Who is this for?

Everyday soft-ringlet stylers

You want curls that look defined without being tight, and a clamp to hold the ends as you wrap. BaByliss describes its 25mm Xanadu tong as suitable for bouncy curls and soft waves.

Long-hair volume seekers

You prefer broader movement and root volume to smaller ringlets. ghd describes its 32mm Curve Soft Curl Tong as working best on longer hair for soft tumbling curls and volume.

Time-conscious heat-control buyers

You style before work and want controls you can manage as part of a safe routine. BaByliss states that its 25mm Xanadu tong has six settings from 160°C to 210°C and automatic shut-off; the tong still needs to be unplugged after use.

What matters when choosing?

Choose the curl shape you want before comparing temperature controls and the features you will use during your morning routine.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Soft-ringlet definition Compare the stated barrel diameter and whether the tong has a clamp; check how the maker describes the resulting curls. I want a rounded curl that stays recognisable rather than turning into a broad wave. Around 43% of consumers put that definition first.
Loose curls and volume Look at 32mm models if your aim is larger curls or waves, and check any guidance for your hair length. If I have longer hair, I may care more about broad movement and root volume than distinct ringlets; around 29% of consumers make that their main priority.
Before-work control and handling Check the model’s temperature controls, automatic shut-off, stand or heat mat, and whether a mains-operated tong has a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. I need controls I can use confidently while getting ready, without treating automatic shut-off as a reason to leave the tong plugged in. For around 28% of consumers, routine control and safer handling come first.

Buying pitfalls

  • Choosing a 32mm tong for clearly defined ringlets

    Remington describes wider barrels as making larger, looser curls. A 32mm tong may suit broad waves or volume better than the smaller curl shape you had in mind.

    Compare 25mm models for more visible definition and 32mm models for a looser finish, while allowing for differences in section size and wrapping.

  • Assuming every tong has adjustable heat

    ghd states a fixed 185°C styling temperature for its Curve Soft Curl Tong, while BaByliss specifies six settings from 160°C to 210°C for its 25mm Xanadu model.

    If choosing a setting matters to you, check the controls on the exact model rather than assuming they are shared across a brand’s range.

  • Relying on automatic shut-off instead of unplugging

    A hot tong still needs a heat-resistant place to rest and time to cool. Electrical Safety First advises unplugging hair tongs after use and keeping them away from water.

    Use the supplied stand or a suitable heat-resistant mat during styling, unplug the tong afterwards and let it cool before storage. Stop using an appliance with a damaged cable or plug.

  • Overlooking the plug and seller

    Electrical Safety First advises that mains-operated hair tongs should have a UK 3-pin plug and fuse, and cautions buyers about electrical products from unfamiliar third-party sellers.

    Check the supplied plug and product instructions, choose a reputable retailer, and register the product if that option is offered so you can be contacted about recalls.

Brands to consider

ghd

ghd positions its 32mm Curve Soft Curl Tong for larger, soft curls and root volume, particularly on longer hair.

  • For this model, ghd specifies a spring-activated lever, cool tip, stand and automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes.
  • Its stated 185°C styling temperature is fixed, so it does not offer the selectable settings of the BaByliss 25mm Xanadu model.

BaByliss

BaByliss describes its checked 25mm clamp tong for bouncy curls and soft waves, and its 32mm model for bigger curls and soft waves.

  • The 25mm Xanadu model has six stated settings from 160°C to 210°C, automatic shut-off and a heat mat.
  • The checked 32mm professional model has a different, five-setting range from 140°C to 200°C; check the exact model rather than assuming the controls match.

Remington

Remington describes its 32mm PROluxe tong for tousled waves and voluminous curls.

  • Remington specifies settings from 120°C to 210°C, a 185°C PRO+ setting, a clamp and automatic shut-off after 60 minutes for this model.
  • Its stated 32mm styling focus is broader waves and curls, rather than a promise of smaller, defined ringlets.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Should I choose a 25mm or 32mm tong for soft ringlets?

Start with 25mm if you want soft curls with more visible definition; consider 32mm for larger, looser curls or volume. BaByliss describes its checked 25mm tong for bouncy curls and soft waves, while ghd positions its 32mm Soft Curl Tong for soft tumbling curls and root volume on longer hair. Section size and wrapping technique also affect the finished shape.

Do I need adjustable heat for everyday styling?

Adjustable heat is worth checking if you want to choose a setting rather than use a fixed temperature. BaByliss specifies six settings from 160°C to 210°C for its 25mm Xanadu tong; ghd states a fixed 185°C styling temperature for its Curve Soft Curl Tong. Compare the controls on the exact models you are considering.

Can I use a curling tong on wet hair or near water?

Do not use a hair tong on wet hair or with wet hands, or in the bath, near a shower or beside a sink full of water, according to Electrical Safety First. The checked BaByliss UK safety instructions also say that the appliance must not be used in the bathroom.

What should I check for electrical safety before buying?

For a mains-operated tong, check for a UK 3-pin plug and fuse and read the instructions, as Electrical Safety First advises. A stand, heat-resistant mat or automatic shut-off can support your routine, but you should still unplug the tong after use and let it cool on a heat-resistant surface.