Tired of straight hair and want to change the look of your hair into curls, but don't want to go to the salon or buy a curling iron? Luckily, you can curl your hair using a flat iron and a few extras. This article will show you several ways to curl your hair and you will end up with an attractive look with tight curls, or sexy loose curls.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using the Braiding Technique for Tight Curls
Step 1. Make sure your hair is straight, dry and frizz-free before starting
Even if your hair is curly, it's best to straighten it first. This will prevent curling that is too tight later.
While straightening your hair can reduce curls from being too tight, you can skip this step. It all depends on your style preferences
Step 2. Apply a product that can make your curls last longer
Use styling mousse if your hair is very straight, or if your hair can't hold the curls for too long. Try to buy products that are lightweight or that can strengthen the curls.
Step 3. Pull the top half of the hair and shape it into a bun
Take all the hair that is above the ears and form it into a loose bun. Let the layers of hair at the bottom fall down to your shoulders. You will work this hair layer first.
Step 4. Divide the hair into at least 6 equal sections
The less each section of hair, the tighter the curls you will get. If you want very tight curls, try dividing your hair into sections, each 1.5-3 cm wide.
Step 5. Braid each section of hair tightly
The smaller and tighter the braid you make, the better. If you want more volume, start braiding from the roots. If you want less volume of hair, do a braid from the middle of the hair shaft. Tie each braid with a hair band.
Hair can be braided into loose braids that hang apart or braided in a cornrow style. Whatever style you choose, will result in curly hair
Step 6. Spray each braid with a heat protectant product
Make sure you spray the entire braid, from front to back. You will also need to spray the ends of the hair. This product will protect your hair from the heat emitted by the iron and prevent the risk of hair becoming dry or scorched.
This step is optional, but a heat protectant will help prevent hair breakage
Step 7. Pinch each braid with a vise
Start near the roots of your hair, and press the braid for a few seconds with a flat iron. Remove the braid, and continue with the next braid. You may have to repeat this procedure twice for each braid.
If you have time, you can let the braid form for a few hours or overnight if you prefer. If you choose this method, braid all of your hair at once
Step 8. Wait for the braid to cool before untying it
Do not immediately open the braid after straightening. You'll need to work on the top layer of hair first. Meanwhile, the braid will have a chance to cool. If you undo the braid too early, your hair won't curl.
Step 9. Remove the bun and let the hair fall down
You will repeat the same process for the top section of hair. Leave the first layer of hair in a braid. Divide the top hair into at least six equal sections. Try to divide the hair into equal sections as you did the bottom layer.
Step 10. Repeat the process of dividing the hair, braiding and clamping the braid with a vise
Don't forget to spray a heat protectant on before using the vise, if you prefer.
Step 11. Give your hair a chance to cool down before undoing the braid
It's best not to open the braid if the hair is still hot. If you do, the curls will fall off. Once your hair is cool enough, start undoing the braid in the bottom layer first.
Step 12. Don't comb your hair
Combing hair will make hair frizzy. If the curls are too tight, you can loosen them by running your fingers through the hair.
If you want to style your hair, do it by section. Just do it once, after that don't mess with your hair again
Step 13. Spray hair with hairspray
This step is optional, but hairspray can maintain the style and make the curls last longer.
Don't touch your hair again throughout the day because the curls can turn frizzy
Method 2 of 4: Using Clips for Tight Curls
Step 1. Prepare the U-pin (U-shaped clamp)
U-pins are similar to pins. It's shaped like a pin, but it opens and is shaped like a U. You'll need lots of U-pins. You can buy it at a beauty supply store or online.
- If you're having trouble getting a U-pin, take a stiff wire and cut it to twice the length of your finger. Fold it in half until it forms a narrow U. The width should not exceed your finger.
- Do not use tweezers. These clamps are not suitable for this method.
Step 2. Apply styling mousse
We recommend using a light styling mousse on clean, straight, and frizz-free hair. You have to comb your hair, or it will become frizzy later. It would be better if you straighten your hair first because it will reduce the possibility of hair becoming frizzy.
Using styling mousse is especially important for naturally straight hair, or hair that doesn't hold curls well
Step 3. Make a loose bun at the top of the head
Take about three-quarters of your hair and form it into a loose bun on top of your head. Let the remaining quarter fall down around the shoulders. You will tackle this part first.
Step 4. Take a small section of hair, choose the one closest to the face
This section should measure approximately 2.5 cm wide and 2.5 cm high.
Step 5. Insert the hair into the opening of the bobby pin
Try to keep the curved part as close to the scalp as possible. The pins that are closer to the scalp produce more hair volume.
Step 6. Wrap the hair around the bar of the bobby pin
Start winding the hair around the two bobby pins until you reach the ends of your hair. Braid your hair in and out of the bobby pins like a figure eight. When you reach the ends of your hair, consider tying the ends of the U-pins with a hair band. The rubber will help secure the bobby pins, and prevent the hair from unraveling.
Step 7. Repeat the same process for the entire bottom layer of hair
Make sure each section of hair handled is 2.5 cm.
Step 8. Spray hair that has been wrapped around the U-pin with a heat protectant only lightly
To get long-lasting results, you can add a little hairspray.
Step 9. Turn on the flat iron on medium heat and clip it to the hair wrapped in the U-pin
Do not use the high heat setting. Start curling your hair at the ends of the bobby pins, and work your way up to the roots. Do not pin your hair with a straightener for more than 5 seconds at a time.
Step 10. Continue the same process for the rest of the hair
Repeat the process of dividing the hair, wrapping it around the U-pin, and ironing it for all three layers of hair. When you're done, there should be no more hair left to wrap around the bobby pins. You should have four rows of hair wrapped around the U-pin. Make sure you spray and “snap” each row before moving on to the next.
Step 11. Let hair cool down
If you remove the U-pin too early, the curls will be lost. Wait about 10 minutes or so for the hair to cool.
Step 12. Remove the U-pin
Start with the bottom layer first. Pull the hair band, but do not untie the hair. Instead, pinch the curled part of the bobby pin, and you can simply pull the bobby pin out of your hair.
Step 13. Don't comb your hair, or it will turn frizzy
If the curl is too tight, you can loosen it by combing it with your fingers.
Method 3 of 4: Using the Twisting Technique for Loose Curls
Step 1. Make sure your hair is dry and tangle-free
Wash, dry and comb your hair. Drying and combing your hair will help prevent frizz. Do not do the curling process on hair that is still damp.
Step 2. Apply a thin layer of styling mousse to the hair
Take a wad of styling mousse in your hand and smooth it over your hair. This product will help maintain the curls better later.
Step 3. Apply a thin layer of styling mousse to the hair
Take a wad of styling mousse in your hand and smooth it over your hair. This product will help maintain the curls better later.
Using the twisting technique will result in waves, not curls, if you divide your hair into sections that are too wide or do not twist your hair tight enough
Step 4. Take the section of hair closest to the face
The smaller you divide your hair, the tighter the curl will be.
Step 5. Twist the hair
Twist a section of hair into a tight rope, away from the face. Twist the hair tightly enough to form a rope, but not so tightly that it rolls.
Step 6. Spray each section of hair with an adequate amount of heat protection product
This product will prevent the hair from becoming dry or scorched during the straightening process.
Step 7. Pin the hair that has been twisted like a rope with a vise
Don't untwist your hair right after you're done.
Step 8. Wait for the hair to cool down
Hold the twist until it cools down, then slowly release it. If you remove your hair too early, the curls may not last.
Step 9. Continue the same process on all sections of hair
Continue twisting and ironing the hair until all the hair has been curled. As you work the hair on the other side of the face, remember to twist the hair in a direction away from the face. If you're working in layers, remove the bun overhead, and repeat the twisting and pinning process on the top layer.
Step 10. Don't comb your hair
If the curls are too tight, you can loosen them up by running your fingers through the hair gently. If you try to comb your hair, you will end up with frizzy hair.
Step 11. Spray hair with hairspary
Hairspray will strengthen the curls and make them last longer.
Method 4 of 4: Using the Vise Tool to Create Wavy Curls
Step 1. Apply a thin layer of styling mousse
You should apply styling mousse to dry, clean, straight hair. It's best if you straighten your hair first, even if your hair is naturally curly. This step will prevent the hair from becoming frizzy.
Make sure you wash your new hair. A vise can scorch dirty hair
Step 2. Take a section of hair and form it into a loose bun
Consider taking the top hair and forming it into a loose bun, leaving the bottom part loose. This will make it easier for you to handle your hair, while the rest of the hair doesn't bother you.
Step 3. Take a small section of hair
The smaller the section of hair to work with, the tighter the curls will be.
Step 4. Spray the section of hair to be treated with a heat protectant
This product will prevent hair breakage.
Step 5. Pin the hair with a flat iron
Try to place the flat iron as close to the hair roots as possible. Choose a medium heat setting for the vise. You can use any flat iron, but the wider the flat iron, the looser the waves will be. If you want tighter curls, use a flat iron 2 or 3 cm wide.
Step 6. Turn the straightener up while holding the hair down
Turn the vise 180° up. Take the loose end and gently pull it down. This technique will produce hair waves.
Step 7. Place the vise under the first hair wave
Then pinch.
Step 8. Turn the straightener down while holding the hair up
Turn the vise 180° down. Meanwhile, gently pull the ends of the hair up. This step will complete the curling process.
Step 9. Position the flat iron just below the hair wave and continue to form the next wave
Rotate the flat iron up while pulling the ends of the hair down (as before). Continue ironing your hair all the way to the ends, turning the flat iron up and down until you reach the ends of your hair.
Be careful not to pull the hair down with the hand holding the iron
Step 10. Repeat the same process on all sections of hair until you're done
Do not forget to spray each section of hair before clamping with a vise. Also, if you're dividing your hair into two sections, allow the curled hair to cool before you remove the bun and work your hair on top.
Step 11. Let the hair cool down before you touch it
Touching your hair too early can damage waves that haven't really formed yet.
Step 12. Consider spraying your hair with hairspray
Hairspray will help strengthen the waves and make them last longer.
Tips
- Consider braiding your hair while it's still damp and letting it dry overnight. This is the safest way to curl your hair because it doesn't involve any heat. The more braids you make, the curlier your hair will be.
- Don't forget to spray on a heat protectant before using the vise.
- Curling thick or curly hair can create a frizzy look. This method works best on thin or straight hair, medium to long and slightly thin and straight hair.
- Curling hair is best suited for medium to long hair. If you do it on short hair, the result will look messy.
- Use styling mousse before using the flat iron and spray hairspray after the curling process is complete.
Warning
- Not every method will work for all hair types. Some people have hair that holds curls better.
- Do not choose a high heat setting for the flat iron, even if you have sprayed a heat protectant on your hair.
- Do not use a vise every day. In the long run, this will damage your hair even if you use a heat protectant.