How to Make Your Curls Last All Day Long ...

There’s nothing worse than curling your hair only to have those curls gone by lunchtime. It’s happened to all of us, but you don’t have to stand for it anymore. If you want your curls to stay lustrous and lovely all day long, it’s not a lost cause. Use any or all of these easy tips and tricks and your curls will still be going strong when you’re ready for bed tonight. You’re welcome.

1 Make Sure Your Hot Rollers Cool Completely

Hot rollers curl by using heat and the curl holds as they cool down. If you remove the rollers too soon, you might find that your curls don’t last very long. Put the rollers in and let them cool completely while you do your makeup or read a magazine. Once they are all the way cooled off, remove the curlers and get ready for all day curls you’ll love.

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Patience is key when it comes to setting your locks with hot rollers. It's tempting to unwarp them early, especially if you're in a hurry, but resist the urge. Consider the cooling period as a little investment towards bouncy, long-lasting curls. Allocate this 'downtime' for other parts of your routine—perfect that winged eyeliner or choose your outfit for the day. Remember, the magic happens as they cool; it's the foundation for curls that withstand the hustle of your day without wilting.

Frequently asked questions

2 Use Product before Removing the Curlers

Before you take your rollers out, use a couple of spritzes of hairspray. I like to do mine while the rollers are still hot so that the hairspray dries completely before the rollers cool off. When you take the rollers out, your curls will be lustrous and ready to hold all day long.

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Make sure the hairspray you choose is flexible hold to avoid crunchiness. For extra staying power, lightly mist each section with hairspray before rolling too. Once your curls are set and cool, carefully remove the rollers, tilting your head forward to gently shake the curls loose. Finish with a touch of shine serum or hair oil on the ends for a sleek, polished look. Remember, too much product can weigh down your curls, so use a light hand. Embrace your inner glam and let those curls bounce with confidence!

3 Use the Right Products for the Best Curls

Make sure you apply some heat styling spray to your strands before you even put the rollers in. This will protect your strands from the damage that occurs when you heat style your hair. Choose a product that is formulated for your hair type, whether it’s thin or thick, curly or straight.

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Additionally, selecting a curl enhancing cream or mousse that is designed to work with your hair's natural texture can make all the difference. For those with fine hair, products that add volume without weighing the hair down are key. If you have thicker tresses, look for something that offers stronger hold to keep your curls defined. Always use these products on damp hair before blow-drying with a diffuser, as it encourages the formation of natural curls and waves, setting the stage for long-lasting results.

4 Use Quality Rollers or Curling Iron

Curling tools come in a wide range of prices, but you definitely get what you pay for. So invest in the best rollers or curling iron you can afford. The higher the quality of tools you have for curling your hair, the longer the curls will last and the better they’ll look. Talk to your stylist about what might work the best for your hair.

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When selecting rollers or a curling iron, consider features like adjustable heat settings, which can help to prevent damage to your hair and allow you to tailor the temperature to what works for your hair type. A tool with a ceramic or tourmaline coating is known for distributing heat more evenly, which is much healthier for your hair, reducing the chances of frizz and promoting shiny, smooth curls. Additionally, these materials can help in reducing static electricity, ensuring your curls retain their shape without getting frizzy. Don’t forget a heat protectant spray for an extra layer of protection!

5 Consider the Size of Your Curls

If you have short hair, a huge set of rollers or a huge barrel on your curling iron won’t do that much when it comes to curls. You have to choose the right size for your hair length and the size of the curls you want to have on your head. Don’t go too tiny though because itty bitty curls aren’t really the style these days. You want loose, full curls so choose accordingly.

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For those with long locks, the scenario is different. A larger barrel can create those enviable waves that boast volume and style. However, a small curling rod can lend a more defined, tighter curl that can add bounce to your lengthy tresses. Remember, the key is balance; opting for a barrel size that complements your hair’s length and your desired look will make sure your curls are not only beautiful but also have staying power. Always match the tool to your curl ambition, and watch your style last from dawn to dusk.

6 Don’t Use Too Much Product on Your Curls

While you do need some product to hold your curls, you don’t need too much. Piling on a ton of product will make your hair heavy and pull it down, which means your curls won’t last that long. Use only what you need to make your curls fabulous. You can do it!

7 Take Great Care of Your Hair

Damaged hair won’t curl that well so if you are still having trouble getting your strands to curl, you might consider taking a break and giving your hair some care. Do a hot oil treatment, take a break from heat for a while and see your stylist for some tender, loving care. Then try again with the curls in a couple of months.

8 Use a Setting Spray

Before even applying rollers or the iron, brush out your hair and use a quality setting spray to make sure the curls hold all day.

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Using a setting spray is an important step in making sure your curls last all day long. Setting sprays are designed to help hold your style in place, and can be used before applying rollers or an iron. When using a setting spray, be sure to brush out your hair first, and spray it evenly throughout the hair.

Setting sprays are usually water-based, and can contain a variety of ingredients including polymers, proteins, and glycerin. Polymers help to create a protective seal around the hair shaft, while proteins help add strength and shine. Glycerin helps to keep the hair moisturized and can help reduce frizz.

When using a setting spray, be sure to hold the bottle at least eight inches away from the hair and spray in short bursts. This will help to evenly distribute the product and ensure that it doesn't weigh the hair down. Additionally, be sure to let the setting spray dry before applying any heat styling tools.

9 DUck Billed Clips Are Your Best Friend

When curling your hair with an iron, you will begin to worship duck billed clips. Although it may seem like your adding work, by rolling the finished curl back up and clipping it in place, you will allow the curl to cool and hold its shape. Also, you will prevent them from falling while you finish the rest of your hair!

10 Wide Tooth Comb

You may have heard that running your fingers through fresh curls separates them while giving you that beachy look. While this is true, your oils, heat, pressure of run thru, and natural moisture of your hand just might cause your curls to fall more than you'd like. Instead, grab a wide tooth comb and gently brush through. You'll be able to control the comb much easier and spread them more evenly.

Do you curl your hair every day? What other tips can you add for making the curls last all day long?