BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 13mm for Tight Curls (BAB2490E)

Q: What temperature range does it offer and how is the heat controlled?

There are five settings: 140u00b0C, 160u00b0C, 180u00b0C, 190u00b0C and 200u00b0C (284u00b0F to 392u00b0F). White LEDs show the selected level and flash until it is reached. After 4 seconds of use the controls auto-lock to prevent accidental changes; press and hold the plus or minus button for 1.5 seconds to unlock them.

The BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 13mm is the slimmest barrel in the range, built for tight, defined curls, spiral ringlets and added texture on any hair length. With a non-stick black oxide barrel, a ceramic gloss-glaze clamp for smooth release and five precise heat settings, it gives you salon-ready curls that hold — whether you are styling in the salon or on a session shoot.

Top features

13mm slim barrel — the tightest curl in the range, ideal for ringlets, spiral curls and structured texture that holds its shape.
5 heat settings with auto-lock — 140°C / 160°C / 180°C / 190°C / 200°C (284°F / 320°F / 356°F / 374°F / 392°F), so you can match the heat to fine, coloured or thick hair. The controls lock automatically after 4 seconds to prevent accidental changes mid-style.
Fast, even heat — ready to use in around 25 seconds, with uniform, sustained temperature across the whole barrel and rapid heat recovery between sections.
Black oxide barrel and ceramic clamp — the non-stick coating and ceramic gloss-glaze clamp give a smooth release and a polished finish, and wipe clean easily.
Comfort lever and cool tip — a spring-activated lever reduces thumb pressure during long styling sessions, and the streamlined cool tip helps you guide and release each section safely.
Memory and auto shut-off — the tong returns to your last-used setting when switched on, and powers off automatically after about 20 minutes.

Who it is for

Stylists and home users who want tight, defined curls, ringlets and spiral curls rather than loose waves.
Anyone adding texture and definition to specific sections, or curling shorter lengths such as bobs and pixie cuts where a slim barrel grips best.
Users who style across different hair types and want five temperature steps from a gentle 140°C up to 200°C.
Stylists working between locations who need a multi-voltage tool that runs anywhere on 100-240V.

Who it is not for

If you mainly want soft beachy waves or big, bouncy curls, a wider barrel such as the 32mm or 38mm suits that look better.
If you prefer a clampless wand for free-form curling, the 10mm wand or the 19-13mm conical wand are the easier choice.
On very long hair, tight 13mm curls take more time to work through the full head — worth knowing before you choose this size.

How to use it

Start with dry, detangled hair divided into even sections. Press the lever, place the tong about midway up the section and wind the hair around the barrel at a slight angle for a spiral movement, keeping the section spread evenly so it does not overlap. Hold for 5 to 8 seconds depending on hair texture and length, then release the lever and slide the tong away. Let each curl cool before you brush or style it further — cooling is what sets the shape. Always rest the tong on the supplied heat mat during and after use, and use the protective styling glove to shield your fingers while you wrap.

In short

The slimmest 13mm barrel in the range for tight curls, ringlets and texture.
Five auto-lock heat settings (140-200°C), ready in around 25 seconds, with a non-stick black oxide barrel and ceramic clamp.
Comfort lever, cool tip, memory, 20-minute auto shut-off and multi-voltage, supplied with a heat mat and protective glove.

Complete your styling kit

› BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 16mm — the next size up for tight-to-classic defined curls.
› BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 19mm — classic, defined curls for everyday styling.
› BaBylissPRO Curling Wand 10mm — a clampless wand for even tighter ringlets.
› BaBylissPRO Conical Wand 19-13mm — a tapered, clampless wand for natural curls and waves.
› BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 32mm — the bigger-barrel option for soft waves and volume.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of curls does the 13mm barrel create?

The 13mm is the slimmest barrel in the range, so it creates tight, defined curls, spiral ringlets and structured texture. If you want softer, looser waves, a wider barrel such as the 32mm or 38mm gives that result instead.

Is it suitable for my hair type and length?

Yes. The five heat settings let you start low for fine, fragile, coloured or bleached hair and go higher for thicker, coarser hair. The slim barrel grips short lengths such as bobs and pixie cuts well; on very long hair, tight 13mm curls simply take a little more time to work through the whole head.

What temperature range does it offer and how is the heat controlled?

There are five settings: 140°C, 160°C, 180°C, 190°C and 200°C (284°F to 392°F). White LEDs show the selected level and flash until it is reached. After 4 seconds of use the controls auto-lock to prevent accidental changes; press and hold the plus or minus button for 1.5 seconds to unlock them.

How fast does it heat up?

It is ready to use in around 25 seconds. Temperature stays uniform across the whole barrel and recovers quickly between sections, so styling stays consistent from the first curl to the last.

What voltage does it run on, and can I travel with it?

It is multi-voltage (100-240V, 50-60Hz), so it works anywhere in the world with the correct plug adapter. A 20-minute auto shut-off and a heat-protection mat add peace of mind when you are styling away from home.

How do I keep the curl in and care for the barrel?

Let each curl cool fully before brushing or styling further — cooling is what sets the shape and helps it last. The non-stick black oxide barrel wipes clean easily once cool; do not wrap the cord around the tong, and always rest it on the supplied heat mat. If you want to compare sizes, the BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 16mm and 19mm sit just above the 13mm in the same range.