Babyliss 38Mm Curling Tong Explained: A UK Buyer's Guide

TL;DR: A babyliss 38mm curling tong is best for loose curls, soft glamour waves and a polished blow-dry style finish on medium to long hair. Based on our testing of large-barrel styling tools, it is usually less suitable for short hair or anyone wanting tight curls. Therefore, if your goal is quick beach waves rather than classic tong curls, a triple-barrel waver may be the better fit.

Key Takeaways

• A babyliss 38mm curling tong is best suited to creating large, soft curls and loose glamour waves rather than tight ringlets.
• The 38mm barrel size generally works best on medium to long hair, where there is enough length to wrap the hair cleanly around the tong.
• If your goal is effortless beach waves or mermaid texture, a triple-barrel waver can often be quicker and easier than a traditional tong.
• Heat control matters. Lower settings can help reduce avoidable damage, especially on fine, coloured or fragile hair.
• For many UK buyers comparing tools, the right choice depends less on brand name and more on barrel size, styling result, clamp design and ease of use.

A babyliss 38mm curling tong is designed to create large, loose curls and soft waves rather than tight curls, and it usually works best on medium to long hair. In other words, if you want relaxed volume, brushed-out movement or a polished occasion look, this barrel size can be a good match; however, if you have shorter hair or want defined curls, it may feel too large.

This guide explains what a 38mm tong actually does, who it suits in the UK market, what to check before buying and when another styling tool may make more sense. At RapidTongs, we assess curl and wave tools from a practical styling perspective: what they create on real hair, how quickly they work and whether they make styling easier rather than more fiddly. Based on our testing of large-barrel tongs and wavers across different hair lengths and textures, the barrel size often matters more than the badge on the handle. Our own product focus is clear too: the hair curl tong that makes flawless beach waves effortless, with salon-worthy mermaid waves in minutes through a 25mm triple barrel design and adjustable heat control.

If you are still comparing sizes, you may also want to read our companion guide to the Babyliss 25mm curling tong in the UK, as a narrower barrel creates a much more defined result.

What is a babyliss 38mm curling tong used for?

A 38mm curling tong uses a relatively wide barrel. Put simply, the wider the barrel, the looser the curl pattern tends to be. As a result, this size is commonly chosen for soft volume through the lengths, brushed-out curls and gentle waves that look more relaxed than structured.

That makes it appealing if you want movement without looking over-styled. It is often used for occasion hair, smooth bends through the ends and classic loose curls rather than defined spirals.

How does a 38mm barrel change the final result?

With a traditional tong, hair wraps around one heated barrel and is held by a clamp. On a 38mm model, each section takes on a broad curve instead of a tight curl. Then, once brushed through, those curves often soften into flowing waves.

This matters because many buyers expect “big curls” from a large tong and are surprised when the result drops into more of a wave. However, that is not usually a fault with the tool; instead, it is simply how larger barrels behave.

Who gets the best results from a babyliss 38mm curling tong?

• Medium to long hair lengths: enough length to wrap around the barrel comfortably
• Hair that holds shape reasonably well: naturally textured or prepped hair often responds better
• Shoppers after polished loose styling: especially for events or smoother glamour waves

Who might find a 38mm curling tong difficult to use?

• Short hair users: there may not be enough length to wrap properly
• Very fine or very straight hair: broad curls can fall quickly without strong prep
• Anyone wanting quick beach-wave texture: a tong can achieve this, but not always as quickly as a dedicated waver

Is a babyliss 38mm curling tong good for your hair type?

Is it suitable for fine hair?

If your hair is fine, flat or struggles to keep shape all day, you may find that a 38mm curling tong creates beautiful movement at first but loses definition faster than expected. Therefore, fine strands often benefit from mousse, heat protect spray with hold or pinning each section briefly while it cools.

According to NHS guidance around protecting fragile hair and scalp from avoidable damage, sensible use of heated tools matters. So, heat settings are important here; there is rarely any benefit in using maximum temperature if your hair responds at lower levels.

Does it work well on thick or coarse hair?

A larger tong can work very well on thick hair because it covers broader sections efficiently. The main challenge is making sure heat reaches evenly through each section. If sections are too chunky, you often end up with surface curl but straighter inner layers.

If your biggest issue is styling time rather than hold, compare whether a waving tool would get you there faster. Based on our testing, many people with dense hair who want consistent S-shaped texture rather than individual curls find that a triple-barrel tool feels far more straightforward.

Is it good for naturally wavy hair?

This texture often responds well to larger barrels because you are enhancing an existing bend instead of forcing straight strands into shape from scratch. As a result, a 38mm tong can smooth and refine natural wave patterns nicely when used section by section.

Can you use a babyliss 38mm curling tong on short hair?

This is where caution helps. If your hair sits around chin or jaw length, even if product photos suggest otherwise, a 38mm barrel may simply be too large for easy wrapping. In practice, you might get an end flick instead of an actual curl pattern.

What should UK buyers check before buying a babyliss 38mm curling tong?

What barrel material should you look for?

Ceramic-coated barrels are common because they help distribute heat more evenly across the surface. That does not mean every ceramic tool performs identically; however, it does suggest smoother glide through the hair and fewer obvious hot spots than older basic metal designs.

Why does temperature control matter?

A useful curling tong should offer adjustable heat rather than one fixed setting. This gives you room to tailor styling based on bleaching history, density and overall condition of your hair.

The Competition and Markets Authority has previously highlighted concerns around misleading online product claims across several sectors in the UK; therefore, when buying electrical beauty tools, look for transparent product information rather than vague promises. Clear temperature details are part of that trust picture.

Do cable length and swivel cords make much difference?

This sounds minor until you actually use the tool. A swivel cord makes styling much easier when working around the back of your head. So if you style regularly before work or before going out, little practical features like this often matter more than flashy packaging language.

What safety features matter in British households?

• UK plug compatibility: ideally no adapter needed
• Cool tip: helpful for safer handling during styling
• Built-in stand: reduces contact with worktops while heating up
• Automatic shut-off: particularly useful if you style in a rush