ReFa Curl Iron Pro+ RE-CD-48A: Curling with Heat Starting from 80°C

I want to curl my hair. But it is also a fact that every time I use a curling iron, I am applying heat to my hair.

I want to curl it to look beautiful, yet I am damaging it to achieve that. Have you ever felt that small sense of guilt?

That was when I found the ReFa Curl Iron Pro+ (RE-CD-48A). The manufacturer's claim is that it is a tool for curling with heat, yet it does not cause damage. That was the one point that caught my attention.

*PR

■ What is the Carbon Layer Plate?

The core of this curling iron, according to ReFa, is a material called the Carbon Layer Plate.

The official description states it is a three-layer structure consisting of high-density carbon, a heater, and a low-resilience coating. It is designed to transfer heat gently rather than all at once.

One concern with heat-curling irons is the "steam explosion" that occurs when high heat is applied to hair that still contains moisture. According to the manufacturer, this plate prevents cuticle damage caused by that phenomenon.

Not many people choose a product by understanding all the underlying logic. However, if you follow the official claims, the way this plate transfers heat is the primary factor in how it reduces damage.

■ Being able to choose temperatures from 80°C to 180°C

The Pro+ allows you to choose from six temperature settings ranging from 80°C to 180°C.

The temperature settings are 80/100/120/140/160/180°C. Looking at these numbers, this was where my eyes stopped once again.

When you think of curling irons, you imagine using high temperatures like 160°C or 180°C to set the style quickly. But this iron has lower temperature ranges of 80°C and 100°C below that.

You can choose between the method of curling quickly at high temperatures and the method of curling at lower temperatures. Both can be selected with the same device.

I interpreted the Pro+'s claim of "curling with heat without causing damage" to lie in this range of selectable temperatures. You can lower the temperature on days you don't want to cause damage, and raise it on days you want a firm style.

The time it takes to heat up also depends on the temperature: about 20 seconds for 80°C, and about 50 seconds even for 180°C. Even if you choose a lower temperature, you won't be kept waiting too long.

The official documentation states that they have enlarged the two heaters to minimize temperature differences depending on the position of the curl.

Of course, it is said that if you curl at a lower temperature, the way the curl forms and how long it lasts will change. That is not a matter with a single correct answer, as it depends on the temperature and your hair type.

Even so, the figure of six levels starting from 80°C is significant. Considering that the standard Pro model had four levels (120–180°C), this expanded temperature range at the lower end is the biggest change in the Pro+.

■ The Pro+ in numbers

The specs are not particularly heavy-duty.

・Weight: Approx. 400g (including power cord)
・Temperature settings: 6 levels from 80 to 180°C (with a wider range at the lower end)
・Cord length: Approx. 2.5m (long enough to reach from a vanity or dresser outlet)
・Power: AC100V-240V (compatible with international use; can be taken on trips)

At approximately 400g, looking at the numbers alone, it is neither noticeably heavy nor light for a 32mm curling iron.

The power turns off automatically after about 60 minutes. This means if you forget to turn it off on a busy morning, it will shut itself down.

It only comes in Champagne Greige and only in the 32mm size. Since there is no room for choice, you could say it saves you from having to decide.

■ Where it differs from the classic curling iron

How you choose depends on what you value most.

When it comes to standard curling irons, the Create Ion Curl Pro SR has long been used by hairstylists. It is a staple in the field, equipped with Create Ion to quickly shape hair with heat.

▼ If you are interested in a classic iron that curls quickly, check out the Create Curl Pro SR

If you prefer to curl quickly with high-temperature glide, there is also the KINUJO iron with its silk plate. If you want a 2-way iron that can also straighten, one iron can handle both.

▼ If you want to try high-temperature glide with a single iron using silk plates, check out the KINUJO 2-way iron

The ReFa Pro+ is aimed in a slightly different direction than either of those. With its Carbon Layer Plate and a wider temperature range on the lower end, it is designed to curl while controlling heat.

Also, the Pro+ only comes in 32mm. It is suitable for thicker, looser curls or for adding soft movement around the face. If you want tight, defined curls, that is the job for a thinner iron.

■ For those who want to choose their temperature for curling

The question I had at the beginning—how does it curl with heat without damaging hair?—was answered more simply than I expected after looking into it.

It is the ability to select temperatures starting from 80°C. It has a new, lower temperature range among its 6 settings. While I cannot say for sure that it causes no damage, it provides an escape route in the same device by allowing you to curl at lower temperatures.

For those who curl their hair almost every day, those who prefer loose, soft curls over tight ones, and those who want to minimize heat exposure to their hair as much as possible, there is a reason to choose this.

However, it is hard to tell from the marketing claims alone exactly what "damage-less" or "color-fading prevention" entails. You should check the official website for that. Since it only comes in Champagne Greige and only in 32mm, you can check the actual color and stock on Rakuten before deciding.

Specs and prices are subject to change.
Please check the official website for any points you are curious about.

※ Created based on information at the time of research.

■ Related Articles
If you want to choose based on curl size with different thicknesses, consider the Create Ion Magnet Hair Pro Curl Iron, which comes in various sizes.

If you want to fix everything from bangs to fine details at the ends of your hair with a single tool, consider the ReFa Finger Iron ST.