How to Curl Your Hair with a Straightener: Techniques for Perfect Wavy Styles

Creating curls with a hair straightener can be an innovative and effective way to achieve beautiful wavy hairstyles. This guide walks you through the process, including necessary preparations and step-by-step techniques to master this trend.

What You’ll Need

A hair straightener, preferably with rounded edges Heat protectant spray Hair clips (optional) Hairbrush Hair ties, if you want to section your hair

Steps to Create Curls

Prepare Your Hair

Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is damp, use a blow dryer to dry it completely. Apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage from the heat.

Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into sections for easier styling. You can use hair ties or clips to secure the top layers while you work on the bottom.

Heat the Straightener

Turn on your hair straightener and set it to a temperature suitable for your hair type (lower for fine hair, higher for thick hair). Allow it to heat up for a few minutes.

Curling Technique

Take a small section of hair, about 1 inch wide. Clamp the straightener around the hair near the roots. Twist the straightener away from your face for a more natural look (alternate the direction of the curls). Slowly pull the straightener down the length of the hair while maintaining the twist. The slower you pull, the tighter the curl will be. Release the hair gently from the straightener.

Repeat for All Sections

Continue this process for all sections of your hair, adjusting the size of the sections and the speed of your pull to achieve your desired curl tightness.

Set the Curls

Once all your hair is curled, you can gently run your fingers through the curls to loosen them for a more relaxed look. Finish with a light hairspray to hold the curls in place.

Tips for Mastering Curls with a Straightener

Experiment with different sizes of hair sections to create various curl sizes. For tighter curls, use smaller sections and twist the straightener more. For looser waves, use larger sections and move the straightener more quickly.

Alternative Techniques with a Straightener

Wrapping Technique

Select a skinny flat iron, no wider than one or two inches. Prepare your hair with a heat protectant spray. Separate your hair into sections, starting with one side of your head. Pin the top layers back and comb out a one- or two-inch section. Clamp the section of hair into the iron, starting about an inch or two from the roots. Rotate and move the iron down your hair, adjusting the angle and speed for the desired curl. Unclamp the iron at the end, twirl your hair in the same direction as the curl, and continue to the next section. Mist with hairspray to set the curls.

Wave Technique with Angled Iron

Select a skinny flat iron. Prepare your hair with a heat protectant spray. Separate your hair into sections, starting with one side. Pin the top layers back and comb out a one- or two-inch section. Clamp the section of your hair into the iron, starting about an inch or two from the roots. Rotate your wrist and angle the iron down. Slide it an inch or two and rotate your wrist in the other direction, repeating until you reach the end of your hair. Continue for the rest of your hair until it is all wavy. Mist with hairspray to help it keep its shape.

Aluminum Foil Method

Prepare your hair with a heat protectant spray. Make a loop with a section of your hair around your finger, carefully slide it off and maintain the loop. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the loop of your hair, ensuring it is tight enough to stay on its own. Clamp the iron over the foil-wrapped loop, hold for two or three seconds, and release. Give the foil a few moments to cool down, then unwrap it. Check the curl. If desired, loop and wrap again and try a couple seconds longer, being cautious not to burn your hair or scalp.

Conclusion

Curling your hair with a straightener can be a fun and creative DIY project. Experiment with the different techniques and tips provided to achieve the perfect wavy hairstyle that suits your hair type and personal style.