The Easiest Way to Curl Your Hair
This post originally appeared on StyleSeat’s beauty blog — you can view the original post here.
Everyday, we’re bombarded with images of how we’re supposed to look, accompanied by tutorials on how to achieve that picture-perfect image. It gets overwhelming quickly! The secret that most sites don’t tell you is that styling your own hair can actually be so easy. As a hairstylist, I’m all about teaching my clients little tricks that they can use to re-create a salon experience on their own. So here’s my secret: When I work on anyone’s hair, I pretty much exclusively use one curling iron — a one-inch barrel. I’ve created four quick and easy looks that you can do on your own with the same curling iron. With practice, you should be able to do each of these in 10-15 minutes.
See below for my step-by-step guide on how to curl your hair in four very different ways!
#1 Old Hollywood Curls
The first look is Old Hollywood-inspired curls, similar to the S-shaped wave pattern the flappers were famous for in the 1920s. I love this look because it’s so chic and put together — the perfect classic look.
1) Start with fresh, clean hair. Prep with a heat protectant.
2) Divide hair into vertical sections and curl away from your face. The key is that you need to curl all of your hair in the same direction to create the S-shaped wave pattern.
3) Let curls sit for several minutes until they’ve cooled down. This will allow the molecules in your hair to “lock” into place — which means your curls will last way longer.
4) Brush through using a nylon or boar-bristled flat brush. The S-shaped wave pattern will automatically take shape.
#2 Just Outta Bed Curls
The second look is what I like to call “just outta bed” curls. They’re messy, organic and fun. These curls are an awesome way to embrace your own natural texture: you can work with the curls or natural wave you already have.
1) Prep hair with heat protectant. Divide hair into vertical sections and start by curling on section away from your face.
2) Curl the next section toward your face. Alternate curl direction away and then toward your face. (This is different than the Old Hollywood curls where you curled everything in the same direction.)
3) Flip hair upside down. I like to spray a little hairspray and shake the product through with my hands. You could also use a texturizer spray.
4) Flip up and voila! #iwokeuplikethis
#3 Mermaid Waves
The next style is super versatile, which I love. It’s perfect for anything from work to a night on the town.
1) Start with fresh hair & be sure to use a heat protectant (are you getting the hang of this?)
2) Curl hair by using your curling iron as a wand. You wrap each strand around the barrel and hold for 1-2 seconds before letting go. Remember to let your curls cool down in this position.
3) Repeat by grabbing different strands as needed. You can alternate the direction you’re curling in for a messier look, or curl all in the same direction for a wavier look (like I did). Finish with hairspray.
#4 The Faux-Blow
So it’s hard to round brush your own hair. I know — I wouldn’t have half as many clients as I do if it were easy! So for those days when you can’t make it to the salon but still want that fresh, bouncy look, you can fake it with your curling iron.
1) Start by dividing hair into horizontal sections.
2) Curl the ends of your hair by twisting your wrist in a downward motion. (For a curlier look, curl your entire hair shaft).
3) Pin curls to your head and let sit until cool. Work your way up, and once you’re at the top section, curl the ends away from your face. By pinning your hair up, you’re adding some extra volume for a little more oomph.
4) Remove pins and brush through. Finish with a shine spray.
And that’s it! Not too hard, right? Now… Which one do you want to try first? Let me know in the comments or on social media @kelleylstylist or @StyleSeat.
♡
Kelley Louise is a hairstylist based in Brooklyn.
You can view her website + blog at kelleylouisestylist.com.
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