BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 16mm for Classic Defined Curls

Q: What temperature should I use for my hair type?

There are 5 settings from 140C to 200C (284-392F). Use the lower settings for fine, fragile, bleached or coloured hair, and the higher settings for thicker, coarser hair. Always test on the lowest setting that still forms a curl, then increase only if needed. The buttons auto-lock after 4 seconds to stop accidental changes while you wind; hold + or - for 1.5 seconds to unlock.

The BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 16mm is a high-performance clamp tong built for classic, defined curls on any hair length. The slim 16mm barrel is the size stylists reach for when a client wants tight-to-medium curls, ringlets, and polished shape that holds — the kind of defined finish you cannot reliably get from a wide barrel. Its extended 160mm barrel lets you wrap longer sections in a single pass, and the integrated clamp keeps the section anchored from root to tip while you work.

At a glance

Slim 16mm barrel for classic, defined curls and ringlets on any hair length
Black oxide barrel with ceramic clamp for even heat transfer and smooth release
5 temperature settings from 140°C / 284°F to 200°C / 392°F
Ready to use in 25 seconds
Extended 160mm barrel length for faster styling of longer sections
Multi-voltage (100-240V) for use anywhere in the world

What it is

This is the clamp version of a curling tool, not a clamp-free wand. The spring-activated lever holds each section securely between the clamp and the barrel, so you can anchor the hair and wind from mid-length down without it slipping. That control is what makes a clamp tong forgiving and repeatable for uniform, defined curls, where a wand asks you to hold the ends free for a looser, more tousled wave. The 16mm diameter sits at the defined end of the curl spectrum: tighter and more structured than a 25mm or 32mm barrel, looser than a 10mm or 13mm.

Top features

Slim 16mm black oxide barrel — creates classic, defined curls and ringlets, and works across short, medium and long hair.
Ceramic clamp and satin-finished barrel — deliver even heat transfer and a smooth release, so curls form cleanly and slide off without snagging.
5 temperature settings — 140°C / 160°C / 180°C / 190°C / 200°C (284-392°F), LED-indicated, so you can match the heat to the hair in front of you.
Auto-lock temperature control — the buttons lock after 4 seconds of use to prevent accidental changes mid-wind; hold + or - for 1.5 seconds to unlock.
Quick heat-up and last-setting memory — ready in 25 seconds, and it returns to your previous setting on switch-on for faster styling.
Built for control — cool tip, built-in safety stand, 180g balanced body, and a 2.8m 360° swivel cord that resists tangling.

Key specs

Barrel diameter: 16mm
Barrel length: 160mm (extended)
Barrel finish: black oxide; ceramic clamp
Temperature settings: 140 / 160 / 180 / 190 / 200°C (284-392°F), 5 levels
Heat-up time: ready in 25 seconds
Auto shut-off: after 20 minutes
Power: 100-240V, 50-60Hz, 160W, multi-voltage
Weight: 180g
Cord: 2.8m, 360° swivel
Warranty: 2 years

What's in the box

BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 16mm (BAB2491E)
Heat mat with storage compartment
Protective styling glove

Who it is for

Stylists and home users who want classic, defined curls and ringlets rather than loose beach waves
Anyone working on short to long hair who wants one barrel that covers tight-to-medium curl shapes
Users who prefer a clamp to hold the section, for repeatable, uniform curls without free-handing the ends
Anyone styling internationally who needs a dual-voltage tool

Who it is not for

If you mainly want soft, loose beach waves, a wider 32mm or 38mm barrel suits that look better.
If you prefer wrapping hair freely with no clamp, a clamp-free wand is the better choice.

How to use

Start on dry, sectioned hair that has been combed through. Press the lever, place the tong mid-length up the section, and spread the hair evenly between the clamp and the barrel. Wind the section around the barrel at a slight angle for a spiral curl, keeping the hair in a single even layer so it does not overlap. Hold for 5 to 8 seconds depending on texture and length, then press the lever and pull the tong away. Let the curl cool fully before you comb or brush it out, which is what sets the shape and helps it last. Match the heat to the hair: use the lower settings for fine, fragile, bleached or coloured hair and the higher settings for thicker, coarser hair, and always test on the lowest setting that forms a curl before increasing.

Maintenance

Always switch off and unplug after use, then wrap the tong in the supplied heat mat and let it cool completely before storing it in the mat's compartment — it stays hot for several minutes, so keep it out of reach of children. The black oxide barrel is non-stick and wear-resistant; wipe it clean when cool. Do not wrap the cord around the tool; coil it loosely alongside instead to protect the cord over time.

In short

A 16mm clamp tong for classic, defined curls and ringlets on any hair length.
Black oxide barrel and ceramic clamp, 5 settings (140-200°C), ready in 25 seconds.
Multi-voltage, with cool tip, safety stand, glove and heat mat included.

Complete your styling kit

› BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 19mm (BAB2492E) — the next size up, for slightly looser defined curls and classic styles.
› BaBylissPRO Curling Tong 13mm (BAB2490E) — the next size down, for tighter, more compact curls.
› BaBylissPRO Conical Wand 19-13mm (BAB2480E) — a clamp-free wand for softer, more natural curls and waves.

Frequently asked questions

Who is this curling tong for?

It is for stylists and home users who want classic, defined curls and ringlets rather than loose beach waves. The clamp holds each section for you, so curls come out uniform and repeatable, and the 16mm barrel works across short, medium and long hair.

What size curl does a 16mm barrel make, and how is it different from 19mm or 25mm?

The slim 16mm barrel sits at the defined end of the range: tight-to-medium curls and ringlets with structure and hold. Stepping up to a 19mm or 25mm barrel gives progressively looser, softer curls. For loose beach waves, a 32mm or 38mm barrel is the better fit. If you want a wider or tighter look, BaBylissPRO offers this tong in 13mm, 19mm, 25mm, 32mm and 38mm.

What temperature should I use for my hair type?

There are 5 settings from 140°C to 200°C (284-392°F). Use the lower settings for fine, fragile, bleached or coloured hair, and the higher settings for thicker, coarser hair. Always test on the lowest setting that still forms a curl, then increase only if needed. The buttons auto-lock after 4 seconds to stop accidental changes while you wind; hold + or - for 1.5 seconds to unlock.

Is this a clamp tong or a clamp-free wand?

It is a clamp tong. The spring-activated lever holds the section between the clamp and the barrel, which makes uniform, defined curls easier and more repeatable. If you prefer wrapping hair freely for a looser, more tousled wave, the clamp-free BaBylissPRO Conical Wand 19-13mm is the alternative.

How long until it is ready, and does it shut off on its own?

It is ready to use in about 25 seconds. The LEDs stop flashing once the set temperature is reached. For safety it shuts off automatically after about 20 minutes of no use; press the power button to switch it back on. It also remembers your last setting on switch-on.

Can I use it abroad, and what comes with it?

Yes. It is multi-voltage (100-240V), so it works anywhere in the world with the correct plug adapter. In the box you get the tong, a heat mat with a storage compartment, and a protective styling glove. It carries a 2-year warranty.