The Rise of Automatic Curlers: Are They Right For You?

You might not realise it, but the modern hair curler comes with more history than that off-again, on-again thing you may have had with your ex. The road from ancient hot sticks to TikTok-famous automatic curlers is anything but limp, dull and flat. 

Let’s look at the full story behind today’s auto curler craze, why everyone’s obsessed, and how to actually use one to nail crushworthy curls at home in minutes with real product picks and style inspo galore.

 Ok, let's add some bounce. 

Curling Prehistory: How Did We Get Here?

Once upon a flat-haired time, our glam-cestors literally wrapped their locks around hot rods, sun-warmed irons, and even open flames. Ok, maybe that one’s a slight exaggeration.  

Fast-forward to the 19th century, and the curling iron hits Paris, but you have to heat it over your gas burner  so it’s still mildly dangerous.

By the 1950s, electrical curlers hit salons; cue housewives everywhere living their best beach wave lives. Then, from ceramic wands to tourmaline curlers, it was an epic race for safety, shine, and speed.

But then what happens next?  Robots. For real!  

Yep, automatic curlers exploded onto the scene in  2013 and haven’t stopped since. Actually, VS Sassoon was the iconic brand that completely revolutionized hair curling with the launch of the first automatic curler, the Curl Secret  serving curls to the masses; for every kind of glam.

Then in 2023, VS Sassoon revolutionized curling once again with the reimagined and reengineered evolution of the OG Curl Secret, with the Curl Secret Ceramic Auto Curler.

What Is an Automatic Curler? Like, Actually.

Imagine your regular curling wand, but smarter and cuter, too. An automatic curler, also known as a rotating curling iron, auto wand, hair curl machine, electric hair curler / curling wand, suction hair curler, self curling iron (just to name a few), is a styling tool that literally draws your hair into a heated chamber, spins and curls it at the press of a button. 

Forget the arm workout and confusing twirls: just feed a section in, press, and huzzah, gorgeous, frizz-free curls, totally hands-free. And all totally consistent.

Standouts like the VS Sassoon Unbound Cord/Cordless Auto Curler and Curl Secret Max Ceramic Auto Curler are stars because they can go cordless, offer multiple temperature settings, and even let you pick your curl direction. These babies do it all, so you can chill or catch up on some work and let your curler do its thing. 

Who’s an Automatic Curler For? (Spoiler: Not Your Oodle)

Auto curlers are pretty much great for everyone:

Newbies: Get Insta-glam without learning curling wand choreography (and without burnt ears or fingers). Plus, there’s no need to worry about unwanted kinks from curling clamps.

Multitaskers: Cordless? Absolutely. Slide through your DMs, look adorbs while doing it, and yes—one-handed magic totally included.

Perfectionists: Want every curl snatched and symmetrical? These gadgets are for you.

Robust Manes: Reliable heat and timer settings keep even the wildest locks in check. Plus, they’re a smart investment—protecting your hair from over-styling and heat damage for the long haul.

Travelistas: Cordless options mean you can get glam in your hotel, airport bathroom, or in the car on the way to your next luxe vaycay.

Pros and Cons of the Modern Auto Curler

Pros:

• So Easy: No guesswork. Insert hair, press, done. No pro skills needed.
• Consistent Results: Perfect, even curls every. single. time.
• Safety First: Heat stays inside, so your ears and neck are safe.
• Cordless Freedom: Some are cordless for totally untethered glam.
• Multiple Settings: Heat, time, and curl direction are all customisable to suit you.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Newbies might need a moment to get the hang of it—but hey, everyone wobbles a bit the first time you ride a bike.
• Takes a Minute: On longer hair lengths, curling small sections may be slower than the traditional “wand method”.
• Not Mini: A bit bulkier in your kit than super-slim wands.
• Green-Eyed Monster:  Your straight hair may feel neglected.

Speed vs Precision: Race to the Curls

Manual Curlers: Quick if you’re already a hair ninja. Great for fast, messy, carefree looks and big chunks.

Automatic Curlers: Give you symmetry and perfect curls. A bit slower per section, but basically error-proof. Want event-ready, red-carpet perfection? This is your BFF.

Our tip: Using the  VS Sassoon Curl Secret? You can pick preset times and heat levels for tight to loose curls, then legitimately walk away knowing each curl will match.

IRL Style: Why Everyone’s Adding a VS Sassoon Auto Curler To Cart

Instant insta-glam is real with our viral stylers: 

Chill Beach Waves: Grab the Curl Secret Max Ceramic Auto Curler. It has a larger 32mm barrel for girlies with frizzy, long, thick and unruly hair. Think effortless, wind-tousled perfection that Gigi Hadid wears on her day off.

Bouncy Ringlets: Curl Secret Cordless Ceramic Auto Curler is perfection for short to mid-length hair. Use high heat and max time, and bam, you’ve got ringlets for days just like Zendaya when she wakes up.

Red-Carpet Waves: Use the Unbound Shine Pro Cordless Auto Curler on high heat and small sections; think megawatt award-night volume.

Textured Mix: Relaxed curls, no rules. With corded or cordless convenience, the Unbound Cord/Cordless Auto Curler makes it easy to mix it up like a true off-duty A-lister.

Let’s Wrap This Up

No skills, no time, no worries. Automatic curlers are the ultimate style tool for anyone after perfect curls at the touch of a button. Hair goes in - curl comes out. It’s as simple as that - no open fire required! 

So get your hands on a VS Sassoon auto curler today and leave yourself more time to put the work in where it matters. 

Love your style, the VS Sassoon team xx