How to Use a Curling Iron for Curls and Waves

Learning just a few basic hair styling techniques can allow you to create just about any hairstyle that you see in a magazine. Two of the hair style elements that you should learn how to do are (1) creating waves with a curling iron and (2) creating curls with a curling iron. With these two elements you can create dramatic looks, professional looks, casual looks, and sexy looks.

Step 1 – Select the Right Tools

The first thing that you will need to select is a curling iron. Your best option is to buy a curling iron that has a variety of barrel sizes and attachments. This will allow you to create a variety of curl sizes, as well as waves and crimps.

The next tools that you will want to buy are styling products and hair care products. Start with a shampoo and conditioner that are designed for curl enhancement. Next you will want to find a curl enhancer. Finally you will want to look for a heat protection serum. (If you curl your hair a lot then you may also want to add an intensive care hair treatment once a week to your hair care routine.)

Step 2 – Prepare Your Hair

When you create any hairstyle you want to start with clean and conditioned hair. After washing and conditioning your hair you will want to add in your curl enhancer. Make sure that you follow the directions on the curl enhancer as some products tell you to add the product to wet hair, while others recommend adding the product to dry hair. If your hair has a tendency to frizz you will also want to use a frizz-control product.

Step 3 – Select the Right Curling Iron Barrel or Attachment

The size of the curling iron’s barrel is going to determine how tight or loose your curl will be. The smaller the barrel the tighter the curl will be. If you want to create waves then you will want to use a large barrel. If you want crimps in your hair, instead of traditional curls, then you will need to use a crimping iron, or crimping attachment.

Step 4 – Curl Your Hair

If you have short hair and you want tight curls then you will need to use a narrow barrel curling iron. Select small pieces of hair and curl it using just the tip of the curling iron. Use a comb to protect your scalp from the heat of the iron. After curling the hair up allow the iron to hold the hair for a few seconds and then release it. Continue around your head.

If you have medium length hair and you are trying for a soft look, then you may want a soft wave instead of a tight curl. For this you will need a large barrel curling iron, and you will only want to curl the bottom sections of your hair. Select a piece of hair and roll it up on the curling iron. Hold it for a few seconds and then release it. Use the entire barrel of the curling iron. Repeat until you have curled all of your hair. If you like the look of the ringlets you can leave your hair alone. If you want a softer look brush out the ringlets to create soft waves. If your hair frizzes too much spritz your hair with just a little bit of water or frizz-control spray and form ringlets or waves with your fingers.