Last updated on April 2nd, 2025 at 06:49 am
Curling iron, a popular hair tool, not only helps us transform various hairstyles with ease but also gives new life to plain hair. Whether it’s elegant waves or stylish screw curls, a curling iron can help you. How many curling iron techniques do you know?
Basic curling iron techniques
1. Traditional curling techniques
The traditional curling technique is the basic way to create a hairstyle using a curling iron and is suitable for all types of curly hairstyles.
1.1. Steps of operation
Take an appropriate amount of hair: First, part your hair and use bobby pins to fix the parts that do not need immediate treatment. Then, take out an appropriate amount of hair, the size of which can be determined according to the diameter of the curls and the desired effect.
Wrap the curling iron from roots to ends: Holding the curling iron, start at the roots of the hair, and tightly wrap the strand around the curling iron. Note that the position of the curling iron should be perpendicular to the hair or slightly angled, depending on the curl effect you want to create.
Hold for a while, then release: After winding to the ends of your hair, hold for a few seconds to allow the heat to set the hair. The length of time depends on the thickness of the hair and the heating temperature of the curling iron. After that, gently release the curling iron from the hair and let the curls unfold naturally.
1.2. Precautions
- Make sure your hair is completely dry before curling; wet hair is more prone to damage.
- Use a heat-protecting spray or liquid to minimize damage to hair from hot tools.
- Control the heating temperature of the curling iron, do not overdo it to avoid damaging the hair.
2. Temperament wave
Temperament Wave Curl is a more natural and flowing curly hairstyle for girls who want to show their elegance.
2.1. Steps of operation
Take the appropriate amount of hair: The same as the previous steps, first of all, the hair partitions, with bobby pins to fix the part that does not need immediate treatment. Then, take out an appropriate amount of hair, the size can be adjusted according to the size and density of the waves.
Wrap the curling iron around the hair from the center to the ends: This time, instead of starting at the roots, start in the middle of the hair and loosely wrap the strands around the curling iron. As you wrap, allow the strands to tilt slightly to create a natural wave effect.
Hold for a while, then release: After winding to the ends of your hair, again hold for a few seconds to allow the heat to set the hair. Be careful not to hold it for too long so that the waves don’t become too stiff. After that, gently loosen the curling iron from the hair and gently organize the waves with your hands for a more natural look.
2.2. Precautions
- When creating wavy curls, you can choose to start curling from different heights to add layers and dimension to your hair.
- Keep the temperature of the curling iron moderate; too high a temperature will make the waves look too raw.
- Once you’re done, you can use a styling spray to lightly mist the waves to keep their shape and longevity.
- For a more natural wave effect, use a curling iron when your hair is half-dry so the waves will be softer.
3. Elegant snap curl
The Elegant Undercut Curl is a curling technique that adds softness and sophistication to your hairstyle. This curly hairstyle is especially suitable for girls who want to create a gentle and elegant image.
3.1. Steps of operation
Take the right amount of hair: Divide the hair into small sections and use bobby pins to secure the sections that do not require immediate treatment. Then, take out a moderate strand of hair, not too thick for curling.
Wrap the curling iron from the ends inwards: Place the head of the curling iron at the ends of the hair and wrap the strand of hair around the curling iron from the outside inwards. Wrap evenly, making sure the hair fits tightly around the curling iron.
Hold for a while, then release: Hold at the ends for a while to allow the hair to set with heat. The time is determined by the thickness of the hair and the heating temperature of the curling iron. Then, gently pull the curling iron out of the hair and let the inward curls unfold naturally.
3.2. Precautions
- Before curling, you can use some hair oil or heat protection products to protect your hair from heat damage.
- To make the inward curls more visible, choose a curling iron with a smaller diameter.
- When curling your hair, you can start from between your ears and work your way inward so that you can better contour your face.
- Once you have finished your inward curls, you can use a hairspray or styling spray to lightly mist your curls to keep them lasting.
- Use your hands to gently organize the inward curls to make them more natural and avoid being too stiff.
Creative curling tips
1. Screw curl
Screw curls are a curly hairstyle with a pronounced spiral effect, which can bring a unique and stylish look to the hairstyle.
1.1. Steps of operation
Take an appropriate amount of hair: Divide the hair into small sections and use bobby pins to secure the sections that do not require immediate attention. Then, take out a thin strand of hair to create a screw shape.
Wrap the curling iron tightly from roots to ends: Place the head of the curling iron at the roots of the hair and wrap the strand tightly around the curling iron to the ends. When winding, make sure that each loop is next to the previous one, creating a distinct spiral effect.
Hold for a while, then release: Hold the hair in the spiral curl for a while to allow the heat to set the hair. Adjust the hold time according to the thickness of the hair and the heating temperature of the curling iron. Afterward, gently pull the curling iron out of the hair and let the screw curl unfold naturally.
1.2. Precautions
- To create screw curls, it is recommended to use a curling iron made of ceramic or titanium, which conducts heat evenly and causes less damage to the hair.
- Before winding, you can apply some heat protection products to minimize the damage of high temperatures to your hair.
- Keep the curling iron steady to ensure even and tight screw curls.
- Once you’ve finished screw curling, you can use a styling product to lightly spray your hair to keep the screw shape lasting.
- For a more exaggerated screw effect, try using a smaller-diameter curling iron.
2. Boxer braid curl
Boxer braid curls are a way to create fun and distinctive curls by first tying your hair into a boxer braid (also known as an athlete’s braid) and then heating it with a curling iron to create a unique curly effect.
2.1. Steps of operation
Preparing Boxer Braids: First, separate your hair into multiple strands, with the size of each strand depending on how curly you want it to be. Then braid each strand of hair into a tight boxer braid and secure the ends with small bobby pins or rubber bands.
Warm up the braids with a curling iron: Preheat the curling iron to the right temperature, then remove the braids one by one, placing the curling iron at the root of the braid and moving it slowly to the ends, heating the entire braid evenly.
Undo the boxer braids and organize the curls: After heating, let the braids cool down for a few moments, then gently undo the rubber bands or bobby pins and let the hair unfold naturally. Use your fingers to gently comb through and organize the curls.
2.2. Precautions
- When braiding boxer braids, try to keep the braid as tight as possible so that the curls will be more pronounced when heated.
- When heating, don’t leave the curling iron in one spot for too long to avoid burning your hair.
- To protect your hair, use a heat protection product before braiding.
- For longer-lasting curls, use a styling spray after detangling the braid.
- Box braid curls are suitable for short and medium-length hair; longer hair may require more time to heat and organize.
3. Casual curl
Casual curls are a freer, more natural curling technique that doesn’t require precise control. It is suitable for people who are looking for casual and relaxed hairstyles.
3.1. Steps of operation
Take the right amount of hair: Instead of partitioning your hair, take out a bunch of hair at random, the size can be decided according to personal preference.
Wrap the hair randomly: Wrap the removed hair around the curling iron randomly without following a specific pattern, and the tightness and direction of the wrap can be freely played.
Hold for a while, then release: After winding, hold for a few seconds to allow the hair to heat set. Then, gently pull the curling iron out of your hair and let the curls unfold naturally.
3.2. Precautions
- When creating casual curls, you can choose different curling iron diameters to create different curl effects.
- For more natural-looking curls, work with your hair when it’s half-dry for a softer curl effect.
- Using a heat protection product can help minimize damage to the hair from hot tools.
- Once you’re done, you can gently comb your curls with your fingers or spray your hair with a styling spray to keep your hairstyle lasting.
- Random curls are suitable for all lengths of hair and are a great quick fix for every day.
After curling hair care and maintenance
After you finish styling your curly hair, proper care and maintenance is an important part of keeping your hairstyle beautiful and your hair healthy. The following are some specific care and maintenance recommendations:
1. Use styling products
Styling Spray: A light coat of styling spray after curling is complete can effectively hold curls in place and prevent them from collapsing or distorting quickly.
Styling lotion/gel: For longer-lasting styling, use a styling lotion or gel, but be careful not to use too much as it may make your hairstyle look greasy.
2. Keep hair shiny
Hair conditioning oil: Using hair conditioning oil can provide moisturization and add shine to dry curly hair.
Hair mask/conditioner: Regular deep conditioning with a hair mask or conditioner can help repair the damage caused by heat styling to the hair.
3. Avoid over-styling
Intervals: Don’t use hot tools for styling for many days in a row, you should give your hair some rest and recovery time.
Low-temperature styling: Whenever possible, try to use low-temperature gear for heat styling to minimize the damage to your hair.
4. Trim hair regularly
Trimming split ends: Regularly trimming your hair removes split ends and maintains the overall health of your hairstyle.
Maintain shape: Regular trimming can also help maintain the shape and vibrancy of your curls.
Conclusion
Mastering the right way to curl your hair not only creates a diverse hairstyle but also enhances your charm and self-confidence. Practice more in your daily life, keep trying different curling techniques, and maintain patience and perseverance. Everyone’s hair is unique, and the only way to find the best hairstyle for you is to keep experimenting and adjusting. Maintain your pursuit and passion for beauty, and you will realize that a beautiful hairstyle is not only an external decoration but also a reflection of inner confidence and strength.
You need more than just a curling iron, you need a good comb, don’t you?
