No hairstyle is as enduring and glamorous as the curl. Whether they are big and bold or soft and romantic, there is no question about it: curls work for absolutely everyone. There really is no easier way to change up your hairstyle! Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to get those picture perfect curls – and keep them looking that way.
If you’re ready to give some seriously gorgeous curls a try, then grab your curling iron and get ready! It’s time to learn how to achieve the perfect curl….and make sure it lasts all night long. Here is your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Curling your hair requires more than a few minutes and a heat styling tool. If you want beautiful curls that have longevity, your work should start in the shower. Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner that won’t weigh down your hair, like the Paul Mitchell TeaTree Special Shampoo and conditioner. This will help your curls to last even longer! After your shower, towel dry your hair until it is damp. Then, apply a curl boosting mousse or spray and brush the product through with a wide-toothed comb.
Blow-dry your hair completely before you start doing any curling. (For added volume, blow-dry your hair while hanging your head upside down. You’ll be amazed at the incredible results!) You may also want to add a heat protectant, like the AG Hair Firewall, before you start curling anything. This step will ensure that your hair doesn’t get damaged by the tools you’re about to use.
Need a curl-boosting tip? If you just washed your hair (or if you have super straight hair naturally), add a little bit of texture to it before you start curling. Day old hair helps curls to last longer, so skip the wash or fake it with a bit dry shampoo or hairspray.
Step 2: Grab Your Tools
Now it’s time to get your tools ready. You will need to decide how you are going to curl your hair. There are many ways to achieve those gorgeous results, for example, a curling iron or wand, flat iron, hot rollers, or even some heatless curling methods. Whatever you feel most comfortable doing, go for it! Once you have made your decision, lay out your chosen tools, some hairspray, a comb, brush, and anything else you may need.
Step 3: Get Curling!
You’ve prepped your hair and have all your tools ready to go. That means one thing: it is time to get your curl on! If you’re using a curling iron, start by taking a one-inch section of hair. Remember, the smaller the section you curl, the tighter the curl will end up being. Pin the rest back and out of the way until you need it.
Wrap the section of hair around the curling iron or wand, starting at the bottom and working your way up closer to the root. Curl the section away from the face and hold the iron vertically for about ten sections. Release the curling iron clamp or pull the wand out from the bottom of the curl.
For that extra hold, spray the curl you’ve just created with some hairspray. Don’t brush through the curl, though! The heating and cooling process is what makes the curl last. So, you can either pin it up until it is cool or leave it to the side until you are done curling your hair. Repeat this process until all of your hair has been curled. Then, brush through the ringlets with your fingers to soften them slightly. Finish off with a spritz of hairspray and ta da! Perfect curls.
You may decide to use a flat iron instead of a curling iron. Why? They can actually hold a curl better than your traditional curling iron does. It can be a little challenging to figure out the technique at first, but once you have it down, it is super simple! For best results, be sure to use a flat iron with rounded edges. To get the look, clamp the flat iron down about halfway through the length of your hair. Then turn the flat iron back on itself until you’ve curled the entire section.
Even More Curling Tips:
- Clip up each curl as you go along. You can use bobby pins or anything else you have lying around. Pinning them will give the curls time to cool, while still allowing them to retain their shape.
- If you’re using a heatless curling method (like braids, tied up socks, and so on) run a curl boosting mousse, like the DevaCurl One Condition, through your hair when it is damp. This will help your curls to last longer, even if you’re not using heat styling tools.
- Hot rollers are a great alternative if you have thin or fine hair. They will give you lots of added volume to go along with all of those sexy curls!
- After your hair is curled, try blow-drying with a diffuser for a few seconds. Doing this will get rid of any frizz and really set those curls nicely.
Curling your hair is as simple as one, two, three. It’s all about using the right products and perfecting your technique. With this step-by-step guide, it will be easier than ever to achieve the look you want. So, get curling!
