Learning how to use an automatic curling iron starts with a few simple habits: prepare dry, detangled hair, work in small sections and learn the controls before styling your whole head.
This automatic curling iron tutorial covers your first session with the MAIMEITE C168 4-in-1 hair styler, from choosing an attachment to curling, changing heads and using the straightening brush. Keep the instructions supplied with your unit nearby, especially when checking the attachment connection and hair-release procedure.
Get to know your C168 before switching it on
The C168 has a shared handle and three interchangeable styling heads:
| Attachment | What it is for |
|---|---|
| 25 mm curling barrel | More defined curls |
| 32 mm curling barrel | Looser curls and softer waves |
| Straightening brush | Smoothing and straightening dry hair |
Choose your head before heating the appliance. For your first practice session, learning to position and release one neat section matters more than completing a full hairstyle quickly.
Not sure which barrel to choose? Read our 25mm vs 32mm curling iron guide to compare curl shapes and find the right size for your styling goals.
The product’s listed temperature settings are 160°C, 180°C, 200°C and 220°C. Start with the lowest setting suitable for your hair and follow the supplied guidance. A higher setting is not automatically better, and the lowest setting is not a guarantee that every hair condition can tolerate heat.
Prepare fully dry, detangled hair
Before using either the curling head or the straightening brush:
- Dry your hair completely. Do not use the C168 on wet or damp hair.
- Detangle gently. Work through knots with an ordinary comb before bringing a rotating tool near your hair.
- Use heat protectant as directed. If the product leaves your hair damp, let it dry before heat styling.
- Set up a clear space. Keep your comb, clips and mirror within reach, with a suitable heat-resistant surface for the appliance.
Keep the styler away from water and keep the heated head clear of your skin. Hold it by the handle during use.
Prepare dry, tangle-free hair before heat styling.
How to section hair for curling
Sectioning makes it easier to see which strands you have already styled and keeps loose hair away from the rotating area.
- Separate the upper hair from the lower layer and clip it out of the way.
- Take one small, smooth section from the lower layer.
- Comb through that section and keep neighboring strands separate.
- Finish the lower layer before releasing another layer from the clips.
The section should fit comfortably in the curling head without crowding it. If strands bunch together or you struggle to position them, divide the section again. You do not need to style all the hair on one side at once.
Clip the upper layer away and work with one small lower section.
How to use the automatic curling head, step by step
For your first curl, choose a section you can see clearly in the mirror. Work slowly and keep unstyled hair and clips away from the rotating head.
1. Fit the curling head while the appliance is cool
With the device switched off, unplugged and fully cool, fit your chosen curling head using the connection procedure supplied with your unit. Check that it is firmly seated before reconnecting power.
2. Power on and select the settings
The C168 product guide shows pressing and holding the power control for about two seconds to switch on. Select the temperature and curling direction, then wait for the ready beep before positioning your hair.
Use the direction control shown on your unit. If you are unsure which direction a control selects, check the supplied C168 instructions before loading a section.
3. Hold the device upright and position one section
Hold the handle vertically and place your separated strand into the curling head as shown in your unit’s instructions. Keep the heated area clear of your scalp, ears and face. Check that nearby loose strands are not entering with it.
4. Use the rotation control to wrap the strand
Press the rotation button and hold it until the section is wrapped, following the C168 operating guide. Stop pressing once the strand is wrapped; do not keep feeding additional hair into the same curl.
If hair catches or feels uncomfortable, stop rotation and switch the appliance off. Do not pull against trapped hair. Follow the hair-release procedure supplied with your unit and ask support for help if it does not release easily.
5. Release at the indicated signal
The C168 product guide indicates removing the section after two beeps. Gently release the hair using the method in your supplied instructions. Avoid adding extra holding time while learning the tool.
Do not replace the model’s signal with a fixed number of seconds copied from a different curling iron.
6. Repeat through the remaining sections
Let the released curl rest while you move to the next section. Work through the lower layer, then the remaining layers, keeping section sizes reasonably consistent.
Switch off and unplug the appliance when you have finished, then leave it on a suitable heat-resistant surface until completely cool.
Let each curl cool before separating it
Avoid brushing or pulling apart a curl immediately after release. Leave it undisturbed until it has cooled, then gently separate it with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb if you want a softer finish.
Begin with light separation and check the result before brushing more. Your hair’s length, texture, section size and the attachment you chose will all affect the finished look.
For a softer finish, follow our loose curls tutorial for tips on cooling and gently separating each curl.
How to change hair styler attachments
The most convenient approach is to choose your attachment before starting. If you want to switch during a session:
- Switch off the appliance and unplug it.
- Wait until the fitted head is completely cool.
- Remove and replace the attachment using the connection procedure supplied with your unit. Do not force the joint.
- Check that the replacement head is firmly seated before reconnecting power.
The two curling barrels are for curls and waves. Choose the straightening brush when you want to smooth and straighten dry hair.
How to use the straightening brush
Once the cool appliance has been fitted with the straightening brush, prepare dry, detangled hair and divide it into manageable layers.
Select a suitable temperature and wait until the appliance is ready. Take one section at a time and guide the brush steadily from below the roots toward the ends, keeping the heated area away from your scalp. Avoid holding it stationary against one part of your hair.
Let the section settle and check it before making another pass. Finish the lower layers before releasing the upper hair. This attachment is for styling dry hair, so complete any drying before you begin.
Common beginner problems
| What you notice | What to check first |
|---|---|
| Hair is difficult to position | Detangle it again and use a smaller section. Keep neighboring strands separate. |
| Curls look uneven | Keep section sizes consistent and check that the same attachment and settings are being used. |
| Curls loosen when you finish | Let each curl cool before brushing or separating it. Start with less brushing. |
| Hair catches in the head | Stop rotation, switch off and follow the supplied release instructions. Do not yank the tool. |
Change one part of your routine at a time so you can understand what helps. Avoid repeatedly reheating the same strand while experimenting.
Clean and store the styler after use
Unplug the appliance and let it cool completely before cleaning or changing heads. Follow the supplied cleaning instructions, use a soft cloth where permitted and avoid abrasive tools on the heating surface. Never immerse the appliance in water.
Store the handle and attachments in a dry place without putting tension on the connector or cord.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the MAIMEITE C168 on wet hair?
No. Use both the curling heads and straightening brush on fully dry hair. If a styling product has dampened your hair, let it dry before using heat.
Which curling head should a beginner choose?
Choose by the look you want: the 25 mm head is intended for more defined curls, while the 32 mm head is intended for looser curls and waves. With either head, begin with one small practice section.
How long should I hold the hair in the curling head?
Follow the operating signal and instructions for your C168. The product-page guide indicates releasing after two beeps; it does not establish a universal holding time for every curling iron or hair type.
How do I use the 4-in-1 hair styler for a straight look?
Fit the straightening brush while the device is off, unplugged and cool. Then work through dry, detangled hair in sections, moving the brush steadily toward the ends.
What if my unit’s controls look different?
Use the instructions supplied with your exact unit. If an attachment, button or signal does not match this guide, contact MAIMEITE support before continuing.
Start with one section
Your first session is a chance to learn the controls and find a comfortable routine. Prepare your hair, separate one neat section and complete the full wrap, release and cooling sequence before moving on.
You can check the current attachments and product details on the MAIMEITE C168 automatic curling iron product page.
Product-specific information follows the MAIMEITE C168 product page and its operating graphic. Read the instructions supplied with your appliance before use. Editorial illustrations in this guide are AI-generated and do not document a measured product test or guaranteed styling result.