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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to curl your hair with a flat iron. If you’re looking for a versatile tool to create gorgeous curls, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you achieve the perfect curls you desire. Whether you have straight or wavy hair, mastering the art of curling with a flat iron is easier than you might think.
How To Curl Your Hair With A Flat Iron?
1. Preparing your hair
Curling your hair with a flat iron can be straightforward as long as you ensure the following things are done before you start the process. It is essential you start with completely dry hair. Hair that is even remotely damp will not straighten as well. Even if you’re lucky enough to have straighteners that can straighten wet hair, when it comes to curling it won’t have the same success. A useful tip to aid with the curling process is; that if you are blow-drying your hair first, use a mouse, this will give your hair a serious amount of volume and it will keep your hair looking full of life when you curl it too.
2. Apply heat protectant
Too many girls fail to realize the importance of protecting their hair from the searing temperatures of straighteners. If you care about the future health of your hair, then spray on the heat protectant and comb it through. Unless you want to rock the no-hair look when you’re older, use a heat protector!
3. Using the right flat iron
If you are to curl your hair with a flat iron it’s important it meets some criteria for your best chances of success. You want to find an iron that is thin and flat. You don’t want the straightener to be much wider than a couple of inches. A plate that is too wide won’t create curls as it is simply too big to wrap your hair around effectively. If you’re straightening plate is wide, and your sister is flat and thin, sneak into her room when she’s out and use hers (just don’t get caught).
Then heat the straighteners to the temperature you usually use for your hair. If your hair is relatively thin then you want to stick to the lower end of the heat option. If your hair is thick or frizzy then you are going to need the straighteners at a higher setting.
4. Part your hair into easy-to-manage sections
This is especially important for thick hair. You won’t be able to curl it effectively in one go. So separate your hair into several sections. Tie up the top half of your hair into a loose bun on your head. Then starting at the bottom of your scalp leave down the first layer you can manage and pin up the rest. You will curl a section, then unpin another section, let it down, curl that and so on until your hair is curled all over.
5. Curling technique
For this method, you want to start halfway down your hair. Take the flat iron/hair straightener and clamp it around the hair. You then want to turn it back on itself in a half-turn. You will have in effect created a horseshoe shape. Keeping the iron at a half-flick angle, slowly move it down your hair to the end.
It is important to remember, that the faster you move the iron down the less substantial your curls will look. So if you like big, loose flicks then you need to slow the iron right down to get the look you want. Now if you want curls that look more like ringlets, you simply have to adapt the above technique slightly. Instead of turning the iron into a half turn, you now want to do a full turn with the straightening iron.
This will look like you are basically turning the hair over on itself into a loop. The more loops you can achieve the dense the ringlets will be. Try the half and try the full turn and see which one you prefer the look of, and which one your hair responds best to. Some days may be half-turn hairstyle days, and other days you may want to go all out with the full ringlets look.
6. Post curling
Successful flat iron curls don’t just end when you put the straighteners down. If you want to give your new look an added finish then you can use your own hands to finesse the finished product.
For loose-looking curls, just gently run your hands through your hair, this will give them a relaxed, natural look. For a firm look and extra hold, apply an anti-humidity spray and a light coat of hairspray to keep the curls in lockdown for the rest of the day.
Pro Tips For Getting The Best Curls
Now that you know the basic steps, here are some expert tips to perfect your flat iron curling technique:
- Use a flat iron with rounded edges for smoother curls.
- Start with a lower heat setting and increase if necessary to avoid damage.
- Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it.
- Experiment with different curl sizes by varying the width of the hair sections.
- Invest in a high-quality flat iron for the best results.
How To Curl Your Hair With A Flat Iron FAQ
1. Can I Use Any Flat Iron To Curl My Hair?
Yes, you can use any flat iron to curl your hair, but choosing a flat iron with rounded edges is important. Straight flat irons may not create the perfect curls you seek.
2. What Is The Best Temperature Setting To Curl Hair With A Flat Iron?
The ideal temperature setting to curl hair with a flat iron depends on your hair type. If you have fine or thin hair, set the temperature between 300-350°F. If you have medium or thick hair, set the temperature between 350-400°F.
3. How Do I Prepare My Hair For Curling With A Flat Iron?
Preparing your hair before curling it with a flat iron is important. Wash and dry your hair thoroughly, and apply a heat protectant spray or serum to prevent heat damage. Using a comb or brush to detangle your hair before curling is also recommended.
4. How Can I Make My Curls Last Longer When Using A Flat Iron?
Apply a holding spray or mousse after curling to make your curls last longer when using a flat iron. You can also use bobby pins to hold the curls in place while they cool. It is also recommended to avoid touching or brushing your curls too much, as this can cause them to lose their shape.
5. Why Can’t I Curl My Hair With A Flat Iron?
There’s no need to shell out for a curling iron when you have a flat iron! This simple technique will give you bouncy curls without any heat damage. Start by sectioning your hair into 1-inch parts. Take the first section and clamp the flat iron at the root, then twist it away from your face and hold for about 10 seconds. Release and repeat on the other side. Next, move down the section, clamping and twisting every 2 inches. When you reach the end, curl the hair around the clamp like you would a traditional curling iron. Again, hold for 10 seconds, release, and style as desired.
6. Can You Make Curls With A Flat Iron?
If you love curls, you’ll love this secret tip: You can make curls with a flat iron! This simple technique uses heat to create waves in your hair, which works great for all hair types. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have beautiful curls in no time:
- Preheat your flat iron on medium-high heat.
- Section your hair into small sections, about 1 inch wide.
- Take the left side of your hair and start wrapping it around the barrel of the flat iron, making sure to keep the section tight against the iron.
Conclusion
Curling your hair with a flat iron is a skill that can elevate your hairstyle game. With the right tools, techniques, and a little practice, you can achieve stunning curls that last all day. Remember to take care of your hair by using heat protectants and not overdoing it with high temperatures. Follow the 6 simple steps we have run through, and use the additional tips to give your hairstyle that extra sparkle and ensure your new hairstyle is the talk of the party!
References:
The articles on HairStraightenerLab are carefully curated, taking inspiration and wisdom from respected experts and reputable institutions. We place our trust in credible sources, acknowledged for their profound knowledge, to guarantee the precision and trustworthiness of our content.
1. How to: Easy Flat Iron Curls (No Twisting!)
https://youtu.be/ubHbLqYrwrw
2. How to Do the Curly Girl Method for Beginners
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a34292024/curly-girl-method-how-to/