celebrity clients, and backstage at Mode Week. He is the founder of Trademark Beauty and the creative director of Colour Wow.

What Is a Three-Barrel Curling Iron?

A three-barrel curling atomic number 26 is a hot tool that comprises a trio of side-by-side curling wands. When used on a section of hair, the tool will create a soft, wavy texture. "The style the hair is creased between the three barrels results in a shape that's like an elongated Westward," Maine says.

Benefits of Using a 3-Barrel Curling Fe

A three-barrel crimper iron creates a more precise, uniform finish than what you lot may go from a traditional crimper wand, and it'south easier to maneuver than a flat iron when creating a soft wave. "The waves are easy to create, and the finish often lasts longer—fifty-fifty on fine or thin pilus," Toth says. Additionally, the larger surface expanse allows y'all to grab more than pilus at once, potentially cutting down on the total styling time.

Risks of Using a Three-Barrel Crimper Iron

The larger size of the tool could pose a larger risk of burning yourself, and the different shape tin take some fourth dimension to become used to. "Wavers are and so uncomplicated to apply, but the size and clamping may feel foreign at first," says Maine. Additionally, Toth notes that the high oestrus and surface area combination could exist slightly more than damaging to your strands than a traditional crimper wand. "Prep your hair with a heat protectant, and while yous're crimping, try not to overlap any crimps while you're working your mode down a section of hair," he says.

Hair Type Considerations

Whatsoever hair type or texture tin can work with a iii-barrel crimper iron, though certain styles fare better when paired with a smooth, diddled-out base. "Information technology works great on wavy or somewhat curly hair to enhance that naturally wavy look, and those with inconsistent wave pattern can use it to enhance what they have," Maine says. "If you have really textured hair, I recommend starting with a smoothen finish, as the fe doesn't provide a lot of tension, and it won't reduce texture that exists in the hair." Additionally, you'll need some length because the size of the tool—Maine advises against going right upwardly to your root unless your intention is to add volume around the crown.

How to Use a Iii-Barrel Crimper Iron

Maine recommends belongings the iron at a 45-degree angle, which helps to elongate the moving ridge, then clamping the tool down on your hair, avoiding the root area. "Don't bend the hair once you lot've clamped onto it, because if you push button the side of the clip, it tin can create a paring," he says. "Yous can concur the fe either right side up or upside down, and it'll create the same wave." Repeat the motions until yous reach your ends, then move onto the adjacent section of hair.

The above technique will create a soft embankment moving ridge, but according to Toth, a few simple maneuvers can impart a more retro, Hollywood-style Due south-wave using the aforementioned tool. Start past prepping your strands with a veil of lite-hold hairspray and a few drops of styling oil. Then, work the tool through your pilus, with the clip side in a downward direction and the barrels facing upwards. "This is important because the clamps will block your line of sight if they are higher up the department you're working on, and you lot definitely need to see the section of pilus so you can visually decide where you lot want to move the fe as you piece of work your way down," he says. Repeat the same motions through the mid-lengths and ends on the rest of your head, castor through the way, then finish with a final mist of hairspray if needed.

Shop a few of our favorite three-butt curling irons below.

The All-time Three-Barrel Curling Irons

Mermade Hair Pro Waver 32mm $74.00

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Designed to give you lot that ever-so-luscious mermaid look, this 3-barrel curling iron'due south loftier-course ceramics create waves in seconds while protecting your hair from unnecessary damage.

Trademark Beauty Babe Waves The Hair Waver $59.00

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Great for both beach waves and a classic, glamorous look, this tool features temperature command and a crease-costless clench, making it easy to create your ideal manner no matter your hair type.

Amika High Tide Deep Waver $120.00

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This sleek device uses triple tourmaline barrels plus negative ion engineering to create the smoothest, dreamiest beach waves. Equally an added bonus, it has an auto shutoff selection, so y'all no longer have to worry whether you unplugged it earlier leaving the business firm.

INH Insert Waves Here Deep Waver $72.00

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This three-barrel curling fe has controllable temperature as well every bit tourmaline ceramic plates to ensure you get the manner you desire while minimizing damage. It even comes with a estrus protective glove, and so you lot can focus less on the potential for burning your fingers and more on crafting your perfect wave.