How To Curl Your Hair With Straighteners

One of the best ways to ensure that you get those bouncy curls you want so badly is to get your hair ready before you get started. Because your hair straightener is a heat styling tool, it’s vital to make sure your hair is completely dry before you get started.

Using your straightener on wet or damp hair can damage your strands and the curl won’t hold. If your hair isn’t already dry, add a bit of mousse for volume, then dry it off with a hair dryer.

Make sure to brush out any tangles or knots in your hair so that you don’t have to comb or brush after your curls in place. This can make them fall flat and undo all your hard work.

Before you start, it’s also a good idea to make sure your straightener is hot otherwise the curls won’t hold.

What Type of Straightener to Use

There are many types of hair straighteners available and getting bouncy, beautiful curls means choosing the right one. The experts suggest using a thin flat iron, which is one that is only about 1 to 2 inches in width. This is because this width allows you to wrap your hair around the plate, creating curls without losing the piece of hair that you have selected for your curls.

The ghd IV Styler is a fantastic straightener that works well as a straightener for many hair types and is thin enough to create great curls (the plates are 1 inch in width).

You might also want to consider keeping the temperature low, which helps create curls without frizz. Experiment with the right size and temperature and you should soon be able to figure out which type and heat works best for your hair. You can find affordable hair straighteners in many stores and online so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the curls you desire.

The Use of a Heat Protectant

Anytime you use a heat styling tool on your hair, it’s a good idea to apply some type of heat protection spray. This keeps the straightener from drying out your hair, breaking it or otherwise damaging it. A protectant spray creates a healthy barrier between your strands and the hair straightener.

Using a good heat protectant product keeps frizz at bay and allows you to protect the moisture in your hair. Before working with the hair straightener, apply the protectant product to your hair, using a comb or your fingers to distribute it throughout. Don’t use too much or your hair will be too wet to get a good curl.

For very thick hair, apply your protectant product in sections to be sure you get it applied evenly throughout your entire head of hair. Look for a heat protectant spray or cream at any store that sells hair care supplies.

Parting Hair into Sections

Any time you curl your hair, dividing your hair into sections makes it easy to be sure you get even curls and that you don’t miss any chunks of hair. This technique is no different when you’re using a hair straightener to get curls.

It’s especially important to divide your hair into sections if it is very thick. Start with the bottom layer of your hair, pinning the rest of it up with a clip or barrette on top of your head. You will then curl the bottom layer, then let out another layer, pinning the rest back up and so on and so forth until you have curled each piece of your hair. Once you get to the top layer, you can work front to back to make sure you get curls around your face that are attractive and frame your face in a good way.

Before you turn off your hair straightener, be sure you use a mirror to examine the back and sides so that you can fix any sections you missed or that aren’t holding their curl like the rest of your head.

Types of Curls that Can Be Achieved and Methods

Now that you have a technique and set of steps in mind for getting curls by using your hair straightener, it’s time to get started.

There are several ways you can achieve curls as well as a variety of different types of curls you can get.

– Flicks and curls are an easy way to create a natural look that sits on your shoulders and back without being too big or fluffy. To do this technique, clamp your hair about halfway down, turning the straightener about a half turn, slowly moving it down to the end of your hair. To do the curl part of this look, use the same technique, but clamp higher up on your head, closer to your scalp and turn the straightener more tightly around the plate.

– To make tighter curls that are more like ringlets and less like waves, turn the straightener around all the way instead of just a half turn, as you move the straighter from the top of your head to the end of your strands. Gently pull the straightener down as you turn it to create lush, defined curls.

– If you want less defined curls that are more like crimped waves, turn the straightener just a quarter turn as you move it from the scalp to the ends, which will give you a less styled and more relaxed casual head of curls. Once you’re done, run your fingers lightly through the curls to break them up and create the look you want.

Check everything over and make sure you didn’t miss any spots and curl again as needed. Use your fingers to adjust the curls and get them to lay like you want them to.

Now you’re ready to go!

Finishing Off – Getting the Curls to Hold

Now that you have the precise look you want, you need to be sure it stays in place all day long. It is likely that you are going to need to use a holding product, such as hairspray. The reason you want to choose hairspray is because it can be lightly spritzed all over without actually having to touch your curls. This is a great way to ensure that they stay where you want them and that they stay in place during the rest of the day.

Experts also suggest using an anti-humidity spray if you live in a place that is humid. This will help keep your curls from getting frizzy during the day and will also help hold them in shape for several hours without having to make repairs.

You can also add an accessory once your curls are complete. Consider adding a cute headband or a couple of barrettes. This will enhance the curls and give your look some extra style.

You can also pull your hair half back or all the way back when it’s curly to give new life to your same old hairstyle.

Look for setting products that are designed for your hair type, whether that’s dry or thin, thick or frizzy. This ensures that you get the most out of them.