That sleek straightener sitting in your drawer isn’t just for smoothing out frizz. It’s a secret weapon for creating beautiful, long-lasting curls. If you’ve ever struggled with a curling iron or found that your curls fall flat too quickly, you might be surprised by the polished, modern waves a flat iron can create. It’s all about the technique, and once you get the hang of it, you might never go back.
Prepping Your Hair for the Perfect Curl
Great curls start with great preparation. Begin with clean, dry hair. For best results and to protect your hair from heat damage, always apply a heat protectant spray from roots to ends. If your hair is naturally very straight, using a light-hold hairspray or texturizing spray before you start can help the curls hold their shape better. A good rule of thumb is that your straightener should be on a medium heat setting, typically between 300-350°F, depending on your hair’s thickness and health.
The Basic Technique for Flawless Waves
The key to curling with a straightener is to think of it as wrapping your hair around the plates, not clamping down and pulling. Start with a one-to-two-inch section of hair. Clamp the straightener near the roots, then slowly twist the iron away from your face as you glide it down the length of your hair. Your wrist should do most of the work, creating a full rotation by the time you reach the ends. Hold the twist for a second at the bottom before gently releasing the hair. It might feel awkward at first, but a little practice makes perfect.
Switching Up Your Curl Direction
For a more natural, salon-quality look, avoid curling every section in the same direction. Alternate between twisting the iron away from your face and toward your face on random sections. This creates a lived-in, beachy wave instead of a uniform, structured curl. This variation adds volume and movement, making your hairstyle look effortless and soft.
Making Your Curls Last All Day
Once you’ve curled all of your hair, don’t touch the curls until they have completely cooled down. This allows the shape to set. You can gently run your fingers through the cooled waves to separate them and break up any harsh lines. For extra hold, finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray. Avoid brushing the curls, as this will make them frizzy and cause them to fall out faster.
Curling your hair with a straightener is a fantastic skill to have. It creates a unique, smooth wave that is often more modern and less frizzy than curls from a traditional iron. With a little patience and the right technique, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting style with the one tool you already own.