All methods of curling hair with a curling iron step by step

Using a curling iron to add volume, bounce, and a hint of glitz to your hair can completely change the way you look. Knowing how to use a curling iron properly is a useful skill, regardless of whether you want tight ringlets or loose waves. This tutorial will walk you through each technique step-by-step so you can consistently get the ideal curl.

It’s crucial to select the ideal curling iron for your hair type and desired look before you get started. The correct tool can make all the difference, regardless of barrel size or material. To keep your hair healthy and lustrous, we’ll go over how to choose the best curling iron and prep it for heat styling.

After selecting your curling iron and getting your hair ready, it’s time to study the methods. We’ll explain each step so you can follow along with ease, from the traditional clamp method to the contemporary wand approach. Additionally, you’ll discover advice on how to style curls into tight spirals or beachy waves and how to keep them in place all day.

You will have all the information necessary to curl your hair like a pro by the time you finish reading this guide. These curling techniques can help you get gorgeous, salon-quality results at home, whether you’re getting ready for a special occasion or just want to jazz up your regular look.

Method	Steps
Classic Curl	1. Heat the curling iron. 2. Divide hair into sections. 3. Wrap a section around the barrel. 4. Hold for a few seconds, then release. 5. Repeat with the rest of the hair.
Loose Waves	1. Set the curling iron to a lower heat. 2. Take larger sections of hair. 3. Wrap loosely around the barrel. 4. Hold for a few seconds. 5. Gently pull the iron down while releasing the hair.
Tight Ringlets	1. Use a small-barrel curling iron. 2. Take small sections of hair. 3. Wrap tightly around the barrel. 4. Hold for 5-7 seconds. 5. Release and let the curls cool completely.
Beach Waves	1. Use a wide-barrel curling iron. 2. Twist hair sections before wrapping around the iron. 3. Leave ends out for a relaxed look. 4. Hold for a few seconds, then release. 5. Shake out the curls gently with fingers.

Types of curling irons for curls

A curling iron, also called a styler, is an electric tool used to curl hair that has a heated working portion and a handle. The device’s model determines the heating temperature, which varies between 140 and 230 degrees.

With the thermostat on some gadgets, you can choose the ideal temperature for various types of hair:

• It is recommended to curl light, colored, thin and damaged hair at a temperature of 150-170 °C;
• Natural healthy curls curl perfectly at 170-190 °C;
• For hard and thick hair of the Asian type, as well as if the curls are unruly, the curling iron can be heated to 200-220 °C.

The working part of curling irons is designed differently. The following can be used to create waves, ringlets, and curls:

• Classic with a clamp. Has a cylindrical shape and a clamp for fixing the strand during curling. The diameter can be from 9 to 45 mm. The smaller the diameter of the working part of the curling iron, the smaller the curls will be;

• Conical. A conical curling iron, unlike a classic one, tapers towards the tip, so the curl is different – wide at the root and narrow, elastic at the tips;

• Spiral. The working part has a recess in the shape of a spiral, where the strand is placed. As a result, the curl is uniform, clear and elastic;

• Triangular. The working part is not rounded, but angular triangular in shape and creates angular curls;

• Triple. Presented in the form of tongs, which have two working parts – the main and the clamping. With a triple curling iron, you can create volume at the roots, straighten hair, and also create waves and curls of varying intensity;

• Automatic. The curling iron itself "sucks" the strand and curls it in the manner provided by the manufacturer of the device. Usually these are small elastic curls or classic spirals.

Some manufacturers include multipurpose devices in the kit with detachable attachments. Both girls who enjoy styling and hairdressers will find this device useful. A multipurpose styler won’t be the best investment if you only use a curling iron once a month to create curls.

Types of curls, curls, curls

Prior to purchasing a curling iron, consider the desired outcome you hope to achieve. Understanding the different kinds of curls is crucial for doing this:

• Hollywood curls. A popular styling this season is uniform, defined large waves, laid “hair to hair”;

• Brazilian or African curls, spirals – small elastic curls;

• Vertical – the bend is observed from the tips to the roots or vice versa;

• Large curls – voluminous curls or waves with a large curl diameter;

• Casual, beachy. Light, barely noticeable curls with a natural effect.

The sections that follow will walk you through the process of curling your hair step-by-step. Consider other factors in addition to the working part’s shape when selecting a curling iron; learn how to choose one and which manufacturers make the greatest models.

Precautions when working with a curling iron

We’ll go over the safety precautions to ensure safe styling before we show you how to use a curling iron to create curls:

• Curl only completely dry curls. If the hair shafts are wet, heating to high temperatures forces the water to boil, and this in turn ends up damaging its integrity;
• Use heat protection. A heat protection product will help reduce the effect of high temperatures on your hair, prevent it from drying out, and reduce the risk of damage;
• Control the temperature. Use the temperature regime that is suitable for your hair. Thin hair is pliable and curls perfectly at 160 °C – there is no need to torture it with higher temperatures, while hard hair simply cannot curl properly at low temperatures, so 180-200 °C is set for it. If you are worried about your hair, take a closer look at ways to create curls without a curling iron and the curly method – these are much more gentle options than thermal styling;
• Do not hold your hair on the curling iron for more than 10 seconds. This will help to avoid burning hair, as well as their serious damage. The thinner the hair, the shorter the curling cycle should be;
• Do not touch the heating element with your hands – high temperatures instantly burn the skin. If you cannot do without using your hands, buy a special heat-resistant glove for working with hot devices.

Hair curling techniques

The location of the tool during styling varies amongst curling iron hairstyles. Depending on where the curling iron is positioned, there are two techniques:

1. Vertical. Vertical curling from the ends to the roots allows you to create clear spiral curls. The position of the curling iron is determined by the name – you need to hold it vertically and curl the strands perpendicular to the parting.
2. Horizontal. The curling iron is held in a horizontal position, and the strands are curled parallel to the parting.

Moreover, there are two methods according to the curl’s direction. Experts differentiate between curling:

• From the face. Curling from the face, that is, when the strand is curled towards the back of the head, suits girls with a narrow face. Thanks to this technique, the curls will visually balance the insufficient width and make the image harmonious.
• To the face. The strands are curled towards the face if the oval is wide.

Another technique is a hybrid one, in which the two approaches alternate to produce the most natural-looking hairstyle and a hint of negligence.

Moreover, you can curl your hair:

• Top-down – the curling iron is placed at the roots and the strand is simply wrapped around the working part;
• Bottom-up – the tip is wrapped around the styler once, fixed with a clamp, and then using the curling iron turns, the entire length is curled towards the root part.

Curling from the ends is preferable if volume is not required because curling from above creates volume at the roots.

How to make large curls

Big curls go well with almost any type of woman’s appearance, making them a styling staple.

Length required: long. Curls are acceptable on medium-length hair, but the length is what makes for a stunning, consistent style;

This curling iron type is a traditional cylindrical curling iron with a diameter of 25 to 35 mm, and it can be used with or without a clamp, depending on your preferences.

Directions for creating thick curls:

1. Divide your head into several zones – temporal, occipital and crown. Secure the selected sections with clamps;
2. Start curling from the occipital zone – separate a strand 2-3 cm wide and curl it on the curling iron from the tip to the roots, holding the curling iron perpendicular to the strand;
3. Time 7-10 seconds, open the clamp, if there is one, and carefully remove the resulting curl. Move to the next strand, without touching the one you just removed – it is not recommended to separate the curls until they have completely cooled;
4. As soon as you finish with the back of the head, move to the temples, repeating all the same steps;
5. At the very end, curl the crown;
6. Once all the curls are curled and cooled, gently separate them with your hands to create volume and make the hairstyle more “lively”;
7. Fix the hairstyle with hairspray.

How to make African curls

For young girls, small curls created with a curling iron in the style of Brazilian or African curls are particularly beneficial. They can be pulled up into high ponytails, buns, or malvinkas as an independent hairstyle or after styling.

Any length is acceptable.

Curling iron type: standard 9–12 mm cylindrical curling iron. A larger diameter will result in classic medium curls rather than Afro curls.

How to style Afro curls:

1. Select 4 zones – temples, back of the head and crown, fix with clips or elastic bands. Start curling curls with a curling iron from the back of the head;
2. Separate a thin strand of about 5 mm and twist it into a light tourniquet;
3. Place the curling iron as close to the roots as possible, but make sure it does not come into contact with the skin, as there is a high risk of getting burned. Holding the device at the root, curl the hair along the entire length of the working part of the styler. The position of the curling iron is horizontal;
4. Fix the strand in this position for 5-7 seconds. You don"t need to hold it longer – a thin tourniquet warms up quickly;
5. Remove a curl and while it cools, curl the next one;
6. Once you"re done with the occipital area, carefully separate the curls with your hands. To add volume in the root area, you can lightly comb the curls at the roots with a flat comb with frequent teeth;
7. Move to the temple area and repeat the same. At the end, curl the crown. Don"t forget to slightly loosen the cooled curls as you move around the head and comb them if necessary;
8. At the end, fix the curls with hairspray.

When using a curling iron to create Afro curls, bear in mind that:

• All the curls need to be curled in one direction;
• It"s not easy to curl them yourself, especially on the back of the head. If you don"t have helpers, put a second mirror to see the process from both sides;
• An elastic curl “eats” about half the length, so a shoulder-length haircut when curled with a small curling iron will be somewhere around the ears;

• If your hair is long, choose a device with an extended working part, otherwise you will have to curl the strands in two stages – first from the roots to the center of the strand, and then from the center to the ends;
• It takes a long time to create a hairstyle this way – thick curls can take 1.5-2 hours.

How to make Hollywood curls

The most amazing fashion of 2021. Ideal for a date, a social gathering, or a celebration.

Medium to long in length.

The traditional cylindrical curling iron, without a clamp, has a diameter of 25–33 mm. In this instance, the clamp will create needless creases and ruin the wave’s smoothness.

How to create gorgeous Hollywood curls:

1. Divide the hair into 4 parts – temples, back of the head and crown. Fix with elastic bands or clips;
2. Separate a 3-4 cm wide strand and, slightly twisting it into a bundle, tightly wind it onto a curling iron. Place the curling iron under the root and hold it horizontally;
3. After 7-10 seconds or a little more for hard hair, carefully remove the resulting curl, but do not dissolve it, but fix it in a curled position with a soft invisible pin or hairpin – in this position it should cool down;
4. Continue to work on the remaining strands of the occipital zone, each time fixing the curl in a collected position;
5. The next step is to do the temples and at the very end – the crown. In this styling, it is important that all the curls are curled in the same position – from the roots with the curling iron in a horizontal position. If you break the angle or order of curling, smooth Hollywood curls will not work;
6. When all the strands are curled and fixed, starting from the back of the head, begin to loosen the curls. The order is as follows – remove the clamp – unfold the curl – spray with hairspray – comb with a flat comb with frequent teeth. The curl will acquire smoother outlines, and the loose strands will merge to form a smooth wave;
7. Loose your hair in the same order in which you curled it, not forgetting about the hairspray for light fixation.

At the very end, when the Hollywood wave is ready at the back, the front strands can be curled if desired. The process will remain the same, but you will receive a more textured styling because the front and back will not blend together.

Natural curls with a conical curling iron

Because the working part of a conical curling iron has varying diameters, it’s perfect for creating volume at the roots of curls. Additionally, you can achieve flawless natural curls with a conical curling iron.

Medium-length and long hair.

Conical curling irons can have any diameter without a clamp, although 13 to 25 mm is the ideal range.

Natural curling techniques:

1. Divide the hair into 3 zones – 2 temporal and occipital. The crown is not needed in this styling;
2. Starting from the back of the head, separate strands 1.5-2 cm wide and curl them from the center – that is, install the curling iron in the center of the strand and then curl the hair to the tip. In this case, the root part remains straight. Holding time – 7-10 seconds;
3. When all the strands on the back of your head are curled, loosen them with your hands – you will get a natural, light wave;
4. Next, work on the sides and also gently loosen them with your hands;
5. For fixation, you can use hairspray or cream – rub the cream in your hands and carefully comb the resulting curls.

An alternative way to curl your hair with a curling iron that has a conical working part is to create distinct curls of varying sizes or even a Hollywood curl. However, this method of styling yields a unique, natural result that is hard to duplicate with other types of stylers.

How to curl short hair with a curling iron

Due to curls eating up the length, short hair is rarely curled; however, girls with short hair still have styling options. This technique can produce a waved, light, and voluminous style for bob haircuts and other similar ones.

Short in length.

Curling iron: 20–28 mm in diameter, cylindrical, clamped.

How to use a curling iron to curl hair for a bob cut:

1. Separate the occipital, temporal and crown zones;
2. Separate a fairly wide strand of 3-4 cm.;
3. Use the curling iron to grab the strand and wrap it around the working part from top to bottom – that is, from the root to the tip. Since the hair is short, you will get literally one or two turns, but this is enough to create a light wave. Position the curling iron vertically, with the end down;
4. Go along the entire back of the head, then move to the temples and finally curl the crown. After curling each zone, be sure to spray your hair with a light hold hairspray;
5. Slightly loosen the resulting curls with your fingers and fix with hairspray if necessary.

We’ll go over every method for using a curling iron to curl hair in this post, step-by-step explaining each one. Whether your goal is tight curls, loose waves, or anything in between, we’ll show you how to easily get the look you want. We’ll go over everything you need to know to curl your hair like a pro, from choosing the appropriate curling iron size to preparing your hair and perfecting the motions.

Beach curls

For summer, beach waves make the ideal hairstyle. It fits in with every trend—natural and a little carefree. There are several ways to make beach waves, but using a double curling iron in the form of tongs yields the best results.

Length—to the shoulders, minimum.

Triple curling iron.

How to use a curling iron on your hair to achieve beach waves:

1. Separate zones, secure with clips or elastic bands;
2. Select a strand 4-5 cm wide, but try not to make it too thick;
3. Starting from the roots, press the strand with a heated triple curling iron – the solid part is located under the strand, the one that consists of two cylinders is above it. You need to hold the tongs for 3-5 seconds, then move down the strand and press again – and so on to the very tips;
4. Spray the cooled strands of the back of the head with hairspray or saline solution and separate them with your fingers. The elastic and distinct wave will break up into smaller and more natural ones;
5. Repeat the same on the temples and back of the head.

The result is an extremely voluminous hairstyle that truly looks like hair that has naturally curled from swimming in the sea.

What kind of curling iron do you use for your hair curling? Put your comments about your experience here!

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Using a curling iron to curl your hair can change the way you look and give you soft, natural waves or gorgeous, bouncy curls. You can achieve a range of styles that fit the occasion and your preferences by knowing the various techniques. There is a technique that will work for you whether you want loose beach waves or tight beach ringlets.

To reduce damage, always start with dry, clean hair and apply a heat protectant. Choosing the appropriate barrel size for your desired curl type and properly sectioning your hair are the keys to getting amazing curls. Keep in mind that the size and shape of the curl will depend on how you wrap your hair around the curling iron. You can find your favorite style by trying out various wrapping methods and directions.

Remember to wait for the curls to cool completely before handling them to help set and prolong their curl. Use a setting product or a light hairspray after curling to keep your curls in place all day. With continued use, your curling iron skills will increase in confidence and effectiveness, enabling you to quickly produce salon-caliber results at home.

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