Give your hair a quick change by creating curls. Curly hair can give you a new look with a different attitude. Curling your hair is one of the easiest changes you can do to your hair at home. Try out different curling techniques using different tools and accessories to make your hair voluminous and flirty.
Prepare the Hair
Wash your hair prior to curling, so that your curl will stay longer. Do not curl your hair while it is damp because it will not curl fast enough and will give limp results. The best approach is to wash and then blow dry your hair thoroughly before curling. Trimming your hair may be necessary prior to curling. Leave at least 1 inch allowance to curl your hair to the desired length so that your hair is not too short after curling. For best results, try trimming in layers so that the curls distribute better and do not easily tangle up or knot together.
Curling Tools
Choosing the right curling tool for your hair makes a big difference when it comes to the desired effect you want to achieve. Small hair rollers or small barrel curling irons are ideal for small curls while bigger rollers or medium-to-large barrel curling irons will do best for bigger curls and waves. Use the 1-inch barrel curling iron for shorter hair.
Keep hot rollers on your hair for 10 minutes or longer if you want curlier hair. Cold rollers usually take longer, at least 30 to 45 minutes, to achieve good curls. Curling irons can give your hair curls without having to wait too long; however, pre-heating at least 10 minutes prior to use is necessary to reach the desired temperature.
Intended for straightening hair, a flat iron can create curly hair, too. A 2-inch wide flat iron plate can create bigger waves. Ceramic and tourmaline flat irons give better results than aluminum flat irons, due to their even heat distribution.
Curling Technique
Apply heat serum prior to curling. Separate your hair in several sections using a wide-toothed comb.
When using rollers, roll each section of hair from front to back and then do the sides. Make sure you are tucking in the ends to prevent the ends from flipping out. Apply hairspray in a downward movement. Lightly stroke the ends before curling to achieve a well-defined curl.
With curling or flat irons, it is better to start at the sides to the back and then do the top last. Wrap the tresses at least three-fourths from the end, hold for a minute and then slowly release the hair from the iron. Apply hair spray to hold the curl. Pinning the curls with bobby pins will let you keep curls longer while you do the rest of your hair.
Styling
Rubbing your fingers with pomade or hair wax and then running them through your hair will help loosen the curls. Spray on firm hairspray for tighter curls. Combining with a soft gel or mousse will give your hair a softer feel. Do not use a comb or brush to style your curly hair, they can ruin the curl and cause frizzing.
Photo Credit
- long curly hair image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
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