Some curling irons will have different settings which you can play around with until you achieve the best result. Try to keep it at the lowest temperature possible though, to cause less damage to your hair. Look for curling irons that say “No Damage” on the box. A good guide is 320ºF (160ºC) for fine hair and 430ºF (220ºC) for thicker hair.
If you’re not sure whether or not your hair is completely dry, set your dryer on the “cold shot” setting and go over your entire head with it. The cool air will make any damp spots feel cold to the touch.
Heat protector sprays can be found at most drug stores and hair salons.
Pin or clip up the top section of your hair. Using your thumbs, grab everything that’s above the top of your ears and clip it up on top of your head. Release upper sections as you work. When the bottom section of hair is finished, unclip your hair and let out a little more, clipping up the excess again. Continue working this way until all your hair is curled. Remember that using bigger sections of hair will result in bigger, looser curls, while using smaller sections of hair will give you smaller, tighter ringlets.
Some curling irons will have a clamp near the handle. If this is the type of curling tongs you’re using, open the clamp and position the end of the hair at the lower end of the barrel, near the handle, then close the clamp to secure. Then you can wrap that entire section of hair around the iron, by rolling the iron upwards towards your roots. Stop rolling when you get about an inch away from the roots, to prevent the iron from burning your scalp. Other curling irons, often referred to as wands, don’t have a clamp. With this type of iron, you should start near the top of your hair and use your hand to wrap a piece of hair around the iron. You will need to hold the end of your hair in place while that section of hair curls. Some curling wands provide a safety glove that you can wear while doing this, to prevent your hand from burning.
Play around to find a time that creates a perfect curl with your iron, but remember to start out with a lower time to prevent your hair from burning. After 10 seconds, let go of your hair to release the curl. If your hair is still a little flat, try pinning it while it’s still curled. Once your hair is completely cool, take all the pins out of each curl.
To achieve a uniform look, wrap all the curls around the iron in the same direction. Alternating the direction of the wrap creates a more natural effect.
Once you have curled your hair, do not brush it with a hairbrush. It will loosen the curls too much and they will fall out. If you brush out curls with a hairbrush, your hair will look wavy rather that curly, which can be a nice style in itself.
Choose a loose hold hairspray so your curls aren’t too stiff and you hair doesn’t feel too “crunchy”. Hold the can about 12-14 in (30. 5 cm - 35. 5 cm) away from your head and spray evenly around your head. Be careful not to apply too much. [3] X Research source Never apply hairspray to the curls while they are still wrapped around the iron. The combination of the heat from the irons and the alcohol in the hairspray will fry your hair. However, if your hair is fine or limp, you can create a more durable curl by spraying each section before wrapping. Spraying before wrapping instead of after will also result in curls that are softer and less “crunchy. ”
Some flat irons will have different settings which you can play around with until you achieve the best result. Try to keep it at the lowest temperature possible though, to cause less damage to your hair. A good guide is 320ºF (160ºC) for fine hair and 430ºF (220ºC) for thicker hair. The width of the flat iron is also important when it comes to curling your hair. You need to use a flat iron that is narrow (about 1-2 inches, or 2. 5-5 cm, in width), with rounded edges. A flat, paddle-style flat iron will not work for curls.
You can add a little volumizing mousse to your hair before drying, which will help give you bouncy curls and prevent your hair from looking flat once styled. Brush out any tangles while the iron heats up. Start at the end of your hair and brush out the bottom few inches, then work your way up until you can easily brush through the length of your hair.
Heat protector sprays can be found at most drug stores and hair salons.
Pin or clip up the top section of your hair. Using your thumbs, grab everything that’s above the top of your ears and clip it up on top of your head. Release layers as you work. When the bottom layer of hair is finished, unclip your hair and let out a little more, clipping up the excess again. Continue working this way until all your hair is curled.
The position of the flat iron will determine what kind of curls you end up with. If you want your hair curled from the root to the tip, position the flat iron as close to your scalp as possible, without burning it. If you just want to curl just the ends of your hair, position the flat iron about halfway down the hair to begin. This is called a flick. The slower you move the iron, the tighter the curls will be. If you move the iron down the hair too quickly, your curls will be soft and loose. Remember that using bigger sections of hair (more than two inches wide) will result in bigger, looser curls, while using smaller sections of hair (less than two inches) will give you smaller, tighter ringlets.
Wait until your hair has cooled completely before attempting to loosen the curls. Once you have curled your hair, do not brush it with a hairbrush. It will loosen the curls too much and they will fall out. If you brush out curls with a hairbrush, your hair will look wavy rather that curly, which can be a nice style in itself.
Choose a loose hold hairspray so your curls aren’t too stiff and you hair doesn’t feel too “crunchy”. Hold the can about 12-14 in (30. 5 cm - 35. 5 cm) away from your head and spray evenly around your head. Be careful not to apply too much. Never apply hairspray to your hair before you curl it, as some styling guides recommend. The combination of the heat from the irons and the alcohol in the hairspray will fry your hair.
Hot rollers are very efficient and will curl hair more quickly, but they are more damaging to your hair. Velcro rollers and foam rollers are very easy to use, but your curls will take a little longer to set. [4] X Research source Velcro rollers are also a great option for hair that is naturally smooth as they are less likely to get tangled in your hair. Small curlers will give you lots of tight curls, whereas large rollers will give you big loose waves and are great for adding volume.
If you are applying rollers to dry hair, try to wash your hair the day before you curl. Day-old hair will curl much better than freshly washed hair. [5] X Research source If your hair is particularly resistant to curling, try skipping the conditioner after shampooing. This will make sure your hair isn’t too soft for the roller to get a good grip on the hair. [5] X Research source If you are doing a wet set, be aware that you will have to wait for your hair to be completely dry before removing the rollers, which may take a long time. Consider putting the rollers in wet hair before bed and sleeping with them in overnight. [6] X Expert Source Gina AlmonaProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.
If you’re using hot rollers, you should use a heat protection product like a mist or dry oil, to prevent your hair from being damaged. A setting product will also help curls to hold their shape. [4] X Research source If you’re using velcro or foam rollers, you should use a setting product along with some volumizing hairspray to prevent your curls from falling flat. [4] X Research source If you’re doing a wet set, a smoothing cream or serum can really help to minimize frizz. [4] X Research source
Create a central “mohawk” section along the top and back of your head. Section off 3-4 vertical rows along the sides of your head. Release sections as you work. When the bottom section of hair is finished, unclip your hair and let out the next section. Continue working this way until all the rollers are in.
If your rollers have variable sizes, use the larger ones on the top of your head. Use the smaller rollers as you approach your hairline. If you have long hair, remember that not only the bottom part of the section will actually be touching the roller — the rest of it will be layered over hair. Use smaller sections for more curl.
You should also make sure there are no lumps or bumps in your hair as you wrap it around the curler, in order to create smooth, consistent curls. If you’re using hot rollers, be careful not to burn your fingers on the ends of the roller. Try to find a cool spot where you can consistently grip the roller as you put it into your hair.
Be aware that these pins aren’t terribly secure. If you move your head too quickly or suddenly, they might fall loose. If no pins are provided with your set, similar pins can be purchased at a drugstore. Alternatively, butterfly clips will also work to hold the hair in place. If you want to avoid an indentation from the clip on your hair, try placing a tissue in between the pin and the hair. [5] X Research source
Hot rollers can be removed once they have cooled completely - which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This is enough time for the heat to penetrate all of the hair wrapped around each individual roller, as well as for the hair to cool into a curled shape. [4] X Research source Velcro or foam rollers should be blasted with some heat from a hair dryer, then allowed to cool and set for about 15-20 minutes. The longer you leave them in, the tighter the curls will be. [4] X Research source Wet set rollers will need to be left in until all of your hair is completely dry, which may take several hours or overnight. The dampest parts of the hair are the ends that are tucked inside the curls, so attempting to speed up the process with a hair dryer is unlikely to work.
Once the rollers are out, you can brush out the curls to loosen them. Just don’t overdo it, your curls should keep their shape for two or three strokes, but overdoing it might cause them to fall out. Alternatively, you can just run your fingers through the curls to separate them and add some volume.
For a looser look, pull up a section of hair and mist it with hairspray as it falls back down. You can also work a small amount of serum into your hair to add shine and reduce frizz.
After you apply conditioner, brush your hair with a wide-toothed comb and try to get out all the major knots. The conditioner will make the tangles a lot easier to tackle and will prevent you from causing damage to your hair. Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly afterwards, as excess product can weigh down hair and prevent it from curling as well.
Do not rub your hair with the towel as this will damage your hair and cause it to look frizzy. You should also avoid using a hair dryer to get rid of excess moisture, as the hair dryer will blow and straighten the hair, making curling more difficult.
Use a detangling mist or spray if you have particularly stubborn knots. Always brush or comb from the ends of your hair up as this causes less damage to wet hair.
To use the mousse, shake the can before squirting a golf ball size amount of mousse into your hand. Turn your head upside down so your hair is in front of your face, then work the product evenly into your hair with both hands. Only work the mousse into the ends and mid-lengths of your hair - avoid putting it in the roots as this may weigh your hair down or cause it to look greasy.
Use this motion to scrunch sections of hair all over your head. Keep doing it for a minute or two, then flip your head up and scrunch again until you’re happy with the style. The same technique can be used regardless of what kind of curling product you use, just adjust the amount of product according to the instructions on the bottle and the length of your hair - more for longer hair, less for shorter hair.
If you’re using the diffuser attachment (a long-finger diffuser works best for curls) be sure to set the hair dryer to its lowest heat and speed setting. Use the scrunching method as you dry to help the formation of curls. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, the air dry method will usually work just fine. However, if your hair is naturally straight or flat, using the diffuser will help give your hair a little extra “oomph!”
Brush out your hair in the shower while you still have the conditioner in, using a wide-toothed comb. This will make it easier to work out any tangles and will cause less damage to your hair. Towel dry your hair once you get out of the shower. Try to wring out any excess moisture. If your hair already has a bit of natural curl to it, you’re probably fine to work with damp hair; if it’s stick straight, though, it’s best to braid it wet.
Curl-enhancing or volumizing gels, mousses, sprays or serums will all work well. Use a product with a texture and scent that appeals to you. If you want looser, less structured curls, you can skip this step.
More braids means tighter curls. For instance, you’ll have more crimps in your hair from doing two braids than you will from one, and more from four than two. However, more braids means more work. If you’re not totally comfortable braiding or you’re short on time, stick to the lowest possible number that gives you the curls you want.
Use a comb to part a straight line from your forehead back to your neck. Then divide each half into however many sections you like, using the comb to ensure they are a fairly uniform size.
See How to French Braid for more detailed help. Ask someone else to help you. It’s almost always easier to braid someone else’s hair than it is to do your own, so consider asking for assistance.
Rubber can damage the hair shaft, and is especially menacing on wet hair. Avoid at all costs!
Finish with some hairspray. If you’re worried about your curls falling out during the day, set the style with a spritz of hairspray.
Start with damp hair. You can either spritz your hair with a spray bottle, or let it partially air dry after you wash it. Use hair ties to divide your hair into four roughly equal sections: two low ponytails at the back, and two pigtails higher up on the sides of your head. Tightly twist each section in whichever direction you prefer. Twisting the sections in different directions from each other will create a more natural effect. Coil each twisted section into a tight bun, and pin it in place with bobby pins. If you have afro-textured hair, you might find that you can just tuck the ends under the bantu knot without needing pins. That is fine also. Blow dry each bun until completely dry, or allow the hair to air dry completely. Release each section, and gently loosen the curls with your fingers once your hair is completely cool. Use a little hair spray to lock in the style.
Part your hair into two sections on either side of your head, then gently place the headband around the top of your head. Slide it down so that it rests just above your ears. Dampen each section of hair slightly with a spray bottle, starting at the tops of your ears. Begin twisting the hair on one side. Once you’ve twisted a little bit of hair, wrap the twisted portion around the headband. Make the first wrap just behind your ear. Twist a little more, then create another wrap next to the first. Continue until you have wrapped the entire section around the headband. Then repeat with the other section. The smaller you make each wrap, the tighter your curls will be. Spray your hair with hairspray while it is still wrapped around the headband. Allow the hair to air dry for a few hours, or dry with a blow dryer. Once your hair is dry, release the twisted sections from the headband. Loosen your curls with your fingers, and scrunch with a small amount of hair texturizer.
Apply a little hair spray or other styling product to your slightly damp hair. Part your hair down the middle and divide it into four sections: two behind your ears, and two in front of your ears. Take hold of the ends of the two back sections and twist them toward each other until the entire length of both sections is twisted. Then fasten the twisted sections together with a hair elastic. Repeat with the two front sections. Fasten the sections together behind your head with a hair elastic once you are finished twisting them. Once your hair is completely dry, release the sections and gently open up the waves by shaking them out or combing through them with your fingers.
