One of the best ways to achieve effortless waves? Learning how to curl hair with a flatiron. Of course, flatirons are known for doing the opposite by straightening strands between two heated plates, but with a few maneuvers and techniques, you can also create curls and waves that will rival even the best curling irons.
No matter if you have long hair, medium-length hair, or a bob haircut, you can use a flatiron to curl hair. All you need are the right products and prep.
Prep hair with heat protectant
First, it’s important to start with clean hair since it will help your style last longer. Celebrity stylist Mara Roszak, founder of hair care brand Rōz, recommends washing with a “hydrating and thoroughly cleansing shampoo and conditioner” because it “removes the buildup during the cleanse, then the hydrating ingredients help with the smoothing and sealing of the cuticle.” Make sure hair is completely dry before using a flatiron on strands. Day two hair is ideal, since it ensures no excess moisture is left.
You’ll want to protect your strands using heat protectant and distribute it evenly using a brush. Once the hair is prepped, create a section off the top using a clip. “Section your hair into small, manageable sections,” says Garnier hairstylist Millie Morales. “I recommend parting your hair into small sections and using clips to keep them in place. Start from the bottom layer and work your way up.”
How to curl hair with a flatiron
Former Glamour beauty editor at large Theodore Leaf breaks down how to curl hair with a flatiron in this video tutorial below.
Leaf recommends using a one-inch flatiron, since its easier to maneuver for picking up and pressing hair.
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Once sectioned, start from the bottom and pick up a one- to one-and-a-half-inch section of hair. Starting at the front, hold the end of the section, wrap the hair around the iron, and pull away from the face working all the way down. If you want an effortless wave, release the ends to keep them straight. For a polished curl, bring the flatiron all the way down to the ends.
One of Leaf’s pro tips for the perfect wave? Once curled, give a gentle tug on the end to stretch it out. “I don’t want to create too much of a curl,” Leaf says. “Stretch it out while it’s still warm.” For extra dimension, you can alternate directions when curling your sections, “so they don’t all look the same.”
Lock in each section with hair spray. When you reach the top layer of hair, Leaf recommends stretching the wave out more, “so that it’s not too curly at the root.” Once you’ve finished one side, let it set and cool while working on the other.
Once your hair is cooled, Leaf recommends working pomade through the curls to break them up and create volume. “Take a matte paste, a very small amount, like half a dime,” the expert adds. “You wanna warm it up in your hands and shake the hair out.”
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