BaByliss Curl Secret vs NEW BaByliss Style Secret Air – What’s the Difference & Which One Should You Buy?

BaByliss Curl Secret vs NEW BaByliss Style Secret Air – What’s the Difference & Which One Should You Buy?

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

BaByliss logo

Priced at

check links for offers

BaByliss Curl Secret vs NEW BaByliss Style Secret Air – What’s the Difference & Which One Should You Buy?

With the launch of the brand new BaByliss Style Secret Air, I have been reminded of how the original BaByliss Curl Secret was such a moment back in the day. It honestly felt like magic when it launched! If you’ve been with me for a while, you’ll remember how excited I was about automatic curlers when they first arrived. And judging from this blog’s analytics (yes, I see you all!), loads of you are still searching for the differences between the older BaByliss curlers.

The BaByliss Style Secret Air is very different from the old Curl Secret. So I wanted to give you the updated comparison you’re actually looking for. If you’re trying to decide which curling tool to buy right now, this should make life much easier!

Quick Summary: Curl Secret vs Style Secret Air

Here’s the top-line difference:

  • BaByliss Curl Secret – classic ceramic auto-curl chamber, super simple, beginner-friendly, gives consistent, polished curls.
  • BaByliss Style Secret Air – brand new airflow + rotating barrel technology, more styling options, gentler heat, and way more control over curl type.

Now let’s get into the detail, because they really are different tools.

BaByliss Curl Secret – The Classic Auto-Curler

BaByliss Curl Secret
BaByliss Curl Secret

I remember the first time I tried this – the sound it makes literally sucking your hair in(!) was terrifying at first, but it works. And once you get into a rhythm, it is genuinely so easy. Although if you aren’t careful, there can be the occasional heart-stopping moment where your hair gets trapped. It’s been a while since I’ve used mine, but I still have it in my stash.

How it works

You feed a section of hair into the chamber, it automatically wraps it around a heated ceramic barrel inside, then beeps when your curl is ready. The curl type depends on the timer setting you choose.

Why people love it

  • Really easy to use, even if you’re a total curling novice
  • Produces neat, even curls
  • Quick once you get going
  • Alternating curl direction makes it look more natural

What to keep in mind

  • Works best on short to medium-length hair
  • Not the most versatile – it’s mainly just curls
  • Can give that “all the curls look the same” finish unless you loosen them up afterwards
  • Uses only heat (no airflow), so still important to use heat protectant
  • Can sometime catch the hair if you overload it, or have tangles in your section

BaByliss Style Secret Air – The NEW 2025 Airflow Auto-Styler

BaByliss Style Secret Air
BaByliss Style Secret Air

This one is totally different, and honestly, it feels like the next generation of styling tools.

How it works

Instead of a chamber, it has a 25mm ceramic barrel that rotates while blowing controlled airflow around the hair. So it’s a mix between a curling tool and a hot-air styler.

Think of it as:
Airwrap meets auto-curler meets curling tong.

What’s new & exciting

  • 4 heat/airflow settings – you can go gentler or more powerful depending on your hair
  • 4 timer settings for different curl types
  • 3 rotation directions (much more control than Curl Secret)
  • You can create way more than just curls – waves, soft bends, volume, polished finishes

And the airflow makes styling feel more modern and lighter than the old heat-only approach.

Why it’s better for some people

  • More versatile – you’re not locked into one look
  • Better for medium to long hair
  • Airflow + heat can be slightly gentler on the hair
  • Great if you like softer, undone, modern waves rather than tight curls

This one is definitely more of a styling tool, whereas Curl Secret is specifically a curl maker.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Curl Secret Style Secret Air
Technology Auto-curl chamber Rotating barrel + airflow
Styling options Curls only Curls, waves, volume, blow-dry finish
Heat/airflow settings 2 heat, 3 timer 4 heat/airflow, 4 timer, 3 direction
Hair suitability Best for short/medium Great for medium–long
Ease of use Easiest for beginners Slight learning curve
Hair health Heat only Heat + airflow (potentially gentler)
Best for Quick, uniform curls Versatile, modern styling

Which One Is Right for You? (Ree’s Recommendation)

Personally, I think the new BaByliss Style Secret Air is miles ahead of the Curl Secret, and you are far less likely to get your hair tangled in it. Plus it’s way more versatile.

Curl Secret is good if:

  • you just want quick curls with minimal effort
  • you’re not fussed about waves, texture or volume
  • you have shoulder-length or shorter hair

Choose Style Secret Air if…

  • you want the new technology and more styling options
  • you prefer softer, more modern looking waves
  • you have medium to long hair
  • you want more control over heat, curl direction and curl tightness
  • hair health is a priority for you

If you’re buying a tool today and you love a styled, salon-y finish, the Style Secret Air is the one I would get. LOOKFANTASTIC* currently has the best price.

Final Thoughts

The Curl Secret is still a great little curler, it does exactly what it set out to do, and as long as you use appropriately sized and completely tangle free sections, you should get along well with it. But the BaByliss Style Secret Air feels like the evolution of auto-curling technology, offering more options, more control, and a more modern finish.

If you’re updating your kit this year, the new Style Secret Air is the more forward-thinking choice and gives you much better styling variety for the money. In fact, it made it into my electricals gift guide this year! To see that, read: Best Electrical Beauty Gifts Christmas 2025 – Skincare Gadgets, Hair Tools & More.

LOOKFANTASTIC* currently has the best price.

FAQ: BaByliss Style Secret Air vs Curl Secret

What is the difference between the BaByliss Style Secret Air and the BaByliss Curl Secret?

The Style Secret Air uses a rotating ceramic barrel plus airflow to create curls, waves and volume, while the Curl Secret uses an enclosed chamber that simply heats the hair into a curl. The Style Secret Air is more versatile and allows more control over heat, direction and styling results.

Is the BaByliss Style Secret Air better for long hair?

Yes. The Style Secret Air works really well on medium to long hair because the open barrel design can handle longer sections more easily. The Curl Secret tends to work best on short to shoulder-length hair.

Is the BaByliss Style Secret Air easier to use than the Curl Secret?

Both are easy once you get the hang of them, but the Curl Secret is the quickest to master because it uses a simple curl chamber. The Style Secret Air has more settings and styling options, so it offers more control but takes slightly longer to get to know.

Does the Style Secret Air damage hair less?

It can be gentler than traditional curlers because it uses a mix of airflow and heat, and you can choose lower heat settings. As always, using a good heat protectant is essential to minimise damage.

Can the Style Secret Air create loose waves as well as curls?

Yes! This is one of the biggest advantages of the Style Secret Air. You can create soft waves, bouncy curls, blow-dry style volume or more defined curls just by adjusting the heat, airflow, timer and rotation settings.

Is the BaByliss Style Secret Air worth upgrading to if I already own the Curl Secret?

If you want more flexibility, softer waves, or a more modern tool that mimics salon airflow styling, then yes, the Style Secret Air is a worthwhile upgrade. If you only ever wear tight curls and love the simplicity of the Curl Secret, you may not need to switch.

What size curls does the BaByliss Style Secret Air create?

It uses a 25mm barrel, which gives you everything from loose, beachy bends to tighter curls depending on the timer and heat setting you choose.

Is the BaByliss Style Secret Air better than the Tymo Curl Pro?

I haven’t tested the Tymo Curl Pro myself, but based on the published specs and user reviews, the key difference is that the Style Secret Air uses a combination of heat and airflow to create curls, waves and volume, while the Tymo Curl Pro is a traditional auto-rotating curling iron. This means Style Secret Air is likely more versatile and potentially gentler on the hair, whereas Tymo Curl Pro focuses on quick, simple curls with direct heat. If you’re looking for a wider range of styles and a more modern styling mechanism, Style Secret Air will probably feel like the more advanced option.

Where to buy BaByliss Style Secret Air

The new auto-curler is £120 and available now via the links below (check each for offers):

SIGN UP TO MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS, FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & FRIENDLY CHAT

Dyson Omega Nourishing Haircare Review: Leave-In Conditioning Spray & Hydrating air Oil

Dyson Omega Nourishing Haircare Review: Leave-In Conditioning Spray & Hydrating air Oil

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

dyson logo

Prices start at

Dyson Omega Nourishing Haircare Review: Leave-In Conditioning Spray & Hydrating Hair Oil

Dyson is best known for revolutionising the way we style our hair with the Airwrap and Supersonic, but since moving more into the haircare space with their Chitosan styling products, it seems they are keen to expand this area of their expertise. I have been testing out the new Dyson Omega nourishing haircare range which includes the Dyson Omega Leave-In Conditioning Spray and the Dyson Omega Hydrating Hair Oil. Here’s what you need to know.

What is in the Dyson Omega Haircare Range?

Dyson Omega Nourishing Haircare Collection

There are two new haircare products in the Dyson Omega nourishing range:

  • Dyson Omega Leave-In Conditioning Spray £59.99
  • Dyson Omega Leave-In Conditioning Spray refill £49.99
  • Dyson Omega Hydrating Hair Oil £45.99

Key Ingredients & Technology

The Dyson Oli7 blend combines seven omega-rich oils:

  • Macadamia oil
  • Dyson Farming Sunflower seed oil
  • Olive oil
  • Abyssinian oil
  • Corn oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Sesame oil

The Leave-In Conditioner promises to:

  • Reduce breakage by up to 73% for all hair types
  • Increase hair moisture by up to 45% immediately.
  • Omega-rich formula creates slip to increase combability, for effortless detangling.
  • Split ends visibly reduced by up to 96%
  • Heat protection up to 230°C
  • Shields hair from UV damage
  • Up to 90% less frizz instantly, with 48-hour control

The Hydrating Hair Oil promises:

  • Up to 261% shinier hair
  • Increased hair moisture by up to 49% immediately.
  • Up to 88% less frizz instantly,² with lasting 48-hour frizz control
  • Up to 94% breakage reduction.
  • Heat protection up to 230°C.
  • Versatile use: apply on dry or damp hair, to boost shine and protect.

The Fragrance

The scent in this range is all about bringing those fresh and clean vibes.

  • Top notes of citrus, green tea and bergamot
  • Mid-notes of soft jasmine and rose
  • A warm, skin-scent base with musk, cedarwood and moss

How Dyson Haircare is Made: Farming & Innovation

Dyson says, “We’ve brought together two completely different worlds – farming and beauty – to develop a product that unlocks healthy hair with natural ingredients.”

Dyson have spent over 10 years investing in and developing their precision and biodiverse farming practices. Omega is Dyson’s first product to feature an ingredient that is actually grown on the Dyson farms.

The Sunflower seed oil used in the Omega range is extracted from Dyson sunflowers seeds. They were chosen because the oil is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly omegas 6 and 9, which help to deeply moisturise the hair, smooth the cuticle, and reduce frizz. It also boasts a lightweight molecular structure, which means that the oil absorbs quickly into the hair shaft without accumulating build-up.

Additionally, a range of strategies were developed to ensure the harvested seeds contain an optimal balance of beneficial compounds. They trialled over 60 varieties of sunflower to identify those richest in natural ceramides and farmed them to optimise quality.

Hydrating Hair Oil

Dyson Omega Hydrating Hair Oil
Dyson Omega Hydrating Hair Oil

This is a silicone-free, concentrated oil that is formulated to condition, smooth, and provide a protective moisture seal for softer, more manageable hair. It uses the Dyson Oli7 blend and is activated by a biotechnology fermented oil complex to deliver nourishment without weighing down the hair.

It is also rich in antioxidants and uses ingredients to protect against heat and mechanical damage.

Leave-in conditioning spray

Dyson Omega Leave-In Conditioning Spray
Dyson Omega Leave-In Conditioning Spray

This is designed to be an 8-in-1 multitasker that:

  • Nourishes
  • Detangles
  • Smooths
  • Reduces frizz
  • Protects from heat
  • Protects from UV damage
  • Minimises breakage
  • Moisturises hair

It works to nourishes and restore dry, brittle, fragile hair and is also infused with Panthenol for added strength benefits. It comes in a fluid cream and the spray mechanism disperses it into a lightweight mist for even, controlled coverage on wet and dry hair.

My Review of the Dyson Omega Nourishing Range

First Impressions

Dyson has nailed it with packaging once again. The Leave-In Conditioning Spray is refillable (big sustainability win) and feels satisfyingly luxe in the hand. It delivers a creamy yet lightweight mist and is nourishing without ever weighing the hair down.

The Hydrating Hair Oil feels just as chic. It’s silky, absorbs quickly, and smells fresh and clean. It’s perfect for that “just-washed” vibe even on day two hair.

Dyson Omega Leave-In Conditioning Spray

  • Texture: A creamy formula delivered as a fine mist
  • How I Use It: I spritz it evenly through damp hair before brushing and styling. It makes post-wash brushing effortless and preps the hair beautifully for my Dyson Airwrap Coanda 2.0.
  • The Results: Once blow-dried, my hair feels soft, smooth, and hydrated without any heaviness.

The consistency of this product is really interesting as it is a thicker, more gel-like cream and quite different to a lot of leave-in sprays. The delivery system transforms this texture into a lighter mist, which I think is really clever. But clever is always what I expect from Dyson!

I love that it has heat protection and a UV shield. Also loving the refill element.

Dyson Omega Leave-In Conditioning Spray Refill
Dyson Omega Leave-In Conditioning Spray Refill

Dyson Omega Hydrating Hair Oil

If you love multi-tasking oils, this could be your new best friend.

  • On Damp Hair: I like to layer this over the Conditioning Spray, focusing on the ends where my hair tends to be driest.
  • On Dry Hair: It’s brilliant for adding softness, shine, and nourishment. I also use it to break up waves or curls post-styling for that effortless, undone finish.

This is so nice because it adds softness without being heavy and smells so fresh and clean. Again, I love that there’s heat protection in there, as I heat style my hair a lot.

Dyson Omega FAQs

Is the Dyson Omega Leave-In Spray good for fine hair?

Yes! The mist is light and creamy but never heavy. It has been formulated to work on all hair types.

Can I use the Hydrating Hair Oil on oily-prone hair?

Yes. This is a lightweight and won’t leave hair greasy. Focus application on mid-lengths to ends.

Do both products protect against heat?

Yes, both the spray and oil include heat protection as well as a UV shield.

Are the Dyson Omega products refillable?

The Leave-In Conditioning Spray is refillable.

Do they have a fragrance?

Yes, both have a subtle, fresh clean scent that feels uplifting but not overpowering.

Final Thoughts

The Dyson Omega range is a clever extension of Dyson’s haircare expertise. The Leave-In Conditioning Spray makes detangling and prep effortless, while the Hydrating Hair Oil is perfect for hydration, shine, and styling versatility. Both deliver heat and UV protection, making them hardworking essentials in any routine.

I’ve been loving them alongside my Airwrap styling sessions.

If you want to know more about the Chitosan range, read Dyson Chitosan Styling Range UK Review.

Where to buy it

The Dyson Omega range is available now via the links below:

SIGN UP TO MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS, FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & FRIENDLY CHAT

Snm Salon experience

hey hey hey everyone, I hope all is well.

Sorry its been a while since my last post, work got incredibly busy and I inadvertently had to take a break from blogging! But now that its now back to the normal busy pace I can get back to doing things I love again and I have a few exciting posts coming your way!

To kick things off I have a healthy hair check in and I went to a new salon! Whilst I love my usual salon, its far from me, the parking is too expensive and I spend too much time waiting around! I decided to go to Snm hair salon which is only a few minutes from me. I have heard of this salon and been following them for a while, so it wasn’t completely new to me. I decided to book a wash, treatment & blow dry with a clip in install as my new clip ins arrived!

I had a late appointment simply because I could as the salon is very close to me – a huge plus and because it was after 5, parking was free- another huge win for me! After waiting for a few minutes, I was asked about what style I wanted for the clip ins and it was then we came to the conclusion that I needed to book a silk press package not the blow-dry and because it was close to closing time, I couldn’t unfortunately change the booking. I was a bit disappointed as I really wanted to get my clips in done but it was understandable. We couldn’t agree on a suitable day and time so I just decided to go ahead with my service without the clip ins.

At the shampoo bowl, the lady mentioned my hair was dry to touch which I found somewhat surprising. My salon appointment was on a Thursday and I had washed my hair on Monday albeit I did use more of a strengthening conditioner plus K18 ( I have lots of thoughts but I will use it a few more times before sharing). Anyway she proceeded to wash my hair 3 times which I absolutely loved and quiet frankly I had never had any salon do that. After washing she mentioned my hair was quiet dry and whilst I booked a moisture treatment I would benefit from a more intense steam treatment which would be £5 extra and I agreed to. After applying the treatment, I went under the steamer for about 20 minutes. I haven’t had a steam hair treatment before and my hair felt incredible after but it was also a really warm day so I was so hot under there hahaha

My hair was detangled again before it was rinsed out then we proceeded to blow dry in sections. I was familar with the 2 keracare products she used prior to blowdrying then finished off the service with my 2 plaits.

Thoughts on the service

I arrived very early for my appointment but it didn’t take too long before we started discussing my service and the lady really did try to find me another time but we just couldn’t find a suitable time. The clip in service was promptly cancelled and taken off my final bill which I liked. I loved how my hair was handled during the shampoo process: she really focused my massaging my scalp making sure it was clean and shampooing 3 times to ensure build up is effectively removed. I wish my hair was detangled more after she applied the treatment but my hair wasn’t that tangled anyway as I had only washed and blowdried my hair 3 days prior so maybe I didnt need it. She did detangle in small sections.

After the steam treatment I did have to wait about 10-15 mins before I was seen, infact I had to go around and mention it was finished before I was seen again. This isn’t that unusual as I have had to had in between services at my usual salon however I did feel slightly more forgotten here because I was in a different room and because there was only one other customer there with all the staff in the next room I did feel forgotten. The other staff that rinsed out the conditioner and blow dried my hair did seem younger but I think she did a good job. She used the Keracare leave in conditioner & the silken seal liquid before the blow dry. These 2 products do contain heat protection but I would have preferred a dedicated heat protectant too. She blowdried in larger sections using the tension method but went in smaller sections with the paddle brush. Again I would have preferred she fully stretched out the hair in smaller sections using tension before going in with the paddle brush as I have 4c fine hair prone to breakage. The blow dry did turn out great so I’m not too bothered by this. She said my ends were a bit tangly and mentioned it could be because my last trim(last month) didn’t quite catch all my split ends however I don’t think its down to that but the way she stretched my hair prior to going in with the paddle brush. My last trim was pretty much a hair cut because I neglected my trim routine( more on this later in another post!) and also because she was drying my hair in larger sections which for my 4c fine hair mean tangles.

I didn’t appreciate taking a personal call with the other staff member whilst she was doing my hair but I will put this down to her been younger as I thought that was unprofessional.

Verdict

Will i go to Snm salon again. Yes simply because it much much closer to me and the service wasn’t particularly bad. I loved the shampoo and blow dry and my hair felt incredible after the steam treatment, I just didn’t like a few bits. I am debating if I go back there for the silk press or somewhere else. But I will definitely go back there for a wash, treatment and blowdry when I don’t feel like doing my hair

This year I do want to try out other salons especially if they are closer to me. Maison style will always be my go to but I think its time to start experimenting again.

My service: wash, blowdry and intensive steam moisture treatment came up to £65 which is what I usually pay. It would have been £60 without the extra £5 for the intensive moisture treatment. It was pretty easy to book online via their website which is a huge plus. The salon is in Croydon.

I have a few posts coming up! catch you laterrr

Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner Review

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

kat burki logo

Priced at

Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner Review

You may have heard of Kat Burki when it comes to luxury skincare, but now the brand has officially expanded into haircare with this new Kat Burki Shampoo and Conditioner with Bio-Ferment Renewing formulations. I have been testing them out. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner?

What is Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner?
What is Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner?

These new Kat Burki Shampoo and Conditioner haircare products are designed to transform the health and vitality of your hair, rooted in the same clinical approach that brand uses for their skincare. The aim is to deliver results that go beyond surface shine to genuinely restore hair and scalp health over time.

Product Spotlight

Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo (£51)

  • Strengthens hair from root to tip, reducing breakage and split ends, and boosting volume
  • Optimises scalp health for bouncier, more vibrant hair
  • Infused with Fermented Rice Water, Sea Kelp Bioferment, Copper Peptides, and Pro-B Vitamin Complex

Bio-Ferment Renewing Conditioner (£51)

  • Supports natural hair growth while preventing shedding
  • Deeply nourishes for maximum shine and resilience
  • Enriched with Plant-Based Keratin, Copper Peptides, and the same biome-supporting ferments

Key Ingredients

Proprietary Nutrient Delivery System (NDS) – Kat Burki’s signature technology, optimising ingredient absorption for maximum performance and results

Prebiotic Ferments & Scalp Biome Support – formulated with Fermented Rice Water and Sea Kelp Bioferment, to work to rebalance the scalp microbiome

Copper Peptides & Plant Stem Cells – help reinforce hair structure, stimulate renewal, and improve resilience against breakage

Free From – silicone, sulfates, dimethicone, and fragrance

My Experience with the Kat Burki Shampoo and Conditioner

Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner
Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner

From the very first use, I found the Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo to be super soothing and gentle on my scalp. The creamy lather feels luxurious yet doesn’t strip the hair, and instead, it leaves my scalp feeling balanced and refreshed.

The Bio-Ferment Renewing Conditioner is equally impressive. It leaves my hair incredibly soft and tangle-free, so much so that I can comb through immediately after rinsing without needing any detangling spray or leave-in treatment.

Kat Burki Shampoo & Conditioner
Kat Burki Shampoo & Conditioner

Perhaps most impressively, the duo seems to keep my hair looking and feeling clean and fresh for much longer than usual, which makes it a game-changer for anyone trying to extend the time between washes without sacrificing style or volume.

Salon Demo: Kat Burki Shampoo & Conditioner in Action

If you the type of waves that you see in this video, make sure you read, How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends, which shows you how I get my signature style whilst minimising heat damage.

Final Verdict

The Kat Burki Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner feel like the haircare equivalent of a luxury skincare ritual. They not only deliver immediate softness and manageability but also work in the background to improve scalp health, hair strength, and long-term resilience.

Top Tip: I love to use a scalp massager with the shampoo to really work it into the scalp.

If you already love Kat Burki’s skincare, this is a natural extension of the brand’s results-driven philosophy, and if you’re new to the brand and love serious haircare, the Kat Burki Shampoo & Conditioner is a good place to start.

Where to buy Kat Burki Shampoo & Conditioner

The new haircare duo just launched online for £51 each and is available via the link below:

FAQs

Are Kat Burki haircare products suitable for colour-treated hair?

Yes. The formulas are free from sulfates and harsh detergents, making them gentle on coloured or chemically treated hair.

How often should I use the Bio-Ferment Renewing Shampoo & Conditioner?

Most users will benefit from using them 2-3 times per week, but they are gentle enough for daily use. Personally, I have been using them once, maybe 2 times a week for a few weeks.

Do these products have a fragrance?

No, they are free from synthetic fragrances, making them ideal for sensitive scalps.

SIGN UP TO MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS, FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & FRIENDLY CHAT

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – My Expert Technique

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

What I have learnt from the experts.

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - My Expert Technique

I feel pretty qualified to share tips on how to curl hair without damaging ends because, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of heat styling, and also having my hair styled by professionals, it’s that the ends of your hair don’t forgive easily. Even with the best tools, the wrong curling technique can leave them dry, frizzy, and looking a little fried.

After a lot of trial and error (and more heat damage than I care to admit), I discovered a simple adjustment that made all the difference. If you’re wondering how to curl hair without damaging the ends, here’s exactly what I do, and why it works.

Why Your Ends Get Frazzled When You Curl

It took me a while to realise that I was making a common mistake: starting the curl from the bottom, wrapping the ends tightly around the hottest part of the tong, and holding for too long. Sound familiar?

The ends of your hair are the oldest, most fragile part of the strand. They don’t need, and can’t handle, the same level of heat as the mid-lengths or roots. So if you’re regularly clamping them down and holding heat there, you’re unintentionally causing breakage, dullness, and split ends.

The Curling Technique That Saved My Hair

Here’s the method I use now. It’s gentle, effective, and keeps my ends smooth and healthy:

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - Step 1
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – Step 1
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - Step 2
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – Step 2
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - Step 3
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – Step 3
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - The Result
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – The Result
  1. I always start with a good heat protectant spray. It’s non-negotiable.
  2. Instead of curling from the bottom, I start from the mid-lengths.
  3. I wrap upwards toward the root, leaving the ends out.
  4. I squeeze the lever and keep turning the tong to wrap more hair around the barrel
  5. As soon as the ends get to the heat, I release the curl
  6. To ensure the curl lasts as long as possible, I sometimes cup it in my hand for a few seconds to help it cool and set the shape

The difference in how my ends look and feel is honestly night and day.

See It in Action

If you want to see this technique in real time, I shared it in this Instagram Reel:

Extra Tips for Heat Styling Without Damage

I’ve picked up a few habits that help keep my hair healthier between heat styling:

Choose a Gentle Tool

I always go for a ceramic barrel, which distributes heat more evenly and helps reduce hotspots. My favourite curling tong is the ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong*.

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - ghd Curling Tong
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – ghd Curling Tong

You can buy it online via the following links:

Sneak Peek

If you are interested in extra gentle styling, you might like to read First Look: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x – 2x the Power, Smarter Styling, & a Major Hair Tech Upgrade.

Style Less, Finish Better

Instead of re-curling sections, I’ve learned to let the hair cool fully before touching the hair before it is set. If you start messing with it before it’s cooland use my fingers to shape. Less heat, better hold.

End with Nourishment

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - Hair Oil Picks
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – Hair Oil Picks

A tiny bit of hair oil or serum through the ends brings back softness and adds shine. I love the Kerastase Elixir Ultime* or the Hair Rituel by Sisley Precious Hair Care Oil*.

Get a Trim

Now this is where I become a bit of a hypocrite because I definitely don’t get my hair trimmed as often as I should. Even with the best styling habits, you should still aim to trim your ends every 8–10 weeks. It’s a simple way to keep them looking fresh and stop damage from creeping up the hair shaft. I need to listen to my own advice!!

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Ends is Worth It

When I changed the way I curled my hair, I saw an instant improvement in texture and shine. It’s such a small tweak, but the result is longer-lasting curls, softer ends, and hair that actually looks healthier after styling, not worse.

If you’ve been struggling with heat damage or split ends, give this a try. And if you have any favourite tools or styling tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.

SIGN UP TO MY FACEBOOK GROUP FOR BEAUTY RECOMMENDATIONS, FAVOURITE PRODUCTS & FRIENDLY CHAT