To get loose curls with an automatic curling iron, form neat curls first, let them cool and then gently separate them. This gives you a starting shape that you can soften gradually into broad curls and relaxed movement. Trying to make the result looser by loading a large section can make the hair harder to position and the shape less consistent.
This guide focuses on those styling choices, using the MAIMEITE C168 as an example. If you are learning the controls for the first time, read the automatic curling iron beginner’s guide before starting.
Choose a barrel for the starting shape you want
A wider barrel generally gives you a larger starting curl. On the C168, the 32mm curling head is the natural option to consider for broad curls and softer movement, provided your hair has enough length to fit the attachment comfortably.
The 25mm head starts with more definition. You can soften that shape after cooling, but it will not necessarily look identical to a curl made with the wider head. Your hair length, natural texture and finishing routine also influence the result. Our 25mm vs 32mm barrel guide explains the size choice in more detail.
Choose the attachment before heating the appliance. If you need to change it, switch off, unplug and let the fitted head cool completely before following the supplied connection instructions.
Prepare hair that is dry and easy to separate
Start with fully dry, detangled hair. Both knots and damp sections make it harder to work consistently. If you use a heat protectant, follow its directions and let any moisture dry before using the curling head.
Keep preparation simple while learning your preferred finish. Adding several styling products at once makes it harder to tell which part of the routine helped or left your hair feeling weighed down. Use products suitable for your hair and intended for the stage at which you apply them.
Clip the upper layers out of the way and begin with a lower section that you can see clearly. Keep nearby strands separate so they do not enter the rotating area together.
Prepare dry, detangled hair before using a heated curling head.Keep sections small, even when you want bigger curls
Loose curls describe the finished shape; they do not require a large handful of hair in the tool. Use a small, smooth section that fits your automatic curling head according to its instructions. If it bunches together or becomes difficult to position, separate it into smaller sections.
Work with reasonably even amounts of hair as you move through each layer. A very small strand beside a crowded section may produce different-looking curls even when you use the same attachment and temperature.
Select a temperature suitable for your hair and follow the guidance supplied with your appliance. Higher heat is not a shortcut to a softer finish or a guarantee of better hold. Keep the heated area away from your scalp, ears and face.
Use the tool’s own wrapping and release sequence. Once released, leave the curl alone while you work on the next section.
Small, even sections help keep neighboring strands out of the rotating area.Let the curl cool before deciding it is too tight
A freshly released curl may look more defined than the final style you have in mind. Avoid immediately pulling it apart to check how loose it can become. Let it cool undisturbed before making that decision.
Move through the lower layer and then release another layer from your clips. Keep finished curls separate from the sections you have not styled. You do not need to comb each curl as soon as it leaves the tool.
When the curls have cooled, look at the overall shape. This gives you a more useful starting point for finishing than repeatedly brushing warm hair and then trying to restore the curl.
Open the curls a little at a time
Begin with your fingers. Gently separate a few cooled curls and check the movement through the lengths. Work lightly around the ends so you can see how much definition remains.
If you want a softer finish, try a wide-tooth comb through one cooled section before combing the whole head. Start toward the ends and work gently through any resistance. Make a light pass, then pause to assess the shape. More brushing may soften the curl further, but it can also remove more definition than you intended.
Stop when the result has the movement you like. There is no requirement to make every curl equally open. A little variation can suit a relaxed finish, especially around layers and the face.
Apply any finishing product according to its directions. Begin sparingly so you can judge the effect before adding more. No product or barrel size can guarantee that every hair type will keep the same shape throughout the day.
Let curls cool before opening the shape a little at a time.Adjust the routine to your hair’s response
Hair that loses definition easily may need less separation than you expect. If your curls look almost straight after finishing, leave more of the original shape in place next time. Try using your fingers alone before reaching for a brush.
If your hair keeps a pronounced curl pattern, a little more gentle separation after cooling may bring it closer to a loose finish. You can also consider the wider attachment for a future session if it fits your hair length and the tool’s instructions.
For thick or dense hair, work through additional layers rather than crowding the curling head. For shorter layers, check whether the hair can be positioned safely in the particular appliance. Neither 25mm nor 32mm is automatically suitable for every short haircut.
Troubleshoot the finish before changing everything
| What you notice | A small adjustment to try next time |
|---|---|
| The curls look too defined after cooling | Separate them gently in stages. Consider the wider barrel in a later session if suitable for your hair. |
| The shape disappears after brushing | Try less brushing and preserve more definition. Check the result after each light pass. |
| Some sections look much curlier than others | Keep section sizes consistent and use the same attachment and settings while comparing results. |
| Hair is difficult to position in the head | Detangle again, reduce the section and check the appliance’s hair-length guidance. |
Change one part of your routine at a time. Comparing a different barrel, temperature and finishing method all at once makes it difficult to understand what worked. Avoid repeatedly reheating the same strand while experimenting.
Putting the routine together with the MAIMEITE C168
The MAIMEITE C168 automatic curling iron has three interchangeable styling attachments: a 25mm curling barrel, a 32mm curling barrel and a straightening brush. For a loose-curl routine, consider the 32mm head if it fits your hair length comfortably; keep the individual sections small and soften the shape after cooling.
The straightening brush is a separate attachment for smoothing dry hair. Use an ordinary, unheated wide-tooth comb when gently combing out cooled curls. Choose a setting suitable for your hair according to the supplied C168 instructions rather than using maximum heat by default.
If you need the full button and release sequence, follow the C168 beginner’s guide and the instructions supplied with your unit. Switch off, unplug and let the attachment cool fully before changing heads.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 32mm automatic curling iron best for loose curls?
It is a useful starting point for larger curls and waves, especially when your hair has enough length to fit the tool. The final finish still depends on your hair, sectioning and how you separate the cooled curls.
Can I get loose curls with a 25mm barrel?
You can soften its more defined starting curls after cooling. Use gentle separation and check the shape gradually. Expect a different starting pattern rather than an exact copy of a 32mm result.
Should I use bigger sections for a looser finish?
Use sections that fit your automatic curling head comfortably. Do not overload it to chase a larger curl. Choose a suitable barrel and adjust the finish after cooling instead.
Why do my loose curls fall flat quickly?
Check whether you separated them while warm or brushed away more definition than intended. Hair characteristics, preparation and products can also affect the result. Try one small adjustment during your next session rather than immediately increasing the heat.
Can I make loose curls on damp hair?
Use the C168 on fully dry hair. If washing or a styling product has left a section damp, let it dry completely before bringing it into the curling head.
Illustration note: The hairstyle and preparation images are AI-generated editorial illustrations. They are not photographs of a C168 test, customer before-and-after results or a guarantee of a particular finish.
References: MAIMEITE C168 product information; For appliance operation, follow the instructions supplied with your C168.