3 Ways To Curl Hair With A Curling Iron - WikiHow

Home » How To Use Curling Iron With Clamp » 3 Ways To Curl Hair With A Curling Iron - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Wand Curling 2 Spiral Curls What Products Should Somebody Use Before They Curl Their Hair? Other Sections Questions & Answers VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Shun Pittman

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

PDF download Download Article ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". This article has been viewed 1,461,322 times.

A curling iron can be used to create tight, formal curls, big, bold waves, thin spirals, or thick tube curls. From big to small you can have whatever curls you want depending on the curling iron. To curl hair with a curling iron, try one of the following methods. Here is a guide on wikiHow to curl hair with a curling iron.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Wand Curling

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Heat up the curling iron. 1 Heat up the curling iron. Turn on the curling iron and heat it to 320 degrees for fine hair and 430 degrees for thicker hair. Experiment to find the right temperature for you. It's best to go with the lowest temperature that does the job. This is going to damage your hair less.[1]
    • Test the iron's temperature by pressing it to a piece of white tissue paper. If the paper scorches, the curling iron is too hot.[2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 2 Brush your hair thoroughly. Make sure there are no tangles or your curls won’t form properly. Your hair should be completely dry before you curl it. Blow dry any damp sections. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 3 Apply a heat protectant to your hair. This product is usually sprayed onto dry hair. The heat protectant will form a buffer between your locks and the iron to add shine and prevent damage at high temperatures.[3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 4 Separate your hair into 4 sections. Divide your hair into a top and bottom half, then separate each of those sections into a left piece and a right piece. From there, you can divide it into subsections that are about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) wide. Secure the sections using clips so that the only hair hanging has either been curled already or is the next section of hair that is going to be curled.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 5 Working in sections, curl your hair. To achieve a wand curl, use just the wand and wrap your section of hair around the barrel. Don't use the clamp at the bottom of the wand that "holds" the hair as it curls. Be sure not to overlap your hair, as this will reduce heat and result in limp sections. Use your fingers to hold the edge of the section of hair close to the barrel without burning your hair. Doing this rather than using the clamp will prevent crimps in the curls.[4]
    • Be sure to alternate the curling direction between clockwise and counterclockwise for a more natural effect.[5]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 6 Pin up curls quickly to help them last longer. Grabbing the bottom of the curl, compact the curl to create a perfect curl. Use a bobby pin or a similar hair clip to fasten the circle of hair to your head.
    • Pinning up the curls allows them to hold their shape while they cool. This will make the curls last longer.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 7 Continue until all of your hair is pinned up. then wait until the curls are no longer hot before you take off the clips.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 8 Take out all of the bobby pins, after the hair is cool. Shake out the curls and fix any curls that are messed up.[6]
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 9 Manipulate curled hair, if desired. Unless you want to leave it in its current, more formal arrangement, tousle it with your fingers or tease it slightly. Tousling large curls is a great way to create waves.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 10 Add hairspray lightly, to give your curls hold. Do not over-spray, as this will make your hair crispy and/or weigh it down.
    11. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Spiral Curls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Grab one strand of hair to curl. 1 Grab one strand of hair to curl. For tighter curls, grab smaller sections.
    • The ends of your hair are fragile. If you start at the bottom of the section, you may be more likely to damage your hair.
  2. Step 2 Squeeze the curling iron open and place it near the top of a section of hair. 2 Squeeze the curling iron open and place it near the top of a section of hair. Keep the iron squeezed open for now.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 3 Wrap the entire section of hair around the iron rod manually. Wrap moving the hair away from your face and work carefully to avoid burning your fingers.
  4. Step 4 Clamp the hair inside the iron for approximately 10 seconds. 4 Clamp the hair inside the iron for approximately 10 seconds. Your actual time may vary depending on your curling iron and heat settings, so if you need to experiment, on the low side in the beginning.
    • You'll know it's time to release the curl when you can feel the heat coming through the hair that's wrapped around the curling iron.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Curl Hair with a Curling Iron 5 Loosen your hair and repeat on the next section. It will help to unclamp and clamp the iron as you loosen, but be careful not to touch the iron in the process.
    6. Advertisement

What Products Should Somebody Use Before They Curl Their Hair?

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Are there substitutes for heat protectant that won't make my hair smell? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Yes, there are several substitutes for heat protectant that won't make your hair smell bad. Some good examples include argan oil, coconut oil and leave-in conditioners. You can also consider using a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and protect your hair from damage while you sleep. There are also heat-protectant sprays formulated to not smell or that have a pleasant scent. Test all new products on a small area of hair first. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
  • Question How long will it take me to curl my hair? Community Answer Community Answer It depends on the texture of your hair, how long it is, and how wide the sections you curl are. It can take as little as 30 minutes to as long as 2 hours. Keep in mind that with more practice and experience, you will be able to curl your hair faster. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 15 Helpful 56
  • Question Do I have to use the heat protector? Community Answer Community Answer It is not essential but it is preferable as it helps to ensure that your hair will not get damaged. Without it, your hair will likely reflect the damaging effects of heat faster. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 62
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

  • Letting your hair fall (with no brushing afterwards) and tousling it with your fingers creates the most natural result. Tousling hair throughout the day can prevent individual curls from combining into big curls. Thanks Helpful 327 Not Helpful 88
  • Curl away from your face for more natural-looking curls. Thanks Helpful 395 Not Helpful 124
  • Use hairspray afterwards to keep the curls in if you don't have curling cream. Thanks Helpful 385 Not Helpful 129
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • To get a wavy look, don't pull the hair tightly to the wand. Let it be a little loose.
  • Don’t hold the iron in the same spot for too long or you may damage your hair.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Gently pull the iron away from your head as you curl to both protect your scalp and add volume. Thanks Helpful 116 Not Helpful 24
  • Make sure to always unplug the curling iron after you're finished. Thanks Helpful 154 Not Helpful 35
  • Don't plug in your curling iron near water: it could fall in and electrocute someone. Thanks Helpful 145 Not Helpful 33
  • If you curl a section for too long, you will cause heat damage, possibly even causing hair to fall out. Thanks Helpful 131 Not Helpful 36
  • The curling iron is hot. Do not move it too close to your scalp or bump it with your free hand. Thanks Helpful 113 Not Helpful 37
  • These directions can work in two ways: achieve fabulously kinky natural looking curls, or cause your hair to frizz up like a ball. If your hair tends to frizz, use anti-frizz serum. Thanks Helpful 106 Not Helpful 35
  • Read the safety instructions before using a curling iron. This will also give you a sense of how long to curl each section of hair for. Thanks Helpful 104 Not Helpful 36
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Heat protectant
  • Curling iron
  • Hairspray
  • Optional: curl-enhancing spray or shampoo, smoothing serum
  • Hairbrush

You Might Also Like

Curl HairHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick Ways Curl Short HairHow toCurl Short Hair Curl Long Hair with a Curling IronHow toCurl Long Hair with a Curling Iron Use a Curling WandHow toUse a Curling Wand Curl Hair Without HairsprayHow to Get Your Curls to Stay Without Hairspray Make Naturally Straight Hair CurlyHow toMake Naturally Straight Hair Curly Curl Layered HairHow toCurl Layered Hair Curl Thick Hair With a Curling IronHow toCurl Thick Hair With a Curling Iron Curl Your Hair with TongsHow toCurl Your Hair with Tongs Get Spiral CurlsHow toGet Spiral Curls How toCurl Fine Straight Hair Curl Your Hair with a Flat IronHow toCurl Your Hair with a Flat Iron How toCurl the Ends of Your Hair How toStyle Wavy Hair Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/biggest-curling-iron-mistakes-youre-making
  2. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://advicefromatwentysomething.com/how-to-use-a-curling-iron/
  6. ↑ https://www.self.com/story/curling-iron-mistakes

About This Article

Shun Pittman Co-authored by: Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman. Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)". This article has been viewed 1,461,322 times. 17 votes - 70% Co-authors: 111 Updated: April 1, 2024 Views: 1,461,322 Categories: Curling Hair Article SummaryX

Once you’ve heated your curler and brushed your hair, prepare your hair for curling by spraying it with a heat protectant and separating it into 2 to 3 inch wide sections. Wrap a section of hair around your curling wand with your fingers, then bobby pin your curls to your head when you’re done. Curl every section, and remove the bobby pins once your hair has cooled down. Tousle your hair to create a more natural look and use hairspray to give your curls hold. For tips on how to create spiraling or tube curls, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish French Russian Chinese Indonesian Dutch
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,461,322 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Jessica Garcia

    Jessica Garcia

    Oct 8, 2016

    "This post helped tremendously due to the fact that i didn't even know the little tips and tricks to curling!"
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Shun Pittman Co-authored by: Shun Pittman Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author 17 votes - 70% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 111 Updated: April 1, 2024 Views: 1,461,322 Jessica Garcia

Jessica Garcia

Oct 8, 2016

"This post helped tremendously due to the fact that i didn't even know the little tips and tricks to curling!" Judy Malone

Judy Malone

Oct 25, 2016

"Helped me learn the uses of a curling iron which I have never used in my life." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Curl HairHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysCurl Short HairHow toCurl Short HairCurl Long Hair with a Curling IronHow toCurl Long Hair with a Curling IronUse a Curling WandHow toUse a Curling Wand

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Featured Articles

Enjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

What Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake QuizWhat Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizWhat Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Texture
  • Curly Hair
  • Curling Hair
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --559

Tag » How To Use Curling Iron With Clamp