TYMO Curl Pro and the Other Curling Irons I Would Try

TYMO Curl Pro and the Other Curling Irons I Would Try

The TYMO Curl Pro is an automatic curling iron that wraps each section for you, and it sits in a lineup of wands, flat irons and curl creams I would actually use. Here is how I would pick a tool, then set the curl so it lasts.

Curling irons have a surprisingly specific origin story. In 1872 a Parisian hairdresser named Marcel Grateau introduced the heated tongs that produced the Marcel wave, a deep S shape that stayed in fashion for about fifty years. The early irons were heated over a gas flame, and the hairdresser tested the heat on a piece of paper first. If the paper scorched, the iron was too hot. I think about that every time I see a modern tool with three temperature settings.

The TYMO Curl Pro (the brand writes it CURLPRO) takes the guesswork even further. It is an automatic curling iron, and the brand describes a one tap process where the tool guides and wraps each section, with a 1 inch barrel, three heat settings from 320 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit, an 8 second timer and a 10 minute auto off. Sensors are meant to reduce snagging. TYMO CURLPRO PLUS is the longer version, with a 110 mm heating film compared with 66 mm on the standard model. TYMO CURLGO ECO is the cordless one, with two rechargeable batteries and USB-C, for anyone who curls away from an outlet.

If you like a classic clamp, the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron in 1.5 inch and 1.25 inch has a barrel two inches longer than average for loose curls. T3 SinglePass Curl X comes in 1.25 and 1.5 inch with an extra long barrel and a clip made to glide. The ghd Chronos Curve Grand Iron is a 1.25 inch iron pre-set at 365 degrees.

A quick test: curl one small section behind your ear and let it cool fully before you touch it. If it holds until you brush it out, the temperature is right for your hair.

Big numbers collage for TYMO Curl Pro: six products from TYMO, Bio Ionic, T3, BondiBoost, Moroccanoil and ghd, each set beside a large numeral
TYMO Curl Pro

Curling irons and wands

Flat irons that also make waves

You do not need a separate wand for waves if you own a good flat iron. The Mane Three Way Multi-Use Flat Iron is the clearest example, since the brand says it waves, curls or straightens, with 1 inch ceramic plates and four temperature settings. The BondiBoost Flat Iron has aloe infused ceramic plates and is listed as one inch, and it is meant to add shine while it smooths. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 1 inch is a digital iron with a memory function that stores your usual heat setting, which is handy if you always use the same one.

The ghd Chronos Styler 1 inch is the brand's fast flat iron, described as three times faster styling in one stroke. ghd Platinum+ Styler in Black uses predictive technology, and it carries an Allure 2020 Best of Beauty award. The T3 SinglePass Smooth X has plates that are 20 percent longer, so each pass covers more hair.

For true waves, the BondiBoost Wave Wand 3-Barrel is made for the beachy look, with tourmaline ceramic and an adjustable temperature. The Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Pro 1 inch is the one I would grab for curls, with a cool touch grip and the longer barrel that makes the back of the head easier.

How to use them: for a flat iron wave, twist a thin section, glide down once, and leave the ends out for a looser bend.

What I would skip: using a high heat setting on bleached or fine hair just because the tool can go there. TYMO itself points bleached, damaged or fine hair to its lowest setting.

Wavers, flat irons and stylers

Creams and sprays that hold a curl

A curl is only as good as what you put in before it, and what you put on after. For natural curls, Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream with Argan Oil defines while fighting frizz, and OUAI Anti-Frizz Curl Styling Cream is silicone free with chia and linseed oils. Fenty Beauty The Homecurl is a silicone free gel cream with wild mango butter, made for a soft, crunch free wash and go. Bounce Curl Hydra-Lite is a weightless cream gel that the brand says reduces frizz for up to 72 hours. Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Avocado is the brand's number one bestselling curl styler, per its own product page, and it is fragrance free.

For heat styled hair, the finishing sprays matter more. dae Sunsetter is a strong hold hairspray that the brand says blocks humidity and keeps a flexible hold without the crunch. amika Un.Done Texture Spray is a salt free, matte finish spray for a tousled look, and Bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun is a dry texture spray with light hold, best for fine to medium hair, which adds volume after a curl has cooled.

A tip: let the curl cool completely, then brush it out gently with your fingers and mist a spray once from arm's length.

What I would skip: heavy cream on hair that you plan to curl with an iron. Use a light dry spray for texture instead, and save the creams for air dried curls.

Curl setting products

Choosing your curling tool

Pick the tool that matches how you actually style. If you want a hands free curl and you hate the wrist twist, the TYMO Curl Pro is the obvious place to start, with the PLUS for longer hair and the cordless CURLGO ECO if you travel. If you like control, a long barrel iron from Bio Ionic, T3 or ghd will do the job with practice.

Then think about your hair. Fine or damaged hair wants the lowest heat, thick hair can use more, and everyone benefits from a cool down before touching the curl. Keep a texture spray or a flexible hairspray for the last step, and a curl cream for the days you skip heat entirely.

Start with one iron and one finishing product. Learn them well before you add another tool to the drawer.