If you’re blow-drying your hair first, use mousse. The extra volume will keep your hair from looking too flat as you curl it.
Make sure you’ve got a good quality flat iron. The best work faster, make your hair smoother and do less damage than poor-quality irons. They can have a big impact on things like shine and the consistency of curls. If you need to update your flat iron, you can explore high-quality options here. [3] X Research source Heat the iron up to the minimum temperature you need for your hair. If your hair is fine and thin, stick to the low end of the dial at below 300 degrees. Normal hair can be ironed at 300 to 380. You can turn it up to 350 to 400 if your hair tends to be thick, coarse, or frizzy. [4] X Research source
If you have thick hair, spray it on each section before you tackle it. If you just spray it on the top of all your hair, it won’t hit the bottom layers. Also be sure to comb out any tangles in your hair before applying heat.
Start at the bottom of your scalp, close to your ears and neck. Leave down as much hair as you can work with for your first “layer” of curls. A good rule is to work with 1 to 2-inch sections at a time. Pinup the rest. [7] X Research source Once that layer is done, you’ll unclip your hair and let down another layer. Again, clip up what you can’t curl right now. Keep curling in layers.
Flicks: Start halfway down the length of hair, clamp the iron closed and turn it back on itself in a half turn. You should now have created a U-shape with the hair and the iron. Keeping the iron on that half-turn angle, slowly move it down the hair shaft to the end of the hair. The faster you move the iron, the less pronounced the curl/flick will be. If you like big soft flicks, slow down your iron. Curls: Starting fairly close to the scalp (but not close enough to accidentally burn it), clamp the iron closed and turn it back on itself a half turn (the same as with flicks). Run the iron slowly down the hair shaft to the end. Again, the slower you move the iron, the tighter the curl. The faster you move the iron, the gentler the wave. [8] X Research source
Find out what your hair tends to do between the half and the whole turn. You may find that half is enough, or that a three-quarters turn is more ideal for you. What’s more, certain days may be half-turn days, and other days will feel like full-turn days. It’s up to you!
Try to be consistent. It’s easy to curl one way on one side and then when you switch arms to inadvertently switch directions, too. If you do wind up accidentally doing this, you’ll probably be the only one who notices your curls in are different directions. [10] X Research source On the other hand, alternating directions can also look great. You just have to be sure to use a consistent pattern throughout.
For these flat waves, you’re clamping down on every bit of your hair. For curling, you simply curl at the top and slowly drag it down – kind of like curling ribbon on a gift or balloon. [11] X Research source
Be sure to use a non-aerosol working spray for this. Aerosols will create a sticky mess. Don’t use too much hairspray, as well. Then it becomes stiff and crunchy, which is not the look you’re aiming for.
Smaller sections make smaller, tighter curls, as well as more of them. If you want a look that’s closer to ringlets, keep your sections less than two inches wide. Larger sections result in bouncier, looser curls that look a little more natural. Use sections that are wider than two inches for big curls. [13] X Research source Mix it up. You don’t have to stick completely to one size or another. For instance, you could do larger curls close to your face and the top of your head to create lift and volume, and tighter, more delicate curls underneath for support. Try it a few different ways and see what you like best.
The variables you can switch up? Where you start on your hair (towards your scalp or towards the ends), how slowly you move the flat iron, and how much you rotate the flat iron. Experiment with these three variables to find the perfect look for you. You don’t have to curl all your hair, either. A few strands that are straighter or just wavy can give you a natural, beach-y look.
For looser curls: Gently run your fingers through your hair and tousle it. You’ll get a little more volume, and a relaxed, natural look. [14] X Research source For more hold: Put a light mist of hairspray all over your curls to keep them sleek and tight throughout the day. If you live in a really humid area, consider using an anti-humidity spray as well.
