Create Twin Bell Plus hot perm machine on a trolley stand

The Create Twin Bell Plus is a heated-rod perm machine that comes as a complete trolley. "Simple to operate, easy to use" is how the manufacturer sums it up. The rods are ceramic and, according to Create, give off far-infrared heat. Temperature and time are set with one-touch buttons, so a stylist who is new to hot perms gets comfortable with it quickly.

This is a long-running model - the first version was developed in 2004. The rods plug in through a single-pin adapter, which Create calls its new connector type, and come in nine diameters: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 30 mm. The starter set listed by the manufacturer is 40 rods: ten each of 12, 14 and 16 mm and five each of 20 and 22 mm. We confirm exactly what ships with your machine when you order.

The rod cables run from two flexible stainless steel arms that you can bend into whatever position suits the head you are working on. The power terminals light up, so you can see straight away that a rod is live.

A built-in air purifier is the other feature worth knowing about. According to the manufacturer, it releases ozone and negative ions to clear perm odour around the station. Below the control unit there are two trays with compartments for clips, end papers and small tools, and at the bottom a holder and casters, so the whole trolley rolls to the next chair.

How it compares with the Create Wave Master. These are different machines with different rods. The Wave Master uses film-heated rods with a sensor in every rod, runs from 60 to 140 °C in 1 °C steps and has an LCD display with S-, M- and L-Style programs. The Twin Bell Plus uses ceramic rods, works from 80 to 110 °C in 10 °C steps and has a plain panel with a digital timer, mode buttons and a temperature scale. In its FAQ, Create explains the difference between the two approaches: a setting-type machine with high heat and ceramic rods gives a bigger, bouncier curl, while a digital machine lets you work closer to the scalp and on short hair. Twin Bell rods, clips and papers are made for this machine only and do not go on the Wave Master.

Who it is for

• Stylists after big, springy curls from ceramic rods.
• Salons that want a simple panel: time, mode and temperature in a few presses.
• Anyone who likes everything within reach - rods, clips and papers sit on the same trolley.
• Salons already running a Twin Bell that want a second machine for the same rods.

FAQ

The temperature climbs and then stops. Is it faulty?

No. According to the manufacturer, the machine cuts the heat once it reaches the set temperature and switches it back on when the temperature drops.

Will Minimini or Wave Master rods fit?

No. Create states that the Twin Bell and the Minimini in Multi Perm use different connectors and are built differently, and it makes no compatibility claim for the Wave Master either. Use Twin Bell rods only.

Can I wash the rods?

No, Twin Bell rods are not waterproof. The manufacturer suggests wiping them with a damp towel.

What voltage does it need?

Create lists 220 V / 60 Hz. We confirm voltage and plug type for your country when you order.

Apply the perm solution following its own instructions, wind the sections onto Twin Bell rods with end papers and clips, and plug the rods in. Use the mode button to pick the hair type (coarse or healthy), press TEMP to step through the 80-110 °C scale, then set the time. You can pause the timer and turn it by hand as the service goes on. The final setting is the stylist's call, based on the solution and the hair.

After heating, Create recommends letting the rods cool until there is no warmth left - usually about 10 minutes - before applying the neutralizer. If you can still feel heat, give it a little longer.