If there's a hair tool out there, I've likely tried it. From comparing the most popular multi-stylers to testing volumizing hacks to trying some seriously wacky (but tried-and-true!) products, my locks have seen it all. So when I got the opportunity to try not one, but two of Beachwaver's rotating curlers, I jumped at the chance to see how they performed against other tools I've used (which, I'll say again, is quite a few). All in all, I was impressed - here's why:
Why I tried the Beachwaver
I always say my hair defies odds: It's thin at the top but is thick at the bottom. The longer it gets, the heavier it gets; therefore, volume easily disappears. That's why I've foregone the pin-straight style - that's just asking for flat hair. So, I stick to blowouts and curls, the latter being my favorite when I have the time. And since I commute to work three days a week - and usually hit the snooze button more times than I should - I usually don't. The Beachwaver tools are a must if you're looking to maximize your time and get a quality style. Both of the tools I used heated up quickly and were so easy to use (honestly, I didn't even have to read the directions).
How to use the Beachwaver
Using the S-Series
The brand sent me the 0.75-inch barrel version of this curler, which I was so excited to try, because I've never used a tool thinner than 1 inch. So, I was expecting tighter, fuller and more defined curls. Key features include: A "home" button that you press to return the clamp back to the front of the device, so that it's immediately ready to curl the next piece. An LED display to show the exact temperature setting. Two speed settings: fast and slow. (However, I'd just go with the "fast" option; it's not as speedy as you think. Plus, the slower option will just make your curling session much longer.)
First, start with a brushed-out strand of hair. I'd keep it to less than 1-inch in length, considering the barrel is pretty small. Secure the ends to the into the clamp and press the button of the direction you want to curl. The brand says to hold for 2-3 seconds, but since I wanted a tighter curl, I gave it about 10 seconds. (Make sure to use heat protectant!). Release the clamp and gently unravel your hair to reveal the perfect curl! That's it. Curling my entire head took no more than 25 minutes, and considering that I worked in such small sections, that's pretty impressive for my hair thickness and length. And the results were better than expected. At first, you'll likely see a bit of a Goldilocks situation going on - DON'T immediately comb it out! I waited until my hair was completely cooled down before using my fingers to gently break the curls apart. I was left with a fun collection of curls that were perfect for a night out or a special occasion. Pro tip: The second-day style looked even better because the curls dropped a bit, creating a softer look. So I'd recommend styling the day before for more romantic curls!
Commerce writer Danielle Murphy after using the Beachwaver S-Series Rotating Curling Iron. Courtesy Danielle Murphy
Using the B-Series
Although this is a more affordable option, I can confidently say that the lower price doesn't take away from this tool's effectiveness. The B-Series rotating curler works in the exact same way as the S-Series. The only difference is that this version doesn't have a home button (so you have to use the rotating buttons to return the clamp to its start position) and there are only three heat pre-sets, which you select by pressing the power button. There are three stacked lights; the higher the light, the hotter the barrel gets. According to the brand, the 1-inch size is the most popular, and I can see why. It's great for shoulder-length or longer hair and is meant to create the relaxed beach waves this tool is known for. I'd recommend this option if time is precious to you. You're able to work with thicker sections with this tool, so I was able to get my entire head finished in 15-20 minutes.
Murphy after using the Beachwaver B-Series Rotating Curling Iron. Courtesy Danielle Murphy
Why I like the Beachwaver
You're in total control. The design of this tool is so spot-on. It's like it was made to make my life easier. The self-rotation allows me to create even tension with each strand and to fully concentrate on how it lies against the barrel instead of twisting and turning. And the fact that I can choose any direction gives me more styling options (plus, it's a nice change from having to remove and switch barrels on my multi-styler). If there are certain sections of hair that you find difficult securing into the clamp (to be clear, I did not have any issues), the curler can easily be used as a wand. It's long enough to wrap hair pieces around it manually, should you need. I found this trick useful when it came to curling my curtain bangs.
The curls will last
Whenever I use these tools, I can count on having a good hair day for three or even four days after. Of course, that's when I start with freshly washed and blown out hair, but all my next-day hair needs is a little bit of dry shampoo and a quick finger zhuzh, and I'm ready to walk out the door. (All this with little to no hairspray, by the way!)
Who is the Beachwaver for?
According to the brand, the Beachwaver works on all hair types. Just make sure to pick the right barrel size for your length. Typically, the longer your hair, the thicker the barrel the brand will recommend. These are great tools for anyone who wants a fast and easy style, who doesn't have $300 or more to spend on a multi-styler, and who prefers to have more control with their hair tools.
What to consider
If anyone has to quadruple check that they turned off their hot tools before leaving the house (me!), you'll be happy to know that both of these Beachwaver options have an automatic 30-minute shut-off feature. They're also designed with a safety tip and an iron stand to prevent finger and furniture burns, respectively.
Is the Beachwaver worth it?
Is the Beachwaver worth it? IMO, the Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron is totally worth it. It's priced at $99, which is a steal if you think about a single blowout costing ~$50. By using the Beachwaver, you can do your own hair and achieve a salon-quality blowout look countless times for the price of only two professional blowouts. And even if you don’t use the Beachwaver that often, it pretty much pays for itself after a few uses. There are pricier options for the pro-level Beachwaver that go up to $229, and those versions may be better if you have longer hair or are a professional stylist, but if you simply want quality curls at a reasonable price, the basic Beachwaver iron is the way to go.
{Image - S-Series and B-Series comparison}
What is the Beachwaver? Whether you’ve mastered the fine art of curling your hair or you’ve never picked up a curling iron in your life, you can use a Beachwaver. Really. The rotating curling iron was created by celeb hairstylist Sarah Potempa, and spins to the left or the right with the press of a button so you can easily change the direction of your curls for effortless styling. Typically, you press the right arrow for the right side of your head and the left for the left side, but you can also switch back and forth with each curl if want a more voluminous look. Unlike traditional curling irons, the Beachwaver has an inch-long clamp (instead of a clamp that runs the entire length of the barrel) to prevent unwanted dents and kinks in your hair as you secure it against the iron before curling. As far as sizes go, the Beachwaver barrels range from .75 to 1.25 inches. The smaller barrels are ideal for creating tighter curls and the larger barrel is best suited for looser curls and beachy waves. Is the Beachwaver good for beginners? Because all you have to do is press a few buttons, the Beachwaver is truly the perfect tool for beginners and novice hair stylers.
My personal testing note
I decided to try the Beachwaver B1 Rotating Curling Iron because the one-inch barrel is their most popular curling iron size-it's best suited for bouncy, defined curls that aren't too loose and aren't too tight. Upon taking the Beachwaver out of the box, I was immediately surprised at how much lighter it was than other curling irons I've tried. My hair is super long and takes time to curl, so this is a major benefit for my arms. I was also impressed with how fast it heated up-once I plugged it in, the iron was ready to be used about 45 seconds later. I also appreciated the multiple heat settings. You can choose from low (290°F), medium (350°F), or high (410°F).
To keep myself from getting confused on which way to rotate the iron, I did the right side of my head first and then went over to the left. On both sides, I started at the back of my head and worked my way forward, sectioning my hair inch-by-inch as I curled. I never curl all the way to the ends of my hair, so when I clamped the Beachwaver, I did so about an inch from the bottom and then pressed the rotating button. After the iron spun all the way up, I would let it sit for a few seconds and then unclamp it a little to sneak the ends underneath it. This way my ends wouldn’t be stick straight, but also wouldn’t look weird and crunchy. I did this over and over until my whole head was curled-all in all about 10 minutes from start to finish. After the curls had cooled, I brushed them out with a nylon and boar bristle brush to smooth them out a bit and loosen up the curl pattern. To finish, I spritzed Beachwaver's Team Texture Dry Finishing Spray all over to help keep my curls from falling or frizzing up during the day.
Is the Beachwaver worth it? I think so. The Beachwaver really did make it so much easier-and quicker-to curl my waist-length hair. I think I would probably use one with a bigger barrel in the future for a little bit looser curl pattern, but that aside, I'm convinced the technology behind how the Beachwaver works is game-changing...
In sum, the Beachwaver B-Series and S-Series offer intuitive control, fast heating, multiple heat settings, and built-in safety features that help deliver lasting curls with less effort. Designers' attention to direction control and a compact clamp design help reduce dents and kinks, providing beginner-friendly use with salon-quality results for many hair types and lengths.
Таблица: сравнение ключевых характеристик
| Параметр | S-Series (0.75") | B-Series (1") |
|---|---|---|
| Тип | Rotating curling iron | Rotating curling iron |
| Клемма | Короткая, вращающаяся | |
| Контроль направления | Вперед/назад кнопки | |
| Домашняя кнопка | Есть | |
| Пределы температур | Высокая настройка | |
| Количество preset | Немного | |
| Время нагрева | Быстрое | |
| Подходит для волос | Короткие и длинные, curls | |
| Цена (примерно) | Высокая |
ROTATING CURLING IRON TUTORIAL | Beachwaver B1
tags: #beachwaver #rotating #curling #iron