How to Curl Hair

Even if you weren't born with bouncy, glossy curls, you can always convince your hair to spring up for a day or two. Use hot tools like a curling iron or flat iron for well-defined curls or waves. You can also create heat-free curls by using rollers, scrunching your hair, braiding it, or twisting it.

Method 1
Method 1 of 6:

Using a Curling Iron[1]

  1. Image titled Curl Hair Step 1
    1
    Heat up the curling iron. Most curling irons will need about 1-5 minutes to heat up before you can use them. If you try to curl your hair with the iron before it reaches the correct temperature, the curls will not hold.
    • Some curling irons will have different settings which you can play around with until you achieve the best result. Try to keep it at the lowest temperature possible though, to cause less damage to your hair. Look for curling irons that say "No Damage" on the box.
    • A good guide is 320ºF (160ºC) for fine hair and 430ºF (220ºC) for thicker hair.
    Expert Answer
    Q

    A wikiHow reader asked: "How can I make my hair hold curls?"

    Laura Martin

    Laura Martin

    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    EXPERT ADVICE
    Answer from Laura Martin:

    Laura Martin, a licensed cosmetologist, recommends: "Apply a thermal protectant product to your hair before styling. Then, curl sections no larger than the iron and use a heat setting appropriate for your hair type. When you're finished curling your hair, mist it with hairspray."

  2. Image titled Curl Hair Step 2
    2
    Make sure your hair is completely dry. Putting a hot iron on damp hair can seriously damage it — not because the iron is too hot, but because the water will turn to scalding steam. Wet hair is also more fragile than dry hair, making it more prone to heat damage. Play it safe, and completely dry your hair first. Run a blowdryer over any damp spots. (Although, try to wait it out. Depending on your hair thickness, this may take time. But, if you want to reduce heat on your hair, you can wait. However, if using a blowdryer is the best option for you, keep it on a cool setting.)
    • If you’re not sure whether or not your hair is completely dry, set your dryer on the “cold shot” setting and go over your entire head with it. The cool air will make any damp spots feel cold to the touch.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Curl Hair Step 3
    3
    Brush out any tangles while the iron heats up. Start at the end of your hair and brush out the bottom few inches or centimeters, then work your way up until you can easily brush through the length of your hair. This reduces damage to your hair like split ends, fallout, etc.
  4. Image titled Curl Hair Step 4
    4
    Apply a heat protection spray. If you regularly use heat to style your hair, it's really important that you use a heat protection spray.[2] It will protect your hair from the damage caused by exposure to high temperatures and prevent it from becoming dry and frazzled looking. Just spray it liberally all over your hair before curling.
    • Heat protector sprays can be found at most drug stores and hair salons.
  5. Image titled Curl Hair Step 5
    5
    Split your hair into sections. Even if you have thin hair, you'll get better results if you work with small sections of hair. That way, you can make sure you're curling everything and curl in a more uniform style. Create sections that are slightly smaller in diameter than the curling iron.
    • Pin or clip up the top section of your hair. Using your thumbs, grab everything that's above the top of your ears and clip it up on top of your head.
    • Release upper sections as you work. When the bottom section of hair is finished, unclip your hair and let out a little more, clipping up the excess again. Continue working this way until all your hair is curled.
    • Remember that using bigger sections of hair will result in bigger, looser curls, while using smaller sections of hair will give you smaller, tighter ringlets.
  6. Image titled Curl Hair Step 6
    6
    Start curling. Now that all the prep work is out of the way, you're ready to start curling. Begin by taking a small section of hair and wrapping it around the curling iron, beginning at the top or bottom, depending on the type of tongs:
    • Some curling irons will have a clamp near the handle. If this is the type of curling tongs you're using, open the clamp and position the end of the hair at the lower end of the barrel, near the handle, then close the clamp to secure. Then you can wrap that entire section of hair around the iron, by rolling the iron upwards towards your roots. Stop rolling when you get about an inch away from the roots, to prevent the iron from burning your scalp.
    • Other curling irons, often referred to as wands, don't have a clamp. With this type of iron, you should start near the top of your hair and use your hand to wrap a piece of hair around the iron. You will need to hold the end of your hair in place while that section of hair curls. Some curling wands provide a safety glove that you can wear while doing this, to prevent your hand from burning.
    EXPERT TIP
    Yan Kandkhorov

    Yan Kandkhorov

    Hair Stylist
    Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.
    Yan Kandkhorov
    Yan Kandkhorov
    Hair Stylist

    The way you wrap the hair will determine the look of your curls. For a stronger curl, wrap your hair around the iron starting from the bottom up. For looser waves, start curling from the middle, then let the ends stay out straight. Either way, the style typically looks best if you curl your hair away from your face, rather than towards it. Also, try to keep your wrist relaxed as you're holding the curling iron so you don't get creases in your hair.

  7. Image titled Curl Hair Step 7
    7
    Hold the iron in place. You will need to hold the curling iron with the hair wrapped around it for a few seconds, while the hair heats up and curls. This should take approximately 10 seconds, but the time will vary according to the individual curling iron and the temperature it's heated to.
    • Play around to find a time that creates a perfect curl with your iron, but remember to start out with a lower time to prevent your hair from burning.
    • After 10 seconds, let go of your hair to release the curl. If your hair is still a little flat, try pinning it while it's still curled. Once your hair is completely cool, take all the pins out of each curl.
  8. Image titled Curl Hair Step 8
    8
    Move on to the next curl. Once you are happy with how your first curl turned out, move on to the next piece of hair and do the same steps as before.
    • To achieve a uniform look, wrap all the curls around the iron in the same direction.
    • Alternating the direction of the wrap creates a more natural effect.
  9. Image titled Curl Hair Step 9
    9
    Loosen your curls (optional). If you want your hair to look softer and looser, run your fingers through the curls a few times. The curls will pull down and loosen up as you do so. You can also turn your head upside down and use your fingers to fluff up and separate the curls.
    • Once you have curled your hair, do not brush it with a hairbrush. It will loosen the curls too much and they will fall out.
    • If you brush out curls with a hairbrush, your hair will look wavy rather that curly, which can be a nice style in itself.
  10. Image titled Curl Hair Step 10
    10
    Set your curls with hairspray (optional). If you tend to have straight hair, or you're worried about your curls turning frizzy or falling out throughout the day, mist some hairspray over your curls. If you want tight curls, you can spray each curl individually as soon as you've finished with it, but if you want a looser style, wait until the curls have relaxed a little and only spray them when you've finished curling your entire head.
    • Choose a loose hold hairspray so your curls aren't too stiff and you hair doesn't feel too "crunchy". Hold the can about 12-14 in (30.5 cm - 35.5 cm) away from your head and spray evenly around your head. Be careful not to apply too much.[3]
    • Never apply hairspray to the curls while they are still wrapped around the iron. The combination of the heat from the irons and the alcohol in the hairspray will fry your hair.
    • However, if your hair is fine or limp, you can create a more durable curl by spraying each section before wrapping. Spraying before wrapping instead of after will also result in curls that are softer and less “crunchy.”
    11. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 6:

Using a Flat Iron

  1. Image titled Curl Hair Step 11
    1
    Heat up the flat iron. Most flat irons will need a little time to heat up before you can use them. If you try to curl your hair with the iron before it reaches the correct temperature, the curls will not hold.
    • Some flat irons will have different settings which you can play around with until you achieve the best result. Try to keep it at the lowest temperature possible though, to cause less damage to your hair.
    • A good guide is 320ºF (160ºC) for fine hair and 430ºF (220ºC) for thicker hair.
    • The width of the flat iron is also important when it comes to curling your hair. You need to use a flat iron that is narrow (about 1-2 inches, or 2.5-5 cm, in width), with rounded edges. A flat, paddle-style flat iron will not work for curls.
  2. Image titled Curl Hair Step 12
    2
    Make sure your hair is completely dry. Putting a hot iron on damp hair can seriously damage it — not because the iron is too hot, but because the water will turn to scalding steam. Play it safe, and completely dry your hair first. Run a blowdryer over any damp spots.
    • You can add a little volumizing mousse to your hair before drying, which will help give you bouncy curls and prevent your hair from looking flat once styled.
    • Brush out any tangles while the iron heats up. Start at the end of your hair and brush out the bottom few inches, then work your way up until you can easily brush through the length of your hair.
  3. Image titled Curl Hair Step 13
    3
    Apply a heat protection spray. If you regularly use heat to style your hair, it's really important that you use a heat protection spray. It will protect your hair from the damage caused by exposure to high temperatures and prevent it from becoming dry and frazzled looking. Just spray it liberally all over your hair before curling.
    • Heat protector sprays can be found at most drug stores and hair salons.
  4. Image titled Curl Hair Step 14
    4
    Split your hair into sections. Even if you have thin hair, you'll get better results if you work with small sections of hair. That way, you can make sure you're curling everything and curl in a more uniform style.
    • Pin or clip up the top section of your hair. Using your thumbs, grab everything that's above the top of your ears and clip it up on top of your head.
    • Release layers as you work. When the bottom layer of hair is finished, unclip your hair and let out a little more, clipping up the excess again. Continue working this way until all your hair is curled.
  5. Image titled Curl Hair Step 15
    5
    Start curling. Now that all the prep work is out of the way, you're ready to start curling. Grab the piece of hair you wish to curl and give it a quick brush through to remove any remaining tangles. Clamp the flat iron around the hair and give it a half turn so that your hair is in a U-shape. Hold the flat iron in this position as you move it down the hair shaft, right to the ends.
    • The position of the flat iron will determine what kind of curls you end up with. If you want your hair curled from the root to the tip, position the flat iron as close to your scalp as possible, without burning it.
    • If you just want to curl just the ends of your hair, position the flat iron about halfway down the hair to begin. This is called a flick.
    • The slower you move the iron, the tighter the curls will be. If you move the iron down the hair too quickly, your curls will be soft and loose.
    • Remember that using bigger sections of hair (more than two inches wide) will result in bigger, looser curls, while using smaller sections of hair (less than two inches) will give you smaller, tighter ringlets.
  6. Image titled Curl Hair Step 16
    6
    Loosen your curls (optional). If you want your hair to look softer and looser, run your fingers through the curls a few times. The curls will pull down and loosen up as you do so. You can also turn your head upside down and use your fingers to fluff up and separate the curls.
    • Wait until your hair has cooled completely before attempting to loosen the curls.
    • Once you have curled your hair, do not brush it with a hairbrush. It will loosen the curls too much and they will fall out.
    • If you brush out curls with a hairbrush, your hair will look wavy rather that curly, which can be a nice style in itself.
  7. Image titled Curl Hair Step 17
    7
    Set your curls with hairspray (optional). If you tend to have straight hair, or you're worried about your curls turning frizzy or falling out throughout the day, mist some hairspray over your curls. If you want tight curls, you can spray each curl individually as soon as you've finished with it, but if you want a looser style, wait until the curls have relaxed a little and only spray them when you've finished curling your entire head.
    • Choose a loose hold hairspray so your curls aren't too stiff and you hair doesn't feel too "crunchy". Hold the can about 12-14 in (30.5 cm - 35.5 cm) away from your head and spray evenly around your head. Be careful not to apply too much.
    • Never apply hairspray to your hair before you curl it, as some styling guides recommend. The combination of the heat from the irons and the alcohol in the hairspray will fry your hair.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 6:

Using Hair Rollers

  1. Image titled Curl Hair Step 18
    1
    Choose the hair rollers. Hair rollers come in many different types, shapes and sizes. Try to choose a set of rollers that work best for your hair type and also for the type of curls you are trying to achieve.
    • Hot rollers are very efficient and will curl hair more quickly, but they are more damaging to your hair. Velcro rollers and foam rollers are very easy to use, but your curls will take a little longer to set.[4]
    • Velcro rollers are also a great option for hair that is naturally smooth as they are less likely to get tangled in your hair.
    • Small curlers will give you lots of tight curls, whereas large rollers will give you big loose waves and are great for adding volume.
  2. Image titled Curl Hair Step 19
    2
    Figure out if your hair needs to be wet or dry. Depending on the type of rollers, your hair may need to be wet or dry when putting them in. Hot rollers should always be applied to dry hair, as they would cause too much damage otherwise. Velcro rollers are also usually applied to dry hair, whereas special wet set rollers are used if you want to put them in while wet.
    • If you are applying rollers to dry hair, try to wash your hair the day before you curl. Day-old hair will curl much better than freshly washed hair.[5]
    • If your hair is particularly resistant to curling, try skipping the conditioner after shampooing. This will make sure your hair isn't too soft for the roller to get a good grip on the hair.[5]
    • If you are doing a wet set, be aware that you will have to wait for your hair to be completely dry before removing the rollers, which may take a long time. Consider putting the rollers in wet hair before bed and sleeping with them in overnight.[6]
  3. Image titled Curl Hair Step 20
    3
    Apply product. Using a little product can go a long way when using hair rollers. Again, which type of product you use will depend on what type of rollers you use and whether your hair is wet or dry.
    • If you're using hot rollers, you should use a heat protection product like a mist or dry oil, to prevent your hair from being damaged. A setting product will also help curls to hold their shape.[4]
    • If you're using velcro or foam rollers, you should use a setting product along with some volumizing hairspray to prevent your curls from falling flat.[4]
    • If you're doing a wet set, a smoothing cream or serum can really help to minimize frizz.[4]
  4. Image titled Curl Hair Step 21
    4
    Section your hair. You should divide your hair into separate sections using hair ties or claw clips. The sizes of these sections will vary depending on the size of your rollers. Each section should be about the same width as the rollers you plan to use.
    • Create a central “mohawk” section along the top and back of your head.
    • Section off 3-4 vertical rows along the sides of your head.
    • Release sections as you work. When the bottom section of hair is finished, unclip your hair and let out the next section. Continue working this way until all the rollers are in.
  5. Image titled Curl Hair Step 22
    5
    Use the right amount of hair for each roller. Resist the urge to grab sections that are too large for the curlers — you'll end up with nothing but a small curl at the bottom. A one- or two-inch section (2.5 to 5 cm) per roller is a good standard to follow. The section of hair should be no wider than the roller, otherwise it will not curl properly.[4]
    • If your rollers have variable sizes, use the larger ones on the top of your head. Use the smaller rollers as you approach your hairline.
    • If you have long hair, remember that not only the bottom part of the section will actually be touching the roller — the rest of it will be layered over hair. Use smaller sections for more curl.
  6. Image titled Curl Hair Step 23
    6
    Wrap your hair around the roller. Starting at the bottom, hold the tip of your hair firmly against the roller with a finger, then roll the roller up along the hair, smoothly and tightly. Tension is the key to creating a good curl, so make sure the hair is wrapped securely around the roller.[5]
    • You should also make sure there are no lumps or bumps in your hair as you wrap it around the curler, in order to create smooth, consistent curls.
    • If you're using hot rollers, be careful not to burn your fingers on the ends of the roller. Try to find a cool spot where you can consistently grip the roller as you put it into your hair.
  7. Image titled Curl Hair Step 24
    7
    Secure the rollers. While velcro rollers will attach themselves to your hair without the need for clips, other rollers will need to be pinned into place. Some roller sets will come with pins provided. These pins probably look like long U shapes, with one straight side and one crimped side. Pin the roller so that the straight side is against your scalp, and the curve of the U is cradling the roller at the side of your head.
    • Be aware that these pins aren't terribly secure. If you move your head too quickly or suddenly, they might fall loose.
    • If no pins are provided with your set, similar pins can be purchased at a drugstore. Alternatively, butterfly clips will also work to hold the hair in place.
    • If you want to avoid an indentation from the clip on your hair, try placing a tissue in between the pin and the hair.[5]
  8. Image titled Curl Hair Step 25
    8
    Leave your hair to set. Once all of the rollers have been inserted - in one to two inch sections from the base of your scalp to the crown of your head - you will need to leave the rollers to set. How long this takes will again depend on the type of roller and whether your hair is wet or dry.
    • Hot rollers can be removed once they have cooled completely - which usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This is enough time for the heat to penetrate all of the hair wrapped around each individual roller, as well as for the hair to cool into a curled shape.[4]
    • Velcro or foam rollers should be blasted with some heat from a hair dryer, then allowed to cool and set for about 15-20 minutes. The longer you leave them in, the tighter the curls will be.[4]
    • Wet set rollers will need to be left in until all of your hair is completely dry, which may take several hours or overnight. The dampest parts of the hair are the ends that are tucked inside the curls, so attempting to speed up the process with a hair dryer is unlikely to work.
  9. Image titled Curl Hair Step 26
    9
    Remove the rollers. Once you're sure your hair has set, you can pull out the rollers from bottom to top.[7] Remove the rollers near your neck and ears first, then move incrementally to the ones at the top of your head.
    • Once the rollers are out, you can brush out the curls to loosen them. Just don't overdo it, your curls should keep their shape for two or three strokes, but overdoing it might cause them to fall out.
    • Alternatively, you can just run your fingers through the curls to separate them and add some volume.
  10. Image titled Curl Hair Step 27
    10
    Set your curls with hairspray (optional). Mist hairspray over your hair to make sure the curl hold their shape throughout the day. To avoid your curls from looking stiff, make sure to hold the can 12-14 inches away from the hair.
    • For a looser look, pull up a section of hair and mist it with hairspray as it falls back down.
    • You can also work a small amount of serum into your hair to add shine and reduce frizz.
    11. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 6:

Using the Hair Scrunching Method

  1. Image titled Curl Hair Step 28
    1
    Wash and condition your hair. Scrunching only works properly on wet hair, so in order to use this method, you will need to wash your hair. While taking a warm shower, work your hair into a thick lather, using a volumizing or curl-enhancing shampoo. Then work a small amount of conditioner into the ends and mid-lengths of your hair.
    • After you apply conditioner, brush your hair with a wide-toothed comb and try to get out all the major knots. The conditioner will make the tangles a lot easier to tackle and will prevent you from causing damage to your hair.
    • Make sure to rinse your hair thoroughly afterwards, as excess product can weigh down hair and prevent it from curling as well.
  2. Image titled Curl Hair Step 29
    2
    Towel dry your hair. Once you get out of the shower, use an absorbent towel to pat your hair dry and squeeze the ends to get excess water out. If your hair is too wet, any product you apply will drip out along with the water and your hair will not curl as well.
    • Do not rub your hair with the towel as this will damage your hair and cause it to look frizzy.
    • You should also avoid using a hair dryer to get rid of excess moisture, as the hair dryer will blow and straighten the hair, making curling more difficult.
  3. Image titled Curl Hair Step 30
    3
    Comb your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to get the smaller knots out of your hair. Make sure no knots are left in your hair, or else they will show once your hair is dry! If you brushed your hair in the shower, there should be no major knots left, so just brush out the small ones.
    • Use a detangling mist or spray if you have particularly stubborn knots.
    • Always brush or comb from the ends of your hair up as this causes less damage to wet hair.
  4. Image titled Curl Hair Step 31
    4
    Apply product. There are many different curling products available which you can use to scrunch your hair, such as curling sprays, gels and creams. However, the most popular product which probably provides the most defined and long-lasting curls is curling mousse. Choose a volumizing or strong-hold mousse, particularly if your hair is not naturally wavy, as this will help to give you long-lasting, voluminous curls.
    • To use the mousse, shake the can before squirting a golf ball size amount of mousse into your hand. Turn your head upside down so your hair is in front of your face, then work the product evenly into your hair with both hands.
    • Only work the mousse into the ends and mid-lengths of your hair - avoid putting it in the roots as this may weigh your hair down or cause it to look greasy.
  5. Image titled Curl Hair Step 32
    5
    Scrunch your hair. Keeping your head upside down, scrunch your hair by grabbing a small section in your hand and crumpling it up towards your scalp, using the same motion as you would use to crumple a piece of paper.
    • Use this motion to scrunch sections of hair all over your head. Keep doing it for a minute or two, then flip your head up and scrunch again until you're happy with the style.
    • The same technique can be used regardless of what kind of curling product you use, just adjust the amount of product according to the instructions on the bottle and the length of your hair - more for longer hair, less for shorter hair.
  6. Image titled Curl Hair Step 33
    6
    Dry hair. At this point you have two options. You can let your hair air dry naturally, using the scrunching motion every five minutes or so until it's dry. Or, you can use a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry hair gently, without blowing or straightening the curls.
    • If you're using the diffuser attachment (a long-finger diffuser works best for curls) be sure to set the hair dryer to its lowest heat and speed setting. Use the scrunching method as you dry to help the formation of curls.
    • If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, the air dry method will usually work just fine. However, if your hair is naturally straight or flat, using the diffuser will help give your hair a little extra "oomph!"
    7. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 6:

Using Braids

  1. Image titled Curl Hair Step 34
    1
    Wash and condition your hair. This method works best if you braid your hair while it's wet or damp, then leave your hair to dry. Use a volumizing or curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner, and make sure to rinse your hair well afterwards.
    • Brush out your hair in the shower while you still have the conditioner in, using a wide-toothed comb. This will make it easier to work out any tangles and will cause less damage to your hair.
    • Towel dry your hair once you get out of the shower. Try to wring out any excess moisture. If your hair already has a bit of natural curl to it, you're probably fine to work with damp hair; if it's stick straight, though, it's best to braid it wet.
  2. Image titled Curl Hair Step 35
    2
    Apply gel or mousse to your hair. Applying a curl-enhancing product to your hair will help it to keep the shape of the braids even after you've unbraided it. It will also give your hair a glossier and more controlled finish. Just work a small amount of your chosen product into the ends and mid-lengths of your hair, avoiding the roots.
    • Curl-enhancing or volumizing gels, mousses, sprays or serums will all work well. Use a product with a texture and scent that appeals to you.
    • If you want looser, less structured curls, you can skip this step.
  3. Image titled Curl Hair Step 36
    3
    Decide how many braids you'll do. The number of braids you put in your hair will determine how your curls look:
    • More braids means tighter curls. For instance, you'll have more crimps in your hair from doing two braids than you will from one, and more from four than two.
    • However, more braids means more work. If you're not totally comfortable braiding or you're short on time, stick to the lowest possible number that gives you the curls you want.
  4. Image titled Curl Hair Step 37
    4
    Part your hair into sections. If you're doing more than one braid, parting your hair into sections will make braiding easier and your finished curls neater looking. They don't have to be perfect, though!
    • Use a comb to part a straight line from your forehead back to your neck. Then divide each half into however many sections you like, using the comb to ensure they are a fairly uniform size.
  5. Image titled Curl Hair Step 38
    5
    Use a normal braid or a french braid on each section. Doing a French braid, instead of a regular braid, will curl the hair up around your scalp as well.
    • See How to French Braid for more detailed help.
    • Ask someone else to help you. It's almost always easier to braid someone else's hair than it is to do your own, so consider asking for assistance.
  6. Image titled Curl Hair Step 39
    6
    Secure the braids. Tie off each braid with a non-rubber hair elastic. Try to put the tie as close to the end of the hair as possible, otherwise the tips of your hair will look straight and it will ruin the effect of the curls.
    • Rubber can damage the hair shaft, and is especially menacing on wet hair. Avoid at all costs!
  7. Image titled Curl Hair Step 40
    7
    Leave the braids in for several hours or overnight. After your hair's had six to eight hours to dry, gently undo your braids. The easiest thing to do is to leave them in overnight. Run your fingers through your hair a few times to get out any knots, but avoid brushing it as this will make to too fluffy looking.
    • Finish with some hairspray. If you're worried about your curls falling out during the day, set the style with a spritz of hairspray.
    8. Advertisement
Method 6
Method 6 of 6:

Twisting Your Hair

  1. Image titled Curl Hair Step 41
    1
    Twist your hair into bantu knots. Bantu knots are tiny buns that were originally used in Africa. You can create, big, soft “beach curls” without heat or rollers by twisting your hair and putting it into these buns. For this method, you will need hair ties, hair spray, and bobby pins.[8]
    • Start with damp hair. You can either spritz your hair with a spray bottle, or let it partially air dry after you wash it.
    • Use hair ties to divide your hair into four roughly equal sections: two low ponytails at the back, and two pigtails higher up on the sides of your head.
    • Tightly twist each section in whichever direction you prefer. Twisting the sections in different directions from each other will create a more natural effect.
    • Coil each twisted section into a tight bun, and pin it in place with bobby pins. If you have afro-textured hair, you might find that you can just tuck the ends under the bantu knot without needing pins. That is fine also.
    • Blow dry each bun until completely dry, or allow the hair to air dry completely.
    • Release each section, and gently loosen the curls with your fingers once your hair is completely cool.
    • Use a little hair spray to lock in the style.
  2. Image titled Curl Hair Step 42
    2
    Twist your hair around a headband. You can create ringlets or waves by twisting your hair around a soft, cloth headband. For this technique, you will need one or two headbands, a spray bottle for water, hair spray, and a hair texturizer.[9]
    • Part your hair into two sections on either side of your head, then gently place the headband around the top of your head. Slide it down so that it rests just above your ears.
    • Dampen each section of hair slightly with a spray bottle, starting at the tops of your ears.
    • Begin twisting the hair on one side. Once you’ve twisted a little bit of hair, wrap the twisted portion around the headband. Make the first wrap just behind your ear. Twist a little more, then create another wrap next to the first.
    • Continue until you have wrapped the entire section around the headband. Then repeat with the other section. The smaller you make each wrap, the tighter your curls will be.
    • Spray your hair with hairspray while it is still wrapped around the headband.
    • Allow the hair to air dry for a few hours, or dry with a blow dryer.
    • Once your hair is dry, release the twisted sections from the headband. Loosen your curls with your fingers, and scrunch with a small amount of hair texturizer.
  3. Image titled Curl Hair Step 43
    3
    Twist your hair in sections to create waves. The simplest approach to creating twist curls involves making a few twisted sections and tying them together with elastic hair ties.[10]
    • Apply a little hair spray or other styling product to your slightly damp hair.
    • Part your hair down the middle and divide it into four sections: two behind your ears, and two in front of your ears.
    • Take hold of the ends of the two back sections and twist them toward each other until the entire length of both sections is twisted. Then fasten the twisted sections together with a hair elastic.
    • Repeat with the two front sections. Fasten the sections together behind your head with a hair elastic once you are finished twisting them.
    • Once your hair is completely dry, release the sections and gently open up the waves by shaking them out or combing through them with your fingers.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    How do you use a curling iron?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Prepare clean, dry hair with a light mist of thermal protecting spray. Section off a strip of hair the approximate width of the curling iron, clamp the ends in the iron, and wrap the iron up as close to the scalp as possible without burning yourself. Hold the iron in place for 5-10 seconds, then unravel the hair and move onto the next section.
  • Question
    How can I curl my hair fast?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Instead of clamping sections, using your iron like a wand. Wrap thick sections around the outside of the iron, starting at the roots. Hold on the iron for 10-15 seconds. Allow your hair to cool completely before refining the style with your fingers.
  • Question
    How do you curl your hair without heat?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Mist damp hair with styling spray, divide it into 4 even sections, and twist each section into a bun. Allow your hair to dry completely, then remove the buns and shake out your hair with fingers.
Advertisement

Warnings

  • Don't use too much hair spray. It will dry out your hair and it will be too hard to comb out. It will also make your curls very hard and crunchy.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Get Spiral Curls
How to
Get Spiral Curls
How to
Keep Curls in Your Hair
Follow the Curly Girl Method for Curly HairHow to Revitalize Your Curls with the Curly Girl Method
How to
Curl Your Hair Without Heat
Get Curly Hair (Men)
How to
Get Curly Hair (Men)
Use Velcro RollersHow to Put Velcro Curlers in Your Hair
Use Hair Rollers
How to
Use Hair Rollers
Do Finger Coils
How to
Do Finger Coils
How to
Use Bendy Rollers
Get Natural CurlsHow to Enhance Natural Curls: Products & Techniques
How to
Get 80s Curls
Use Curl Rods
How to
Use Curl Rods
How to
Curl Hair with a Curling Iron
Curl Synthetic Hair
How to
Curl Synthetic Hair
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.
  2. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.
  3. ↑ http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcyzi/hair-spray-101
  4. ↑ 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.6http://fashionista.com/2013/04/how-to-use-hair-rollers/
  5. ↑ 5.05.15.25.3http://www.thehairstyler.com/features/articles/hairstyles/hair-rollers-tips-and-tricks
  6. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.
  7. ↑ Gina Almona. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.
  8. ↑ http://howdoesshe.com/get-natural-looking-beach-curls/
  9. ↑ http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/how-to/g3069/no-heat-curls/?slide=2
  1. ↑ http://helloglow.co/3-ways-to-curl-your-hair-without-heat/
  2. http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/tools-techniques/curl-hair-00000000002193/index.html

About This Article

Gina Almona
Co-authored by:
Gina Almona
Professional Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Gina Almona. Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria. This article has been viewed 3,906,578 times.
12 votes - 82%
Co-authors: 233
Updated: August 8, 2022
Views: 3,906,578
Categories: Featured Articles | Curling Hair
Article SummaryX

To curl your hair with a curling iron, first brush your hair to remove any kinks or knots. Then, spray your hair with hairspray, which will help the curls hold better. Plug in a curling iron and set it to low heat. Grab a small section of your hair and pinch it between the curling iron near the roots. Next, rotate the barrel around your hair and hold it for 1 to 2 seconds. Release the clamp and let the curl fall. Repeat this process on each section of your hair that you want to curl. To curl your hair without a curling iron, first wet your hair and blot it lightly to remove excess water. Then, brush or comb your hair to remove knots or kinks. Grab a section of hair and twist it so that it curls around itself. Twist the curled hair into a small loop and tie it in the middle with a rubber band. Repeat this process for each section of your hair that you want to curl. Finally, let your hair dry overnight, and undo the rubber bands for a curly head of hair. For other ways to curl your hair, like using hair rollers or the scrunching method, scroll down!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement