For healthier hair that’s easier to curl, use anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner that contains moisturizing ingredients, like jojoba oil and honey. Using too much shampoo can strip your hair of natural oils. Always use the recommended amount, and dilute it with water to help work it through your hair. [2] X Research source
Ceramic and titanium curling irons are preferred by most professionals because they can penetrate thick hair better than other curling irons. For loose curls and waves, choose a curling iron with a thicker barrel, somewhere between one and two inches (2. 5 and 5 cm). [3] X Research source For tighter and smaller curls and ringlets, opt for a smaller barrel, like one around three-quarter inches (1. 9 cm). [4] X Research source
Once you curl all the hair in the bottom section, you can let down the other sections of hair one at a time and begin working on them.
Before you curl each section, apply a heat-protecting and setting spray or mist that will both protect your hair from heat damage and help it hold the curls. [8] X Research source Hold the bottle at least six inches away from your hair to prevent it from soaking your hair. Comb the spray through before curling. [9] X Research source Make sure that each section you curl is no wider than the diameter of the curling iron.
Starting at the top near the root, begin wrapping the hair around the barrel, always keeping a hold on the tip of the section. Close the blade, and while still holding the tip of the section, pull the iron away from your head as you rotate the barrel so that the hair feeds through again. Do this for five to ten seconds, then release the blade and let your hair out. [10] X Research source Instead of letting the curl fall immediately, cup it with your hand and let it cool for a few seconds so it doesn’t lose its shape.
For the next section of hair, repeat these steps, but instead orient the curling iron horizontally. Continue alternating between a vertical and horizontal barrel for each new section. [11] X Research source
Use your hair thickness and your temperature setting to determine how long you should hold the section for. Hold the section for 5-10 seconds if your hair isn’t very thick and/or your iron is set to a high temperature setting. Hold the section for 15-30 seconds if your hair is exceptionally thick and/or your iron is on a lower heat setting.
Simply run your fingers through the curl once or twice, then apply a light layer of hairspray to help set the curl for the day. [13] X Research source If you’re going for the beach waves style, relax your curls by combing through them with a wide tooth comb. If you don’t have hairspray, clip or pin the tip of each curl to your head instead of letting it fall as you go. When you’re done, release the curls and comb through them with your fingers. [14] X Research source
