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hair tools

Why Your Curling Iron is Leaving Bumps in Your Hair and How to Smooth it Out

Everything You Need to Know About Bumpy Curling Irons

If you’ve been browsing Google for information on bumpy curling irons, you’ve likely come across some questions. This in-depth guide covers all the basics, from what makes these irons “bumpy” to tips for using them effectively. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of these magical hair tools.

What is a Bumpy Curling Iron?

Simply put, a bumpy curling iron has a barrel covered in small bumps or ridges rather than being perfectly smooth. These bumps allow it to create more definition and texture in your curls than a traditional straight barrel curling iron. The ridges grip strands of hair better as you twist and wrap around the barrel.

From my experience styling hair, bumpy curling irons give curls more longevity and hold compared to smooth ones. The grip of the ridges helps “train” your hair’s natural texture to retain the curl shape longer. I’ve found bumpy iron curls often last me through an entire day without falling too much.

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What Types of Curls Do They Create?

Bumpy curling irons produce loose, natural-looking waves and curls rather than very tight ringlets. The ridges separate strands of hair slightly as you curl, preventing your locks from wrapping too tightly against the barrel. This looser curl shape is very “beachy” or “bedhead”—perfect for an effortlessly tousled vibe.

You can still craft tighter curls with a bumpy iron by wrapping strands close to the root, but they’ll have more of a tousled, textured finish rather than neat spirals. For pin-straight hair types, these irons create natural movement without superdefined curls.

How to Use a Bumpy Curling Iron

Mastering the technique takes some practice but it’s totally worth it. Here are the basics:

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  1. Start with clean, dry hair that’s been brushed smooth. For best results, apply a heat protectant product.
  2. clamp a one-inch section of hair around halfway down. Avoid the roots for looser waves.
  3. Slowly rotate your wrist as you wrap the section around the barrel, going away from your face. This twists the hair onto the barrel.
  4. Hold for 10-15 seconds, depending on hair thickness and desired hold. Then release.
  5. Repeat on all areas, working in 1-2 inch sections. For extra volume, curl pieces away from the face on top layers.
  6. Let curls cool completely before lightly running fingers through for a tousled look.

It takes some practice to get the wrapping motion smooth. I advise trying on small test strands first. And don’t worry about perfection— bumpy curls are all about a lived-in feel.

Tips for Best Results

Follow these tips culled from my experiences using bumpy curling irons:

  1. For extra grip, apply a flexible hold hairspray to curls as they cool.
  2. Scrunch curls with your hands while cooling for more texture.
  3. Only curl cooled sections to prevent flattening others.
  4. Use a large 1 1/4-1 1/2 inch barrel for loose, romantic waves over tight ringlets.
  5. Take smaller sections for more defined curls that last.
  6. Refresh curls by re-scrunching with a smoothing cream or spray.

The key is not to over-curl. Let some natural movement show through for the best “bumpy” effect. Play with section sizes until you find your signature style.

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Common Questions About Bumpy Irons

Hopefully this guide has addressed your main questions so far. But people often wonder:

Do they damage hair more than smooth ones?

If used properly with heat protectant, bumpy curling irons are no harder on hair than any other tool. The ridges don’t tug or pull more than a regular barrel. Just don’t over-process tiny sections for tight curls every day.

What kind of curls do they leave after a few hours?

Expect bumpy curls to relax into beachy waves within a few hours as the styles loosens and hair regains some natural movement. Re-scrunching cream or spray refreshens without re-curling fully. The texture lasts nicely even as curls unwind.

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How do I store my bumpy iron between uses?

Let the iron cool fully, then wind the cord neatly. Wipe ridges gently with a soft cloth to remove any product residue so it stays in great condition. Store in its heat-resistant pouch or box out of humidity.

So in summary, bumpy curling irons give natural, long-lasting texture without rigid spirals. They create a “just rolled out of bed” vibe that’s all the rage these days. With practice, you’ll be an expert curling beachy waves in no time! Let me know if any other questions come up.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bumpy Curling Iron

Plate Size Larger plates allow for fuller curls in less time. 1-inch plates are great for loose waves while 1/2-inch are best for tight ringlets.
Plate Material Ceramic plates heat evenly and won’t damage hair. Titanium and tourmaline infused ceramic conduct heat well and reduce frizz.
Temperature Settings Look for a range of at least 250°F-450°F to suit different hair types and desired styles. Digital displays are easiest to read.
Swivel Cord A swivel cord allows you to curl in any direction without the cord getting tangled. It prevents stress on the cord joint.
Automatic Shut-off An automatic shut-off protects against leaving the iron on by accident. Most quality irons shut off after 30-60 minutes inactive use.
Warranty One to two year warranty is standard. Three years or more indicates a sturdier, more expensive iron you can rely on for longer.

FAQ

  1. What is a bumpy curling iron? A bumpy curling iron is a hair tool used to make curls or waves in hair. It has a barrel covered in small bumps instead of being smooth.
  2. How does it work? Basically, you wrap strands of hair around the bumpy barrel and hold it there for a few seconds as the heat shapes the hair. The bumps give your hair more texture and body compared to a regular curling iron.
  3. What are the benefits of using one? The bumps allow you to achieve loosely tousled waves and curls that have movement and bounce. It gives the illusion of beach waves without having to air dry your hair. It also works well on shorter hair lengths.
  4. Any downsides? It can take some practice to get the hang of wrapping hair evenly around the bumpy barrel. You might end up with bumpier curls than smooth curls at first. It also requires more time compared to a regular curling iron since the bumps slow down the process.
  5. What hair types work best? Wavy or curly hair types see the best results since the bumps enhance the existing texture. For straight hair, it provides fuller bodied curls and waves that last longer than those from a smooth barrel. However, very fine or thin hair may have trouble keeping the curls.
  6. Any tips for use? Section hair and work in small parts. Focus the heat on one area for 5-10 seconds before moving on. Freeze the curls in place with a holding spray. Always use a heat protectant to guard against damage from the hot tool.
  7. In summary, is it worth trying? Perhaps! Many people find bumpy curling irons give wonderful “just stepped out of the salon” tousled waves and movement with less effort than other methods. The results are really quite stunning according to reviews. Give it a go – you might be amazed by how it transforms your hair!