How to Curl Hair With a Flat Iron
For many people, flat irons are most often associated with straightening out curl patterns rather than putting them in. However, certain types of flat irons are also suitable for adding smooth, loose curls to straight hair. Because the technique differs from how a curling iron is used, some people who are not used to handling a flat iron may require practice to get the hang of using a flat iron to create curls.
What You'll Need:
- Rounded flat iron
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair dryer
- Hair clips
- Heat protecting spray
- Holding spray
Instructions:
- Ensure that you have the right type of flat iron. This should be one that has rounded plates instead of the standard flat plates of most flat irons. Flat plates create more of a dent in the curl formation as opposed to the smoothness that comes as a result of using an iron with a curved or rounded plate.
- Start with hair that is free of buildup by shampooing and conditioning your hair.
- Comb out any tangles while your hair is wet and add a leave-in conditioner for added protection before blow drying your hair.
- Section out an inch of hair along the bottom of your hair in the back. Pin the rest of it out of the way and hold it in place with a hair clip.
- Plug in and turn on your flat iron.
- Lightly mist your hair with a heat protecting spray and comb it through with a comb to ensure that it is distributed.
- Use your fingers to part out a quarter to one inch section of hair.
- Clamp the heated flat iron down on that section of hair approximately halfway down and turn it one to two turns in the direction that you want your curls to go. The number of turns that you make depends on the length of your hair.
- Holding your hair taut, drag the iron down slightly, turn and drag it down slightly further. Continue to repeat this step until you have reached the ends of your hair.
- Pull out another section of hair and repeat until you've successfully curled all areas that you want curled. Mist your hair lightly with a holding spray after each completed section to prevent the curls from falling out.