Email cannot be empty
Password cannot be empty
Email format error
Email cannot be empty
Email already exists
6-20 characters(letters plus numbers only)
The password is inconsistent
Email format error
Email cannot be empty
Email does not exist
6-20 characters(letters plus numbers only)
The password is inconsistent
Do you want to switch up your usual straight hair look and try out some bouncy curls, but don't have a curling iron? No worries, because you can actually use your hair straightener to create some awesome curls. Let's get right into it and learn how to curl your hair using a straightener.
Before you start the curling process, make sure your hair is clean and completely dry. Washing your hair the night before or earlier in the day is ideal. This allows your hair to dry naturally and removes any product buildup that could interfere with the curling process. If your hair is damp, it won't hold the curl as well and you might end up with a frizzy mess instead of those gorgeous curls you're aiming for.
Not all hair straighteners are created equal when it comes to curling. Look for one with a good amount of heat settings so you can adjust it according to your hair type. For fine hair, a lower heat setting around 300°F to 350°F should do the trick. Thicker hair might need a bit more heat, around 350°F to 400°F. Also, consider the plate size. Smaller plates, around 1 inch, are great for tighter curls, while larger plates, like 1.5 to 2 inches, will give you looser, beachy waves. And of course, make sure your straightener has a smooth surface to prevent any tugging or damage to your hair.
To make the curling process more manageable and ensure even curls throughout your hair, divide it into sections. You can use hair clips to keep the sections separate. Start by parting your hair down the middle. Then, create subsections on each side, working from the bottom up. This way, you can focus on one small section at a time and achieve consistent curls all over.
Turn on your hair straightener and let it heat up to the desired temperature. This usually takes a few minutes. While you're waiting, you can use this time to prep your hair by applying a heat protectant spray. This is a crucial step to shield your hair from the high heat of the straightener and prevent damage. Spray it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the midshaft to ends where heat damage is most likely to occur.
Begin with the lowest section of your hair. Take a small strand, about 1 to 2 inches wide, depending on the size of your straightener plates and the type of curl you want. Hold the straightener vertically with the plates facing you. Place the strand of hair between the plates, starting about halfway down the length of your hair. This helps create a more natural-looking curl that starts midway down the shaft.
Slowly twist the straightener away from your face while simultaneously sliding it down the length of the hair. Keep the twist consistent as you move along. The key here is to apply even pressure and move at a steady pace. If you go too fast, the curl won't set properly. If you go too slow, you might end up with a kinked or uneven curl. Practice makes perfect, so don't worry if it takes a few tries to get the motion just right. When you reach the ends of your hair, hold the straightener in place for a couple of seconds to set the curl.
Once you've curled the entire strand, gently release it from the straightener. Be careful not to touch the hot plates to your skin. Let the curl cool for a moment before running your fingers through it to break up the curl and give it a more natural, tousled look. If you want a tighter curl, you can wrap the freshly curled strand around your finger for a few seconds to help it set.
Continue working your way up the section, curling each strand in the same manner. Remember to keep the sections small to ensure even heat distribution and consistent curls. Once you've finished one section, move on to the next, always starting at the bottom and working your way up. This helps prevent your hair from getting tangled and makes the whole process more efficient.
After you've curled all your hair, give it a gentle shake and run your fingers through it to combine all the curls. This helps create a more blended, natural look instead of having distinct sections of curls. You can also use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle any knots that may have formed during the curling process, but be careful not to disrupt the curls too much.
To keep your curls in place throughout the day, spritz on a light hold hairspray. Look for one that provides flexibility so your hair doesn't feel stiff and crunchy. Hold the can about 8 to 10 inches away from your hair and spray evenly, focusing on the roots and midshaft where gravity tends to pull the curls down. Avoid spraying too much, as this can weigh your hair down and make the curls look less bouncy.
If you want to add some volume to your curls, try teasing the roots with a fine-tooth comb. This creates a fluffy base that makes your curls look fuller and more voluminous. You can also experiment with different curl directions. Curling some sections away from your face and others towards your face can add some interesting texture and dimension to your hairstyle. And don't forget about accessories! A cute headband, scrunchie, or hairpin can really elevate your curled hairstyle and give it a personalized touch.
If your curls are coming out flat or loose, it could be due to a few reasons. First, check the heat setting on your straightener. You might need to increase the temperature slightly to get a better curl. However, be cautious not to go too high, as this can damage your hair. Second, make sure you're twisting the straightener away from your face consistently and holding it in place long enough at the ends to set the curl. Lastly, try curling smaller sections of hair. Larger sections can be more difficult to curl evenly and may result in flat curls.
Frizz can be a common issue when curling hair with a straightener, especially if you have naturally wavy or curly hair. To combat frizz, make sure you're using a heat protectant spray before curling. You can also try using a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase while you sleep to reduce friction and keep your curls smooth. Additionally, avoid touching your curls too much after styling, as the oils from your hands can cause frizz. If you do experience frizz, you can use a bit of anti-frizz serum or a light moisturizing hair spray to smooth things out.
Uneven curls can happen if you're not consistent with the size of the hair sections you're curling or if you're not twisting the straightener evenly. To fix this, take the time to section your hair properly and try to keep each section the same width. Practice your twisting motion in front of a mirror to ensure you're moving the straightener consistently. If you still end up with some uneven curls, you can always go back and re-curl the sections that aren't quite right. Just be careful not to overheat your hair in the process.
Curling your hair with a hair straightener is a convenient way to change up your hairstyle without needing to buy a separate curling iron. With some practice, you can achieve long-lasting curls. Make sure to prepare your hair, use the right technique, and add finishing touches to keep your curls looking great. Give it a shot and see if you like this new way of styling your hair.