Curling your hair with a flat iron is one of the best beauty hacks to have in your repertoire. Not only will you know how to create gorgeous curls, it also saves you money since you don’t have to buy both a flat iron and a curling iron. One of the most frustrating things is to curl your hair only to have it fall straight a few hours later. These tips and tutorials will teach you how to curl your hair with a flat iron and create long lasting curls that look amazing all day!
How to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron: 7 Tips & Hacks
1. Use a Thin Flat Iron
The ideal size for your flat iron is 1 to 2 inches in width. A flat, paddle-style iron won’t curl as it will be too hard to wrap and your hair won’t stay in the right place. A good quality flat iron will curl your hair better than one that’s 10 years old, and you should heat it up to about 350 degrees.
2. Apply Heat Protectant
You should be applying a heat protectant spray to your hair any time you use a hot tool on your strands. This will protect your hair from damage and also help your curls last longer. It ensures your hair doesn’t fry or burn, creating a protective barrier between your hair and the iron. Make sure to get all layers of your hair so all your strands are fully protected.
3. Section Your Hair
It will be easier to curl your hair if you part it into sections. The thicker your hair, the more sections you’ll need in order to curl your entire head properly. A good rule of thumb is working with 1-2 inch sections at a time and pinning the rest of your hair up. Going from the bottom to top makes the most sense so you can clip the rest of your hair to the top of your head.
4. Add Hairspray For Hold
If your hair has a hard time holding curls, spray hairspray on each section right before you curl it. This will help your curls hold their shape and ensure they’re long lasting. Just make sure not to use too much hairspray. You don’t want your strands to be stale and crunchy.
5. Decide on the Look You Want
Do you want smaller, tight curls or loose, wavy curls? Curling your hair in smaller sections will give you the former, while larger sections will result in the latter. You can choose to stick with one style or mix it up! You don’t have to do all your hair in the same style, unless you want to of course!
6. Master Your Technique
Start by taking a small section of your hair and smoothing it out at the root. Twist the flat iron at a 180 degree angle and start to gently pull the straightener down the length of your hair. The quicker you smooth the flat iron through your hair, the looser the wave will be. If you want tighter curls, glide the flat iron slowly down the hair shaft. Once you’ve curled the entire length, twist the curl around your finger to keep the hold, and for a looser look, pull the strand straight and wait for it to cool.
7. Run Your Fingers Through Your Curls
When you’ve finished curling your hair, run your fingers through your curls to break them up and make them look more natural. Spritz your hair with some texture spray and you’re off!
How to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron: 3 Step by Step Tutorials
How to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron | Long Lasting | Shelley Elizabeth Designs
If you want to know how to get bouncy, voluminous curls that last three to four days, check out this tutorial! Before getting into the curling process itself, she explains why the products you use before you curl your hair are so important. She suggests a detangling wet brush, a root booster like the Kevin Murphy Body Mass, and the Living Proof Prime Styling Extender, which is a heat protector and the secret to long lasting curls. Follow along to find out her best tips for curling your hair with a flat iron!
How to Curl Short Hair with a Flat Iron | Milabu
If you have short hair and have always wanted to know how to curl it with a flat iron, this tutorial is perfect for you! Get perfect beachy waves that will last you all day! She uses the BIO IONIC 10 x Pro Styling Iron as well as products like the Amika Undone Texture Spray and the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection and Heat Protectant Creme. Watch her technique as she curls her short hair!
Natural Beach Waves with a Flat Iron | Emily DiDonato
Beachy waves are one of the most sought after hairstyles, and this tutorial shows you how to get gorgeous wavy locks with a flat iron. They look so natural and flawless and she gets the look with the GHD Platinum and Professional Styler. To finish off the look, she uses a hair shine mist to help break up the pieces for a more natural look.
Curling your hair with a flat iron is easy once you know the right tips and techniques! Use our favourite hacks and tutorials to get gorgeous, long lasting curls with your flat iron at home!