It happens to almost everyone in their first week: a section catches and the curler stops halfway. The fix is calm and simple — and once you know the six causes, it rarely happens again.
- 5-step safe release
- The 6 causes of tangling
- A pre-curl checklist
How to free hair from an automatic curler: 5 steps
- 1. Switch it off. Turn the device off first so the chamber stops moving and starts cooling.
- 2. Support the weight. Hold the curler still with one hand so it doesn't hang from your hair.
- 3. Wait for it to cool. A minute or two. Freeing hair from a hot chamber risks burns.
- 4. Ease the hair out. Gently work the strands out a few at a time, in the opposite direction to how they went in. Follow any release instructions in your manual.
- 5. Detangle and check. Comb the section through with a wide-tooth comb, then check the chamber is clear of loose hairs before using it again.
Why automatic curlers tangle: the 6 causes
| Cause | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Section too big | The chamber can't take all the hair at once | Two fingers wide or less; split thick sections |
| Knots in the hair | A knot catches on the way in | Detangle every section first |
| Wrong angle | Hair enters twisted or diagonally | Hold the section taut and straight, as shown in your guide |
| Hair placed at the edge | Strands slip outside the guide | Place the section centrally, as your guide shows |
| Heavy oils or creams | Hair is sticky and clumps | Use light products; let them dry first |
| Build-up in the chamber | Residue grips the hair | Clean the chamber regularly (cool and off) |
Pre-curl checklist
Before every curl
- Hair completely dry and detangled
- Section two fingers wide or less
- No stray strands at the edges
- Section held taut and straight
- Device positioned clear of the scalp
- Chamber clean
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic CurlerFrom €32.99View productIf it keeps happening
Go back to smaller sections — that solves most repeat tangles. If hair catches even with small, detangled sections placed exactly as the guide shows, stop using the device and contact the seller. For a full beginner method, see how to use an automatic hair curler, and for cleaning, how to clean your curler.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my hair is stuck in my curler?
Switch it off, hold it still, let it cool, then gently ease the strands out in the opposite direction. Don't pull.
Why does my automatic curler eat my hair?
Usually sections are too big, the hair has knots, or it enters at an angle. Small, detangled, straight sections prevent it.
Can an automatic curler damage hair if it tangles?
Pulling a caught section can break hair. Switch off and release gently instead.
Is it the curler or me?
If small, detangled sections placed as the guide shows still catch, contact the seller.
Curls without the cable
The Curlylooks cordless automatic curler: ceramic-coated chamber, adjustable temperature and curl direction, USB rechargeable. Free shipping worldwide.
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Safety note: heat tools get hot. Always follow the operating and safety instructions supplied with your device, use on dry hair only, keep heated parts away from skin and scalp, switch off after use and store out of reach of children.





