Long-haired consumers seeking soft waves
If you want loose curls or root volume rather than tight ringlets, a 32 mm tong is a format to consider. ghd describes its Curve Soft Curl Tong as working particularly well on longer hair.
Who this suits
Consumers who want to choose the heat setting
If you would rather select a temperature than use one fixed setting, BaBylissPRO and Remington both describe adjustable-temperature 32 mm tongs.
Consumers with a tight morning routine
If setup and handling matter before work, compare stated heat-up time, cord and barrel dimensions, and features such as a cool tip or stand. Automatic shut-off remains a backup, not a substitute for unplugging the tong.
What matters when choosing
Decide on the curl shape first, then compare the time and handling involved before choosing between fixed and adjustable heat.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Loose curls in long hair | Compare barrel diameter and clamp design with the finish described for the exact tong. The ghd, BaBylissPRO and Remington examples have 32 mm barrels. | I want soft waves or larger curls, not tight ringlets, in my long hair. Around 42% of consumers put that curl finish first. |
| Morning setup and handling | Check stated heat-up time, barrel length and cord design where specified, plus a cool tip and a safe place to rest the hot tong. | When I am getting ready for work, I need a tong I can set up and handle without making the routine harder. For around 33% of consumers, that is the primary concern. |
| Heat control and safe use | Choose between fixed and selectable temperatures; check shut-off details and the plug and fuse on a mains model. | I want to choose the heat setting and make sure I can use and put away a hot mains appliance safely. That comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
-
Choosing a barrel without deciding on the curl shape
The 32 mm examples from ghd, BaBylissPRO and Remington are described for larger curls, soft waves or volume. That may not match a preference for tight ringlets.
Decide on the finish you want before comparing barrel sizes and the maker's description of the exact model.
-
Treating automatic shut-off as the shutdown routine
A shut-off feature does not make a hot tong safe to leave unattended. Electrical Safety First advises unplugging it after use and letting it cool on a heat-resistant surface.
Make room in your morning routine to unplug and cool the tong before storing it.
-
Assuming a UK-looking listing has the right electrical setup
For mains-operated tongs, Electrical Safety First advises checking for a UK three-pin plug and fuse and buying from a reputable retailer.
Check the plug, fuse and seller details for the exact product before ordering.
-
Relying on one stated maximum temperature
Remington's information for the PROluxe CI9132 gives different upper limits in different parts of its product page.
If the maximum setting affects your choice, check the current instructions or packaging for the exact CI9132 variant.
Brands to consider
ghd
The Curve Soft Curl Tong is a fixed-temperature 32 mm option that ghd describes for soft curls and volume, particularly on longer hair.
- ghd specifies a 185°C styling temperature, cool tip, safety stand, 30-minute sleep mode and universal voltage.
- Its fixed temperature offers no setting to raise or lower the heat to suit your preference.
BaBylissPRO
The BAB2494U is a 32 mm tong for consumers who want selectable heat and handling features for a before-work routine.
- BaBylissPRO specifies five settings from 140°C to 200°C, a 25-second heat-up time, a 160 mm barrel and a 2.8 m swivel cord.
- Its cool tip, stand and 20-minute shut-off do not replace careful handling, unplugging or cooling after use.
Remington
The PROluxe CI9132 is an adjustable-temperature 32 mm tong described by Remington for voluminous curls.
- Remington specifies a clamp, cool tip, 185°C Pro+ setting and 60-minute safety shut-off.
- Remington gives conflicting upper-temperature figures for the CI9132; check the current instructions or packaging if that limit matters to you.
Joybuy curling tongs
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
What barrel size should I consider for loose curls in long hair?
A 32 mm tong is a starting point for the loose curls and waves in this routine. ghd, BaBylissPRO and Remington each describe a 32 mm example for larger curls or volume, although barrel size alone does not determine the result on every head of hair.
Should I choose fixed or adjustable heat before work?
Choose fixed heat if fewer setup choices matter most; choose adjustable heat if selecting a setting matters more. The ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong uses a fixed 185°C setting, while the BaBylissPRO BAB2494U and Remington PROluxe CI9132 offer selectable settings. Check the current CI9132 instructions if its maximum temperature affects your decision.
Can I use a curling tong on wet hair or near a sink?
No. Electrical Safety First advises against using tongs on wet hair, with wet hands or near a sink full of water. Unplug the tong after use and let it cool on a heat-resistant surface before storage.
What should I check on a mains-powered tong for UK use?
Check for a UK three-pin plug and fuse on the exact mains-powered tong, as Electrical Safety First advises, and check who is selling it. A listing's appearance alone is not a substitute for those product checks.
Does automatic shut-off mean I can leave the tong plugged in?
No. Treat automatic shut-off as a backup and unplug the tong after use. The ghd, BaBylissPRO and Remington examples specify different sleep or shut-off timings, so check the exact model and allow it to cool safely before putting it away.