1. Important Safety Information
Please read all safety instructions carefully before using the Philips HP8696 Essential Care 4-in-1 Multi Hair Curler. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, or personal injury.
- Burn hazard: Surfaces get extremely hot during use. Avoid direct contact with skin, especially the scalp, ears, and neck. Use the cool tip and handle only.
- Electric shock risk: Keep the appliance away from water. Do not use near bathtubs, sinks, showers, or any other water-filled containers. If the appliance falls into water, unplug it immediately. Do not reach into the water.
- Fire risk: Unplug the appliance when not in use. Do not leave it unattended when plugged into an electrical outlet. Ensure the appliance is placed on a heat-resistant surface when hot.
- Children: Keep the appliance out of reach of children. This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Do not use the appliance if the cord or plug is damaged. Contact Philips customer service for repair.
- Do not wrap the power cord around the appliance during storage, as this may damage the cord.
2. Product Overview
The Philips HP8696 Essential Care 4-in-1 Multi Hair Curler is a versatile styling tool designed for creating various curl types and styles. It features a ceramic coating for smooth styling and operates on a wide voltage range (110-240V) for worldwide use.
Key Features:
- 110-240 Volts for use worldwide in any country
- 4 styling attachments for diverse looks
- Constant 190°C temperature for effective styling
- Ceramic coating for smooth gliding and reduced hair damage
- Barrel diameters: 16 mm and 22 mm
Components:

Figure 1: The Philips HP8696 Multi Hair Curler with its standard curling barrel attachment. The device features a red handle, a white ceramic barrel, and a black cool tip.

Figure 2: The Philips HP8696 Multi Hair Curler shown with a brush sleeve attachment. This attachment allows for creating softer waves or adding volume.
3. Setup
- Unpack: Carefully remove the curler and all attachments from the packaging. Check for any signs of damage.
- Choose Attachment: Select the desired styling attachment (e.g., 16mm curling barrel, 22mm curling barrel, brush sleeve, spiral guide).
- Attach: Securely attach the chosen styling accessory to the main unit. Ensure it clicks into place firmly.
- Plug In: Insert the power plug into a suitable electrical outlet (110-240V).
4. Operating Instructions
General Operation:
- Ensure your hair is clean, dry, and free of tangles.
- Plug the appliance into a power outlet.
- Slide the ON/OFF switch to the 'ON' position. The appliance will begin to heat up to its operating temperature of 190°C.
- Allow a few minutes for the appliance to reach its optimal temperature.
- Section your hair into manageable strands, typically 1-2 inches wide, depending on the desired curl size.
- After styling, slide the ON/OFF switch to the 'OFF' position and unplug the appliance.
- Allow the appliance to cool down completely before storing.
Using the Curling Barrels (16mm, 22mm):
- Open the clamp by pressing the lever.
- Place a section of hair between the clamp and the barrel, starting from the ends.
- Close the clamp and carefully roll the curler upwards towards the roots, ensuring the hair is evenly wrapped around the barrel.
- Hold for 5-10 seconds, depending on your hair type and desired curl intensity.
- Release the clamp and gently slide the curler out of the curl.
- Repeat for all sections of hair.
Using the Brush Sleeve:
- Attach the brush sleeve over the curling barrel.
- Take a section of hair and wrap it around the brush sleeve, starting from the ends.
- Hold for a few seconds to set the wave or add volume.
- Gently unroll the hair from the brush sleeve.
5. Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your Philips HP8696 Multi Hair Curler.
- Unplug and Cool: Always unplug the appliance from the power outlet and allow it to cool down completely before cleaning.
- Wipe Surfaces: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces of the appliance and attachments. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Remove Hair: Gently remove any hair strands or product residue from the barrels and brush sleeve.
- Do Not Immerse: Never immerse the appliance or its power cord in water or any other liquid.
- Storage: Store the appliance in a dry, safe place, away from moisture and extreme temperatures. Do not wrap the power cord tightly around the appliance.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Philips HP8696 Multi Hair Curler, refer to the following common solutions:
- Appliance does not heat up:
- Ensure the appliance is securely plugged into a working power outlet.
- Check if the ON/OFF switch is in the 'ON' position.
- Verify that the power outlet itself is functional by testing it with another device.
- Poor curling results:
- Ensure your hair is completely dry before styling.
- Use smaller sections of hair for more defined curls.
- Hold the hair on the barrel for a longer duration (up to 10 seconds).
- Ensure the appliance has reached its full operating temperature before use.
- Appliance smells or smokes:
- Immediately unplug the appliance.
- This could indicate an electrical fault. Do not use the appliance again. Contact customer support.
If the problem persists after trying these solutions, please contact Philips customer support for further assistance.
7. Specifications

Figure 3: Approximate dimensions of the Philips HP8696 Multi Hair Curler, showing a length of about 16 inches (40 cm).
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | HP8696 |
| Voltage | 110-240V (Worldwide use) |
| Operating Temperature | 190°C |
| Coating | Ceramic |
| Barrel Diameters | 16 mm, 22 mm |
| Product Dimensions | 2.83 x 14.17 x 7.24 inches; 1.59 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Philips |
8. Warranty and Support
Philips products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards. For information regarding warranty coverage, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Philips website for your region.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact Philips customer service. Contact details can typically be found on the Philips website or in your product packaging.
When contacting support, please have your product model number (HP8696) and purchase information readily available.