Automatic hair curler: how to use it step by step (and the mistakes that cause tangles)

An automatic curler does the twisting for you: put the section in, press, and out comes the curl. Here's how to use it step by step, which temperature suits your hair and the mistakes that cause tangles or curls that drop.

By The Missmimo team Updated October 25, 2026 6 min read

Rizador de pelo automático rosa con un mechón rizado saliendo de la ranura

In shortTo use an automatic curler: start with dry, detangled hair, apply heat protectant, choose the temperature for your hair type, place a thin section (2-3 cm) in the slot with the device close to the roots and press the spin button. Wait for the signal (a few seconds), release and let the curl cool without touching it. Almost all tangles come from sections that are too thick.

What is an automatic curler and how does it work?

It has a heated chamber inside and a barrel that spins by itself. You just place the section of hair in the slot: when you press the button, the curler draws it into the chamber, heats it for a few seconds and lets you know when it's done. When you release it, the hair comes out already in a spiral.

The big difference from a traditional curling iron is that you don't have to twist your wrist or wrap the hair yourself, and the hot part sits inside a casing, away from your fingers and scalp. That's why it's so popular with anyone who never got the hang of a classic curler.

Before you start: hair, heat protectant and temperature

Completely dry hair. Heat on damp hair damages it and the curl won't set.
Detangle thoroughly with a comb or brush. A knot is the quickest way to make the curler snag.
Heat protectant spray from mid-lengths to ends.
Section your hair with clips: bottom, middle and top. Always start at the bottom.

Hair type	Suggested temperature
Fine, fragile or coloured	Lowest (about 150-170 °C)
Normal	Medium (about 180 °C)
Thick or hard to curl	Highest (about 200 °C)

Missmimo tip: always start lower than you think you need. If the curl doesn't hold, go up one level. Better to go over a section twice than to burn your hair.

How to use it, step by step

Switch it on and choose the temperature. Give it a few seconds to heat up.
Choose the spin direction (left or right) if your model has it.
Take a thin section, 2-3 cm wide, and comb it so there are no knots.
Place the section in the slot with the opening facing your head, about 4-5 cm from the roots. Hold the end of the section with your other hand so it feeds in straight.
Press the spin button and hold the device still: the hair wraps in by itself.
Wait for the signal (beep or light). Less time for soft waves, the full time for defined curls.
Open and slide the curler out, pulling gently downwards: the curl slips out on its own.
Don't touch it until it has cooled. Repeat section by section from the bottom up.

Soft waves or defined curls: how to get each

You want…	Section	Time	Trick
Loose, natural waves	Wider (3 cm)	Shortest	Alternate the spin direction and break up the curls with your fingers at the end.
Defined curls	Thin (2 cm)	Longest	Same direction on each side of your face, and no brushing.
Movement at the ends	Normal	Medium	Place the curler lower down, at mid-length.

Mistakes that cause tangles (or curls that drop)

Putting in too much hair. The number one cause of tangles. If the section is too thick, the barrel can't wrap it properly.
Not combing the section first. Any knot gets caught in the spin.
Placing it right at the roots. Always leave a few centimetres: it's more comfortable and avoids pulling.
Moving the device while it spins. Hold it still until it finishes.
Using it on damp hair or straight out of the shower.
Brushing curls while they're warm: they fall straight away.

If it ever gets stuck, don't pull: switch it off, run the spin in the opposite direction (or open the chamber if your model allows) and let the hair slide out slowly.

How to make curls last all day

Let each curl cool completely before touching it. Curls set as they cool, not as they heat.
Finish with a little light-hold hairspray from about 30 cm away.
For a more natural look, separate them with your fingers (never a brush) after a few minutes.
If your hair is very straight and heavy, curl second-day hair: it holds a curl better than freshly washed hair.
Want curls without heat? The heatless satin curlers work while you sleep – perfect for your hair's rest days.

Care and safety

Clean it with a dry cloth when it's cool and switched off; remove any hairspray or product build-up from the slot.
Charge it fully before first use and store it cool in its pouch.
Don't use it in the bathroom with a full bath or near water, and keep it out of reach of children.

If you'd like a tool that also straightens and dries, take a look at the 3-in-1 hot air brush. And if you simply want effortless curls, the cordless automatic curler is the easiest to use.

Frequently asked questions

Does an automatic curler tangle your hair?

Only if you put in too much hair or the section has knots. With well-combed 2-3 cm sections and the device held still while it spins, it won't tangle.

Does it work on short hair?

It works well from chin or shoulder length. Very short hair isn't long enough for the barrel to wrap.

Which temperature should I use?

The lowest for fine or coloured hair, medium for normal hair and the highest only for thick or hard-to-curl hair. Always with heat protectant.

How long does it take to curl all my hair?

With a little practice, 15 to 25 minutes for medium-length hair, depending on how much hair you have and the size of the sections.

Does it damage hair more than a curling iron?

It uses the same heat as any styling tool, so the same rules apply: heat protectant, the right temperature and not going over the same section repeatedly. Because the hair sits inside the chamber, the heat is spread more evenly.

Can I take it travelling?

Yes – being cordless and rechargeable, it's ideal for travel. Always store it cool in its pouch.

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