The fashion for curls is one that never goes away, and that’s because they can add a touch of glamour to any occasion. From beachy waves right through to a vintage crimped look, the same straighteners that you run through your hair can also create a variety of fabulous curls. That’s why we’ve gathered together some top tips and must-have products so that you can achieve your favourite look. Once you read our step-by-step guides below, you’ll want to keep your straighteners by your side throughout the party season and long after.
Get fabulous curls with your trusted straighteners
Preparation is key
Whenever you use straighteners you’re applying heat to your hair, and so it’s important that you minimise any damage. That’s why we always recommend that you use a heat protectant before you use any electrical styler, especially straighteners.
Our favourite at Sally Beauty is still the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil. It gives you heat protection up to 230°C and is both vegan and gentle on colour, so applying it to dry hair before trying any of the styles below gives you the security of knowing that you’re not damaging your hair.
Beachy waves
You can still add a touch of summer to your hair this winter by creating beachy waves, and it’s the perfect way of showing off your carefree side. So it’s time to discover how to make your hair wavy with straighteners by following our simple tips and tricks.
Step One
To give your hair that sea-swept texture, spritz a little of the Kemon Hair Manya Sea Salt after your Olaplex and then section your hair with crocodile clips.
Step Two
Starting from the back, create your waves by twisting your straightener half a turn away from your face and then gently pulling it downwards. Stop just before you reach the ends so they have a straighter look. Then repeat this all through the back.
Step Three
Curl the front sections of your hair in smaller pieces, this time all the way through to the ends. Once you’re finished, run your straighteners over the ends to smooth them out a little.
Step Four
Run your fingers gently through your waves to give them a loose tousled look and finish off by lightly backcombing underneath the top section with a dress out comb. Finally lock your hair in place, and tame any flyaways, with the Lômé Paris Hairspray 4 Extra-Strong.
Loose waves
Step One
Divide your hair horizontally, just above the ear, and secure it at the back of the head with a crocodile clip. Leave the bottom section down as you’ll be working that section first.
Step Two
Starting with the bottom sections, take 3cm pieces from your hair and place the straightener at your root. Pointing the plates downwards, turn the straightener one full rotation away from your face and glide it down the hair until it reaches the end. Repeat until all of the lower sections are done.
Step Three
Release some of the hair from the crocodile clip, leaving the rest still secured, and repeat step two on this hair. Continue until all of the hair has been curled. Remember to work in small sections in order to maximise the curls.
Step Four
To transform your curls into the loose style, gently brush through the hair with a detangling comb. Finish your look by spraying a strong hold hairspray from mid-lengths to ends.
Short hair
Curling isn’t just something that is just reserved for long hair, and adding them into your cropped locks can be a great way to shake up your style. Also, because the straighteners are smaller, you can easily do this on the go, at the office or at home.
Step One
In a similar way to loose waves, divide your hair just above the ear and secure the top section at the back of the head with a crocodile clip. You’ll be working the bottom sections first.
Step Two
Start curling your hair from the root, but this time with a mini straightener. The ghd ones are great for this. Rotate it half a turn away from your face before gliding down to the ends.
Step Three
To give you extra body, which is important for short hair, repeat step two on your next piece of hair but this time curl towards your face. Continue these alternating directions until you’ve finished all of the back section.
Step Four
Unclip the top section of your hair and repeat steps two and three. For your front pieces, twist the straighteners away from your face. This will help to give an open framing to the face.
Step Five
Work through your curls gently with a detangling comb and finish off by spritzing hairspray onto your fingers and delicately teasing them through your mid-lengths to ends.
Crimping
This might be a style that you’re not that familiar with, but it’s one that looks great for more boho events or when you really want a more dressed up going out look. Forget the old hot irons, we’re going to show you how to crimp your hair with straighteners for that disco vibe.
Step One
Separate your hair into small sections and braid them tightly. Make sure to take them as close to your scalp as possible and secure them with elastic bands. For maximum volume in the final style, add in as many braids as you can.
Step Two
After spritzing hairspray on each braid, slowly run straighteners over them one at a time. Be sure to make good contact with the hair, and remember that the more passes you make with the straighteners the more defined the crimp will be.
Step Three
Carefully undo your braids once they have cooled down. If you want to soften the appearance then you can gently comb through the hair, although be careful not to lose too much definition.
Step Four
Finish by spritzing again with hairspray from mid-lengths to ends and gently bounce the hair from the bottom as it dries to provide extra body.
Top Tips
Now that we’ve gone through the curls that you can create with your straighteners, here are our top tips that will ensure you always curl with confidence.
- Always protect your hair with a heat defence spray or oil before styling.
- When sectioning, start styling from the back before moving onto the sides and front.
- For soft curls, turn your straightener away from your face and in a downward motion.
- To add extra body, gently backcomb underneath your hairline with a dress out comb.
- If you’re right-handed and curling the left side of your hair, make sure you position your right arm over your hair with your fingers pointing towards the floor.
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