Buzz
Even if you don’t naturally have bouncy, curly hair, you can still create curled or wavy styles in just a day or two. Utilize heat styling tools such as curling irons or straighteners to achieve defined curls or soft waves. Alternatively, you can curl your hair without heat by using rollers, hair clips, braiding, or twisting techniques.
Steps
Using a Curling Iron
Heat up the curling iron. Most curling irons require 1-5 minutes to heat up before use. If you attempt to curl your hair before the iron reaches the proper temperature, it will be difficult to maintain the curls.
- Some curling irons come with different heat settings, so experiment to find the one that works best for you. However, it’s advisable to keep the iron at the lowest temperature to minimize hair damage. Look for curling irons labeled "No Damage" on the packaging.
- A temperature of 160ºC is suitable for normal hair, while 220ºC works better for thicker hair.
Expert's response
Question
Question from a Mytour reader: "How to maintain curly locks?"
ADVICE FROM THE EXPERT
Answer from Laura Martin:
Laura Martin, a licensed beauty expert, says: "Use a heat protectant before styling. Then, wrap each lock appropriately with the curling iron and use a temperature suitable for your hair type. Apply hairspray after curling."
Ensure your hair is completely dry. Using a curling iron on wet hair can cause serious damage – not because the iron is too hot, but because the water turns into steam. Wet hair is also weaker than dry hair, making it more susceptible to heat damage. Be careful and wait until your hair is completely dry before curling. Use a blow dryer to dry any remaining wet sections. (However, you can still wait for your hair to air dry. The drying time will depend on the thickness of your hair. If you prefer to minimize heat exposure, you can wait. Alternatively, if you need to use a blow dryer, switch to the cool setting.)
- If you're unsure whether your hair is dry, turn the blow dryer to the cool setting and dry your hair again. The cool air will make any damp sections feel cold to the touch.
Detangle your hair while waiting for the curling iron to heat up. Start at the ends of your hair, brushing a small section upwards, then gradually move higher until the entire hair is detangled. This helps minimize damage such as split ends and breakage.
Apply a heat protectant spray. If you frequently use heat for styling, using a heat protectant is crucial. It shields your hair from high-temperature damage, preventing dryness and frizz. Simply spray the product evenly over your hair before curling.
- Heat protectant sprays are available at supermarkets and hair salons.
Section your hair. Even if your hair is thin, dividing it into smaller sections ensures better curls. This way, you won’t miss any strands and achieve uniform curls. Divide your hair into sections smaller than the curling iron’s diameter.
- Clip the top section of your hair. Use your thumb to gather the hair above your ears and secure it on top of your head.
- Release the clipped sections gradually while curling. Once the lower sections are done, unclip and take small portions from the top, securing the rest. Continue until all hair is curled.
- Note that larger sections create looser curls, while smaller sections result in tighter curls.
Start curling your hair. Now that you’ve completed the preparation, you’re ready to curl. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the curling iron, starting from the ends or roots, depending on the type of curling iron:
- Some curling irons have a clamp near the handle. If using this type, open the clamp, place the hair end into the lower part near the handle, and close the clamp to secure. Then, roll the iron upward toward the roots, stopping about 2.5cm away to avoid scalp burns.
- Other curling irons are straight wands without clamps. For these, start near the roots and wrap the hair around the wand manually. Hold the ends while the hair curls. Some wands come with heat-resistant gloves to prevent burns.
Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Hair Stylist
The way you wrap your hair determines the curl pattern. For tighter curls, wrap from the ends upward. For looser, wavy curls, start wrapping from the mid-lengths and let the ends remain straight. Regardless of your method, curls look better when wrapped away from your face rather than toward it. Keep your wrist relaxed while holding the curling iron to avoid creases in the curls.
Hold the curling iron firmly. You’ll need to keep the wrapped hair in the curling iron for a few seconds to allow it to heat up and form curls. This typically takes around 10 seconds, but it depends on the iron’s type and temperature.
- Experiment to find the perfect timing for your curls, but start with shorter intervals to avoid burning your hair.
- After 10 seconds, release the wrapped hair. If the curl isn’t defined enough, try clamping the hair again while it’s still warm. Once cooled, gently release each curl.
Move on to the next section. Once you’re satisfied with the first curl, proceed to the next section and repeat the process.
- For uniform curls, wrap each section in the same direction.
- For a more natural look, alternate the wrapping direction.
Loosen the curls (optional). For softer, looser curls, run your fingers through them a few times. This will stretch the curls and reduce their tightness. You can also flip your head upside down and gently separate the curls with your fingers.
- Avoid using a comb after curling, as it will straighten the curls and remove their definition.
- If you do comb through, you’ll achieve a wavy look instead of defined curls, which can also be a stylish option.
Set the curls with hairspray (optional). If you have straight hair or worry about curls losing their shape or becoming frizzy throughout the day, lightly spray each curl with hairspray. For tighter curls, spray each section immediately after curling. For looser waves, wait until the curls have slightly relaxed and apply hairspray after completing the entire head.
- Choose a lightweight hairspray to avoid stiffness or a "crunchy" feel. Hold the spray 30-35cm away and apply evenly. Be cautious not to over-spray.
- Never spray hairspray while the hair is still wrapped around the curling iron. The heat and alcohol in the spray can cause damage.
- For thin or soft hair, you can achieve longer-lasting curls by spraying each section before wrapping it around the iron. This also results in softer, less rigid curls.
Using a hair straightener
Heat up the hair straightener. Most hair straighteners require some time to heat up before use. If you attempt to curl your hair before the device reaches the correct temperature, the curls won't hold.
- Some straighteners come with different settings, so experiment to find the one that works best for you. However, it's advisable to keep the temperature on the lower side to minimize hair damage.
- A temperature of 160ºC is suitable for normal hair, while 220ºC is better for thicker hair.
- The width of the straightener is also crucial for curling. Opt for a straightener that is about 2.5-5cm wide with rounded edges. Flat, paddle-like straighteners are not effective for curling.
Ensure your hair is completely dry. Using a straightener on wet hair can cause severe damage—not because the device is too hot, but because the water turns into steam. Be cautious and wait until your hair is fully dry. Use a blow dryer to dry any damp sections.
- You can add a bit of volumizing mousse before drying your hair to create bouncy curls and prevent your hair from falling flat when styling.
- Detangle your hair while waiting for the straightener to heat up. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots, ensuring all knots are removed.
Apply a heat protectant. If you frequently use heat to style your hair, using a heat protectant is essential. It shields your hair from damage caused by high temperatures, preventing dryness and frizz. Simply spray it evenly over your hair before curling.
- Heat protectant sprays are available at supermarkets and hair salons.
Divide your hair into sections. Even if you have thin hair, dividing it into smaller sections will help you achieve better curls. This ensures you don't miss any strands and creates uniform curls.
- Clip the top section of your hair out of the way. Use your thumb to gather the hair above your ears and secure it on top of your head.
- Release each section as you go. Once you've curled the lower sections, unclip the top hair and take small sections at a time, clipping away the rest. Continue until all your hair is curled.
Start curling your hair. Now that preparations are complete, you're ready to begin curling. Take a section of hair you wish to curl and gently comb through to remove any tangles. Clamp the straightener onto the hair and rotate it upwards to form a U-shape. Hold the straightener in place as you glide it down to the ends.
- The position of the straightener determines the curl's style. For curls from root to tip, place the straightener closer to the scalp, but be careful to avoid burns.
- For waves only at the ends, keep the straightener midway. This technique is known as a soft curl.
- Slower movements create tighter curls, while faster pulls result in softer, wavy textures.
- Remember, wider sections (over 5cm) produce looser curls, while smaller sections (under 5cm) yield tighter, more defined curls.
Loosen the curls (optional). For a softer look with larger waves, run your fingers through the curls a few times. This stretches the curls, making them less tight. You can also flip your head forward and use your fingers to tousle and separate the curls.
- Ensure the hair is completely cool before loosening the curls.
- Avoid using a comb after curling, as it will straighten the curls and remove the wave.
- Combing through curls results in wavy hair instead of curls, which can also be a stylish look.
Set the curls with hairspray (optional). If you have straight hair or worry about frizz and curls losing shape throughout the day, lightly spray each curl with hairspray. For tight curls, spray immediately after curling. For looser waves, wait until the curls have slightly relaxed and spray after completing the entire head.
- Choose a lightweight hairspray to avoid stiffness or a crunchy feel. Hold the spray 30-35cm away and apply evenly. Be cautious not to over-spray.
- Some styling guides advise against spraying before curling, as the heat from the straightener and alcohol in the spray can damage the hair.
Use curling rods
Select the right curling rod. Curling rods come in various types, shapes, and sizes. Choose one that suits your hair type and the curl style you desire.
- Heated rods are more effective and create curls faster but can cause more damage. Velcro and foam rods are easier to use but take longer to set the curls.
- Velcro rods work best on smooth hair, as they prevent tangling during the process.
- Smaller rods create tight curls, while larger rods produce loose, wavy curls, ideal for adding volume.
Determine if your hair should be wet or dry. Depending on the type of curling rod, you may need to curl your hair wet or dry. Hot rods are typically used on dry hair to minimize damage, while Velcro rods are also suited for dry hair. For wet hair, you’ll need specialized wet-setting rods.
- If curling dry hair, wash it a day before styling. Day-old hair holds curls better than freshly washed hair.
- If your hair resists curling, skip conditioner after washing. This ensures your hair isn’t too soft to hold the curl.
- For wet-setting rods, allow your hair to dry completely before removing the rods, which can take time. Try curling damp hair before bed and leaving it overnight.
Use hair products for better results. The right hair products can make a significant difference when using curling rods. Choose products based on the type of rod and whether your hair is wet or dry.
- For hot rods, apply a heat protectant spray or dry oil to prevent damage. A styling product can also help maintain the curl’s shape.
- With Velcro or foam rods, use a volumizing spray or styling mousse to prevent curls from falling flat.
- For wet hair, a smoothing cream or serum can reduce frizz and enhance the curl’s texture.
Section your hair. Divide your hair into sections and secure them with clips or elastics. The size of each section should match the size of the curling rod you’re using.
- Split your hair horizontally into two main sections.
- Further divide each side into 3-4 vertical rows for the lower layers.
- Release each section as you work. Once the lower layers are done, unclip the next section and continue until all hair is curled.
Use consistent hair amounts for each rod. Avoid taking too much hair for a single rod, as this will result in loose or uneven curls. A section of 2.5-5cm works best, ensuring the hair isn’t wider than the rod itself.
- If using rods of varying sizes, opt for larger rods at the crown and smaller ones near the hairline.
- For long hair, remember to curl the entire length, not just the ends. Smaller sections create more defined curls.
Wrap hair around the rod. Start at the ends, securing the tip of the hair onto the rod with one finger, then roll the rod upward, keeping it neat and tight. Consistent tension is key to creating beautiful curls, so ensure the hair is firmly wrapped.
- Make sure the hair isn’t tangled as you wrap it around the rod for smooth, even curls.
- When using hot rods, be cautious of the rod’s ends to avoid burns. Find a cool spot to hold the rod while wrapping.
Secure the curling rod. While Velcro rods cling to hair without clips, other types require clips to stay in place. Some curling rod sets come with U-shaped clips, featuring a straight edge and a crimped edge. Position the straight edge against the scalp, with the curved part holding the rod in place.
- Note that these clips aren’t extremely tight. Sudden or rapid head movements may cause them to slip.
- If your set doesn’t include clips, you can purchase similar ones at beauty supply stores. Butterfly clips also work well for securing hair.
- To avoid clip marks, place a tissue between the clip and your hair.
Wait for the curls to set. Once all hair is wrapped around the rods—about 2.5-5cm from the scalp—allow time for the curls to form. The duration depends on the rod type and whether your hair is wet or dry.
- Hot rods can be removed once cooled, typically taking 10-15 minutes. This allows the heat to transfer and the curls to set as they cool.
- Velcro or foam rods require heat from a blow dryer, followed by cooling for 15-20 minutes. The longer the rods stay in, the tighter the curls.
- Wet-setting rods need to remain until hair is completely dry, which can take hours or overnight. Using a blow dryer on wet ends isn’t very effective.
Remove the rods. Once the curls are set, carefully unwind the rods from bottom to top. Start with rods near the neck and ears, then move to those at the crown.
- After removing the rods, gently comb through the curls to loosen them. Avoid over-combing, as this can straighten the curls.
- Alternatively, use your fingers to separate and add volume to the curls.
Set the curls with hairspray (optional). Use hairspray to ensure the curls last all day. Hold the spray 30-35cm away to avoid stiffness.
- For wavy curls, lift sections of hair and spray as you release them.
- Apply a small amount of serum to add shine and reduce frizz.
Use the scrunching method
Wash and condition your hair. The scrunching method works best on wet hair, so start by washing your hair. Use a volumizing or curl-enhancing shampoo, followed by a conditioner applied from mid-length to the ends.
- After conditioning, detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb. Conditioner makes it easier to remove knots and prevents damage.
- Rinse thoroughly to avoid weighing down your hair, which can hinder curl formation.
Gently towel-dry your hair. After washing, use a towel to absorb excess water by gently squeezing your hair. Avoid leaving your hair too wet, as this can dilute styling products and reduce curl effectiveness.
- Do not rub your hair with the towel, as this can cause frizz and damage.
- Avoid blow-drying, as it can straighten your hair and make scrunching less effective.
Comb your hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles. Ensure your hair is completely detangled; otherwise, knots will become more noticeable once your hair dries. If you’ve already combed during washing, focus on smoothing out smaller tangles.
- Use a detangling spray for stubborn knots.
- Always comb from the ends upward to minimize damage to wet hair.
Apply a styling product. There are various curl-enhancing products available, such as sprays, gels, or creams. However, mousse is the most popular choice for long-lasting curls. Opt for a volumizing or strong-hold mousse, especially if your hair isn’t naturally curly, as it helps maintain bounce and definition.
- To apply, shake the mousse and dispense a golf ball-sized amount into your hands. Flip your hair forward and distribute the mousse evenly using both hands.
- Focus on the mid-lengths to ends—avoid applying mousse to the roots to prevent heaviness or greasiness.
Scrunch your hair. Flip your head upside down and scrunch small sections of hair toward your scalp, mimicking the motion of crumpling a piece of paper.
- Repeat this motion across your entire head for 1-2 minutes. Flip your hair back and scrunch again until you achieve the desired look.
- This technique works with any curl-enhancing product—just adjust the amount based on your hair length and the product’s instructions.
Dry your hair. At this stage, you have two options. You can let your hair air dry naturally by scrunching it every 5 minutes until it’s dry. Alternatively, use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to gently dry your hair without disrupting the curls.
- If using a diffuser (a finger-like attachment works best for curls), set the dryer to the lowest heat and speed settings. Scrunch your hair while drying to help set the curls.
- If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, air drying may suffice. However, for straight or flat hair, a diffuser can enhance the results.
Braiding hair
Wash and condition your hair. This method works best when braiding damp or wet hair and then letting it air dry. Use a volumizing or curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner, ensuring you rinse thoroughly.
- Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb while conditioning. This makes it easier to remove knots and minimizes damage.
- After washing, gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water. If your hair is slightly wavy, braid it while damp; for straight hair, braid it while wet.
Apply gel or mousse. Use a curl-enhancing product to help your hair hold its shape after unbraiding. It also adds shine and makes your hair more manageable. Apply a small amount of your chosen product from mid-lengths to ends, avoiding the roots.
- Gels, mousses, sprays, or serums designed for curls or volume work well. Choose a product with a texture and scent you prefer.
- Skip this step if you prefer looser waves.
Decide how many braids to create. The number of braids determines the tightness of the curls:
- More braids result in tighter curls. For example, two braids create more defined waves than one, and four braids create even tighter curls.
- However, more braids require more time and effort. If you’re short on time or new to braiding, start with fewer braids to achieve your desired look.
Divide your hair into sections. If you’re creating more than one braid, sectioning your hair makes the process easier and results in more polished curls. However, perfection isn’t necessary!
- Use a comb to create a straight part from your forehead to the nape of your neck, dividing your hair into two equal sections. Then, split each section into smaller parts of equal size using the comb.
Braid each section in a regular or French braid style. Opting for a French braid instead of a regular one adds curls around the crown of your head.
- Check out this French braid guide for detailed instructions.
- Ask for assistance. Braiding someone else’s hair is often easier than braiding your own, so consider enlisting help.
Secure the braids. Tie each braid with a fabric hair tie. Try to tie it as close to the ends as possible to prevent straight tips, which can disrupt the curl effect.
- Rubber bands can damage hair, especially when wet. Avoid using them!
Leave the braids in for several hours or overnight. After 6 to 8 hours of drying, gently undo the braids. The simplest approach is to braid your hair before bed. After unbraiding, run your fingers through your hair to detangle, but avoid combing to maintain volume.
- Finish with hairspray. If you’re concerned about the curls losing shape, apply a light mist of hairspray.
Twisting hair
Tips
- Avoid overusing hairspray, as it can make your hair stiff instead of curly.
- If you need to comb your hair, skip regular combs. They can ruin curls and cause frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb to maintain curls and keep them looking neat.
- Try twisting your hair before braiding it to wake up with spiral curls instead of zigzag waves.
- Experiment with fabric or stretchy foam rollers for voluminous curls.
- Use volumizing sprays like VO5 to add extra bounce to your hair.
- For wavy hair, braid it and gently run a flat iron over the braid. Then, undo the braid for effortless waves.
- For tighter curls, create multiple small braids and braid them together until all sections are done.
- You can also curl your hair using your fingers, though this method is time-consuming and the curls may not last long.
- Gel can also be used to create defined curls.
- If you sleep with braids overnight, avoid braiding too tightly to prevent hair damage.
- For curly ponytails, tie your hair first and then curl it, as curling before tying can be challenging.
- Divide your hair into four or more sections for beautifully defined curls.
Warnings
- Don’t overuse hairspray. It can dry out your hair, making it difficult to manage. Additionally, curls may become stiff and brittle.
