Curling my hair is a daily ritual for me. Adding some curls makes me feel more polished and keeps my hair out of my face, which is a bonus throughout the day! Plus, curled hair looks cute even when I pull it back into a ponytail or a low bun, and it remains stylish post-workout. (Though, let’s be honest—if I do cardio, I usually have to wash my hair!)
While I’ve tried using a flat iron to curl my hair, I always end up frustrated. Instead, I stick to a curling iron, which is much easier for me and gives a more refined look compared to the beachy waves I generally avoid. After all, who doesn’t want those gorgeous Victoria’s Secret Angel curls?
In this post, I’ll share my favorite curling iron and detailed tips on how to curl your hair with a curling iron to help you achieve the perfect curls!
Step-by-Step Guide to Curling Your Hair
Choosing the Right Barrel Size
The size of the curling iron barrel makes a significant difference in the outcome. Here’s what I use based on my hair length:
- Long Hair: 1.25″ barrel
- Shoulder-Length or Shorter: 1″ barrel
No matter your hair length, the technique remains the same!
Essential Hair Curling Products
Before curling, I prepare my hair with these products:
- Colleen Rothschild Shampoo & Conditioner: I use a dime-sized amount of shampoo and a nickel-sized amount of conditioner. These products keep my hair healthy without weighing it down.
- Colleen Rothschild Hair Mask: This mask hydrates my hair once a week, giving it shine and volume without heaviness.
- OUAI Hair Oil: I apply this oil a few times a week for extra hydration, especially if my hair is feeling dry.
- Divi Scalp Serum: I apply this after washing my hair to combat postpartum hair loss.
- ELEVEN I Want Body Foam: This foam adds lift and volume without a crunchy feel; I use it on damp hair at the roots.
- Colleen Rothschild Shine Serum: Applied to the lower half of my hair before drying, it nourishes and protects against heat damage.
- Eleven I Want Body Texture Spray: I use this spray for added texture and volume after curling.
- Blowdryer: I switched to the T3 Featherweight Style Max and loved its lightweight design and efficiency.
- Alligator Clips: These are handy for sectioning off my hair, especially when it’s longer.
Easy Hair Curling Tips
Tip #1: Curling Technique
I prefer looser curls at the ends, so I start curling with the iron barrel near the roots and let the ends stick out. This gives a more natural look.
Tip #2: Curl Direction
Always twist your wrist to curl away from your face. For the back of your head, alternate the direction of the curls to avoid clumping.
Tip #3: Section Size
Grab larger sections of hair for quicker curling and looser waves. For more defined curls, use smaller sections. After curling, revisit any straight pieces to maintain a natural look.
Tip #4: Let Curls Cool
After curling, let your hair cool for a few minutes while you do your makeup. This helps set the curls, making them bouncier and longer-lasting.
Tip #5: Finishing Touches
Avoid brushing your curls out. Instead, use your fingers to separate them. If you prefer looser curls, you can run a wide-tooth comb through them. Allow the curls to fall naturally without adding pins or clips.
Conclusion
With these tips and the right products, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting curls in just 10 minutes. Happy curling!
