I've always had a lot of problems with finding curling iron tricks that I can actually use. I am horrible with a curling iron – seriously girls, I couldn't use one for the life of me! Now though, I've mastered the iron because I followed these particular curling iron tricks that are so easy to do and easy to follow! If you have a ton of problems using your curling iron, take a look at my tips below! They do work!
1. Decide What Size You Need
Now, the size of the curling iron is all going to depend on exactly what type of curls you want and what look you are trying to achieve. This was honestly one of the biggest curling iron tricks that I had no idea about! I thought I could use my small little curling iron for everything! If you want big, beachy waves, you need a big curling iron barrel; if you want small, tight curls, a small barrel will work best!
2. Know the Material of the Curling Iron
Knowing the material of your curling iron is crucial since it has a major effect on the outcome of your curls. For example professionals prefer to use ceramic or tourmaline irons. Ceramic curling irons evenly disperse the heat through your hair while tourmaline irons lock in moisture. There are also irons made of gold and titanium, that are great for producing heat and fighting against frizz. However the worst type of curling irons are those made of chrome. You can find them in your local drugstore for a low price, but they can greatly damage your hair and leave frizz!
3. Heat It up
The heat is another something that really matters! You don't want a curling iron that is too hot or too cold, you want it just right. That means that you've got to find the right temperature for your hair so that it won't look overworked and it'll still hold the amazing curl!
4. Brush Your Hair
Before doing anything to your hair, make sure to remove any knots or tangles beforehand. This will not only give you an easier time curling your hair, but you would be able to achieve the look of clean and distinct curls! Avoid skipping this step because a small detail such as this, can have a great effect on the final look.
5. Prep Your Hair for Styling
Prepping your hair is so, so important whenever you are trying to curl your hair. You don't want to use a ton of product in there, but you also don't want to not use any. Curling serum and even some hairspray, as long as it has a flexible hold, make an ideal combination of styling products! Do you have any products that you use when you're curling your hair?
6. Divide Your Hair up
The most important thing that I found when I was trying to curl my hair was that I was doing too much hair at a time! That means, you've got to divide your hair up and make sure that you don't have too much in the barrel! Just only curl a small bit of your hair at a time, that way you can get the most out of your curls!
7. Light Spritz of Hairspray
Remember when I mentioned the products? Well, you don't need a lot of hairspray, but a small amount will help keep your tresses curled up to perfection! For me, I use a little Herbal Essences hairspray that has a flexible hold, so that my curls still are bouncy and beautiful!
8. Wrap Section around the Barrel
You want to wrap your hair around the barrel and tuck the end inside the trap of the curling iron, that way you'll avoid getting the 'crimp' in your hair when you are curling. Remember, just be careful with it and practice does make perfect! The more and more you do this, the better.
9. Don't Curl when Damp or Wet
Finally, it is better that you don't curl your hair when it is damp or wet. It can sizzle the ends of your hair and make it look like your hair is fried and unhealthy versus beautiful and shiny! The same goes for straightening your hair! You don't want to ever do it when your hair is wet or damp!
10. Pin Your Curls
If you have extremely long hair or just want to get bouncy curls, try to pin every strand of hair after curling it in a curled position. This way your curls won't loose its shape before your are done curling all of your hair and they won't get weighed down.
11. Volume
If you want to give your hair more dimension and volume, you have to follow a certain technique while curling. Start with curling the strands in the front away from your face, curl the next one toward your face and repeat. Curling your hair this unconventional way will not only give you more volume, but also give an interesting look.
12. Lightly Comb Hair
Most of the time after you have finished curling your hair, your curls might appear too tight and sheep-like. Therefore it's important to lightly go through your hair using your fingertips to loosen up the curls and achieve more of natural look, if that is what you are going for. Avoid brushing your hair with a regular brush, since it can get rid of your curls completely.
13. Lasting Curls
If you really want your curls to last a long time, be aware that curling your hair works better on a day old hair instead of freshly washed locks. If your hair is too clean your hair won't be able to hold the curl as well, but if you must wash your hair beforehand spray dry shampoo all over for more grip!
14. Natural Curls
One of the best ways to get natural looking curls is by using two different sized curling irons with no clamp. You may notice that natural curls are never uniform, so adding variety of size to your curls will help you achieve that look. Moreover, clamps often leave unnatural dents in your hair, but clampless irons give more of a natural feel to the curls.
15. Clean Your Hot Tools
After curling your hair and using styling products, you might notice a lot of product buildup on your curling iron. This is something you must avoid! After every use try to clean off your styling tools from the product residue. This will enable your curling iron to last a long time, evenly spread heat through your hair and leave your hair with a healthy shine!
So, these are just a few of the curling iron tricks that I've learned from trying to curl my own hair. Do you have any more that you use all of the time? Share 'em!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I prevent my curls from falling out quickly?
- Use a heat protectant spray and avoid touching your curls too much to keep them intact longer.
- What's the best way to hold the curling iron for perfect curls?
- Hold the iron vertically for loose waves and horizontally for tighter curls to achieve different styles.
- Can I use a curling iron on damp hair?
- It's best to use a curling iron on dry hair to avoid damage and ensure your curls hold better.
- How do I make my curls last all day?
- Set your curls with a light hairspray and allow them to cool completely before touching.
- What temperature should I set my curling iron to avoid damage?
- Use a medium heat setting between 300°F and 350°F for most hair types to protect hair health.
- Can I curl short hair with a curling iron?
- Yes! Use a smaller barrel curling iron and work with small sections for the best results.
- Is it better to use a ceramic or metal curling iron?
- Ceramic irons provide even heat and are gentler on hair, making them ideal for most hair types.
- How can I add volume while curling my hair?
- Curl your hair away from the scalp and lift roots as you style for extra bounce and fullness.
- What products help curls stay smooth and frizz-free?
- Use a lightweight serum or anti-frizz spray after curling to keep your curls sleek.
- Should I brush my hair after curling?
- Avoid brushing; instead, gently run your fingers through curls to maintain their shape and prevent frizz.