If you’ve ever struggled with getting perfect curls, you probably weren’t thinking about using your flat iron for the job: that’s fair since it’s often just called a straightener! But your flat iron is one of the most versatile tools in your styling arsenal. With the right technique, you can create soft waves, tight curls and almost anything in between, without needing a curling iron or wand.
So, if you’re wondering how to curl your hair with a flat iron, want a smooth and versatile look that saves you time, desire more control over the end result, and are looking to save space in your drawer or on your bathroom counter, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to achieving beautiful curls at home, every time.
Step 1: Collect Your Tools and Styling Products
Before you start curling, make sure you have everything you need:
- Flat iron: Choose a flat iron that’s the right size for your hair. For tight curls, use a thinner plate (1 inch or smaller) and for looser waves, pick a wider plate (1.5 to 2 inches). If you have short hair, thinner plates will help your curls actually be visible.
- Heat protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair to prevent damage from the flat iron’s high heat.
- Hair clips: Sectioning your hair helps achieve even curls.
- Hair spray: To ensure your curls stay in place all day. (Mousse is helpful too but needs to be applied on damp hair!)
- Optional products: Texturizing or sea salt spray for added volume and a beachy texture.
Step 2: Prep Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair. It’s easiest to curl hair that isn’t freshly washed — second-day hair works great, but if you’re someone who wants an everyday wash, you can use some dry shampoo to simulate the effect. Here’s what to do:
- Brush through your hair: Make sure your hair is detangled. This will help prevent any snags while you curl.
- Apply heat protectant: Lightly mist your hair with a heat protectant spray or use a serum, make sure it’s evenly distributed to shield your locks from the heat and keep them shiny.
- Optional styling products: If you want extra volume or texture, now’s the time to apply a texturizing spray.
Step 3: Section Your Hair
Sectioning your hair might feel like an extra step, but it’s the best way to create uniform curls. Working in smaller, more manageable sections helps every strand get curled properly.
- Divide into sections: Use clips to separate your hair into three to four sections — bottom, middle, top and sometimes a front section for those finishing touches.
- Clip away the top layers: Start with the bottom layer and work your way up, curling one section at a time to avoid missing pieces and uneven curls.
Step 4: Set Your Flat Iron Temperature
Flat irons can get pretty hot, so it’s important to choose the right temperature for your hair type.
- Fine hair: Set your flat iron to a lower heat, around 300°F.
- Medium hair: Around 350°F is ideal.
- Thick or coarse hair: You may need a higher heat, between 375°F and 400°F.
Always start with a lower temperature to avoid heat damage and only increase if needed.
Step 5: Curling with the Flat Iron
Now for the fun part! Here’s how to curl your hair with a straightener:
- Take a small section of hair: Work with about 1 to 1.5-inch sections for defined curls. Smaller sections will create tighter curls, and larger sections will give you looser waves.
- Clamp the flat iron: Place the flat iron about 1 to 2 inches away from the roots. Clamp the hair between the plates.
- Twist and pull: Slowly rotate the flat iron 180° (half-turn) away from your face, and then gently pull the flat iron down toward the ends of the hair. The slower you pull the flat iron, the more defined the curl will be.
- Optional technique for loose waves: For a beachier look, you can twist the flat iron once and then pull it down quickly. This will create a softer, wavier texture rather than a defined curl.
Repeat this technique on all sections, alternating the direction of the curls for a more natural look. You can curl the hair away from the face on the outer sections and towards the face on the inner sections for a more varied, relaxed finish.
Step 6: Let Your Curls Set
Once you’ve curled each section, give the curls a few seconds to cool. This helps them hold their shape and last longer.
- Don’t touch: Avoid running your fingers through the curls too soon — this can cause them to fall out faster.
- Spray with hairspray: For lasting hold, lightly mist your curls with hairspray.
Step 7: Finish and Style
After your curls have totally cooled, it’s time to break them up and finish the look.
- Separate the curls: Use your fingers (or a wide-tooth comb) to gently separate the curls. This will give you a fuller, more voluminous look.
- Add texture: If you want more texture or volume, spray some dry shampoo or texturizing spray at the roots or throughout your curls.
- Smooth flyaways: Use a small amount of hair serum or light finishing spray to smooth any flyaways or frizz, giving your curls a polished look.
Pro Tips for Perfect Curls Every Time
- Use smaller sections for tighter curls. The smaller the section of hair, the tighter the curl. For looser waves, use larger sections and move the flat iron faster.
- Change up your curl direction. Alternate the direction of your curls (away from the face, then towards the face) for a more natural, voluminous look. Curling everything in the same direction can give it more of a glamorous, old Hollywood look.
- Don’t overdo it. Avoid curling the same section of hair multiple times to prevent damage. Keep your movements smooth and steady for the best results.
Curling your hair with a flat iron is easier than you think, and once you get the hang of it, it might become your go-to technique for versatile, beautiful curls. Whether you’re aiming for beachy waves, defined curls or loose, voluminous locks, your flat iron can do it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
It isn’t working!
Don’t panic! Let’s troubleshoot. Some common culprits are:
- Using too much styling product, which might weigh down your curls.
- Touching or brushing out your curls before they’ve cooled down.
- Choosing the wrong temperature for your hair, either too hot or too cool.
- Choosing the wrong size of hair straightener.
- Grabbing too large a section of hair for each curl, so the heat isn’t evenly distributed.
- Not using enough hairspray to set your hair.
- Having extremely clean hair that doesn’t have enough grip to hold a curl.
Experiment with these solutions and see if any of them make a difference — if you’re still stuck, come into the salon for a consultation and we can give you some tips.
How long will my curls last?
With the right products (like hairspray or mousse) and the proper technique, your curls can last all day or longer. Be sure to let them cool before touching them to set the curl!
What’s the best flat iron for curling hair?
You may want to look for a flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates. These materials distribute heat more evenly, reducing the risk of heat damage. That being said, there are tons of fantastic hair straighteners out there at a range of price points, so you can get the curls you want no matter your budget.
Are there any haircuts that work best for flat iron curls?
Certain haircuts can enhance the look of curls, while others might require a bit more work to create the desired effect. Longer hair is great for curls, and layers add some flexibility in how you style each section. A lob haircut can look fantastic with soft, bouncy curls, and the shorter you go, the more easily you can get that fun, voluminous look. Particularly blunt cuts might need a little more precision since the ends won’t naturally blend. Let us know how you like to style your hair in the morning, and our stylists can make sure you have a cut that’s easy to work with.
Is it harder to curl shorter hair with a flat iron?
Shorter hair (such as pixie cuts or chin-length bobs) can be more challenging to curl with a flat iron because you have less hair to work with. But the results are worth it! Use a smaller flat iron (about 1 inch or smaller) for tighter control over the smaller sections, then hold the flat iron at an angle, twisting it to create more definition. Although the actual styling process can be tricky, shorter hair also tends to hold curls for longer, since it isn’t being weighed down by its own length.
Can I create volume with flat iron curls?
Yes! In fact, flat iron curls can add amazing volume and lift to your hair. For more volume, use the alternating directions technique and add texture. For a voluminous body without as much curl, use larger sections of hair and go quickly to avoid overly defined ringlets.
If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to curl your hair with a flat iron like a pro in no time.
Ready to try it out for yourself? Or maybe you’d prefer to leave it to the professionals? We’d love to help you achieve your perfect style. Book an appointment with us today at Stephanie Moss Salon for a personalized consultation, a healthy haircut or to get the best curls of your life!
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