Defined soft-ringlet seekers
If you mean bouncy, visible curls rather than broad waves, a 25mm tong is a useful starting point. BaByliss describes its 25mm Xanadu model as suitable for soft waves and bouncy curls.
Who each curl style suits
Volume-and-soft-curl stylers
If you want larger tumbling curls or root volume, look at 32mm tongs. ghd positions its 32mm Curve Soft Curl Tong for that finish, particularly on longer hair.
Heat-control-conscious home users
If you want to choose a setting for your hair type or condition, compare adjustable-temperature models rather than relying on a fixed setting. Temperature choice still needs to follow the appliance instructions.
What to check before buying
Decide what shape you mean by a soft ringlet before comparing heat controls and day-to-day handling.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Visible ringlets | Compare 25mm barrels and the maker’s description of the curl shape. | If I want a bouncy curl rather than a broad wave, barrel size shapes my starting choice. Around 36% of consumers put defined soft ringlets first. |
| Soft volume | Compare 32mm barrels; for long hair, check the usable barrel length. | I may prefer a larger curl and root volume to a compact ringlet, especially when styling longer sections. Around 29% of consumers prioritise that softer, fuller shape. |
| Heat adjustment | Check the full temperature range and number of settings, not just the maximum. | When I want to select heat for my hair type or condition, one fixed setting offers less flexibility. Around 21% of consumers make heat adjustment their primary concern. |
| Handling and safety | Check the resting stand or mat, cool tip and shut-off feature; for UK mains use, check the plug and fuse. | I need somewhere heat-resistant to rest the tong and a routine that includes unplugging it after use. Around 14% of consumers put handling and safety features first. |
Common buying mistakes
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Choosing a 32mm barrel for a defined ringlet
Brands position their 32mm tongs for larger curls, soft waves and volume. That may be looser than the bouncy shape you have in mind.
Compare the stated style results before choosing a diameter: BaByliss describes its 25mm Xanadu tong for bouncy curls, while its 32mm options are positioned for bigger curls and waves.
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Judging a tong by its maximum temperature
A higher maximum does not, by itself, establish a better result or make a setting suitable for every hair condition.
Compare the whole temperature range, then follow the maker’s instructions for use on dry hair and for how long to hold a section.
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Overlooking barrel length for long hair
When a section does not fit comfortably along the usable barrel, wrapping it without overlap can be harder.
Check the stated barrel length or an extra-long-barrel design if placing long sections neatly is important to you.
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Relying on automatic shut-off instead of unplugging
A cool tip or shut-off feature does not remove the risks of a hot electrical appliance, particularly around water.
Electrical Safety First advises keeping tongs away from water, unplugging them after use and allowing them to cool on a heat-resistant surface.
Brands and product lines to consider
ghd
The ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong is a 32mm option that ghd positions for soft tumbling curls and root volume, particularly on longer hair.
- Its stated features include a fixed 185°C temperature, cool tip, safety stand and 30-minute sleep mode.
- The fixed temperature offers less user-selected heat control than an adjustable model.
BaByliss
The 25mm Xanadu tong is described by BaByliss for bouncy curls and soft waves; its BaBylissPRO 32mm tong is positioned for bigger curls and softer waves.
- The 25mm Xanadu lists six settings from 160°C to 210°C. The BaBylissPRO 32mm model lists five settings from 140°C to 200°C and a 160mm barrel.
- Choose between these models by the curl shape and temperature range you need, rather than assuming their different barrel sizes give the same finish.
Remington
The PROluxe CI9132 is a 32mm tong for shoppers considering a larger curl shape with selectable temperature.
- Remington lists nine heat settings from 120°C to 210°C, a 185°C PRO+ setting, a clamp and a 60-minute automatic shut-off.
- Check that its barrel size suits the curl definition you want; extra heat settings do not establish how long a curl will hold.
Revamp
The Revamp Effortless Curls Extra Long Ceramic 32mm Tong is a larger-barrel option to examine when fitting long sections along the barrel matters.
- The Boots listing states a 25% extra-long barrel, digital settings from 120°C to 210°C and a built-in stand.
- Check the enclosed instructions for the model’s features and use before styling.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a 25mm or 32mm tong for soft ringlets?
Start with 25mm for bouncier, more visible soft curls, or consider 32mm for larger tumbling curls and a looser finish. BaByliss describes its 25mm Xanadu tong for bouncy curls, while ghd positions its 32mm Curve Soft Curl Tong for soft curls and root volume.
When are adjustable temperature controls useful?
They are useful when you want to select a setting for your hair type or condition instead of accepting one fixed temperature. Compare each model’s full range and follow its instructions; more settings alone do not establish a better curl result.
What should I check on a mains-operated tong for UK use?
Check for a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. Electrical Safety First also advises checking the plug and cable for damage, unplugging the tong after use and letting it cool on a heat-resistant surface.
Can I use a curling tong near the bath or sink?
Keep a curling tong away from the bath, shower and water-filled sinks. Electrical Safety First advises keeping the plug and cable away from water and unplugging the appliance after use.
Does automatic shut-off mean I can leave a tong unattended?
No. Automatic shut-off is an additional feature, not a substitute for attending to a hot tong, unplugging it after use and allowing it to cool on a heat-resistant surface.