Beautiful curls never go out of style. Whether you're after tight ringlets, soft beach waves, g
Beautiful curls never go out of style. Tight ringlets, soft beach waves, big volume, or a smooth blowout can all change your look fast. Hair style curling works best when you match the tool, heat, and prep to your hair type and curl type.
If you've ever wondered how to curl your hair and keep it in place, start with the right barrel, good heat care, and enough cool-down time. The right products also help your style last longer.
No matter your length or texture, you can learn hair styling curling at home and get salon-style results.
Understanding Your Hair Type
Straight Hair
Straight hair can resist curls because it is smooth. To help curls last:
● Use a heat protectant before styling
● Prep with a texturizing product
● Work in smaller sections
● Let curls cool fully before brushing
Choose a smaller barrel if you want tighter curls that hold longer.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair already has some texture, so it holds curls more easily. To build on the wave:
● Curl only some sections
● Switch curl direction as you go
● Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray
This gives a soft look with more movement.
Curly Hair
Curly hair can also benefit from heat styling when you want a smoother or more even curl pattern.
When styling curly hair:
● Smooth frizz first
● Work in smaller sections
● Avoid high heat when you can
● Keep your natural texture when possible
How to Curl Your Hair with a Curling Iron
One of the best ways to create hair curl styles is with a curling iron or styling wand.
Choosing the Right Curling Iron
19mm Barrel: Tight Curls and Ringlets
If you want strong shape, a 19mm barrel is a smart pick. The 3/4-inch Pro Styling Wand is ideal for:
● Tight curls
● Defined ringlets
● Maximum volume
● Long-lasting hold
Its small barrel gives more curl shape and works well on short to medium hair.
For a softer, mixed look, the Tapered Pro Styling Wand is another strong choice. The tapered barrel gives curls a natural feel with bounce and movement.
25mm Barrel: Classic Curls and Bounce
A 25mm barrel is often the most versatile choice.
The 1-inch Pro Styling Wand creates:
● Classic curls
● Soft bounce
● Glamorous volume
● Timeless results
This barrel works well for most lengths and is great for everyday curls.
32mm Barrel: Loose Waves and Blowouts
For soft movement and a modern finish, larger barrels make more relaxed curls. The 1.25-inch Pro Styling Wand is ideal for:
● Loose curls
● Beach waves
● Blowout-inspired styles
● Soft volume
This size is a strong fit for long hair curls because it creates movement without looking stiff.
The Ultimate Styling Option: Pro Styling Wand Set
If you like to change your look, the Pro Styling Wand Set offers great range. Featuring multiple swappable barrels, it lets you create:
● Tight ringlets
● Classic curls
● Beach waves
● Voluminous blowouts
Instead of buying several tools, the Pro Styling Wand Set gives you what you need to match your mood, hair length, or event. You can also curl hair with a straightener if you prefer a flat iron. Another option is using a straightener, or a 2-in-1 tool for curls. Read our article, how to curl hair with straightener for tips and tricks.
Temperature Settings for Different Hair Types
Using the correct temperature helps protect your hair while ensuring curls hold properly.
Fine Hair
● Lower heat settings
● Gentle styling
● Shorter hold times
Medium Hair
● Moderate heat settings
● Most barrel sizes work well
● Flexible styling options
Thick Hair
● Higher temperatures when needed
● Smaller styling sections
● Longer hold times
Always start with the lowest heat that still works for your hair type.
Step-by-Step Guide to Curling Your Hair
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Start with clean, dry hair.
Before styling:
● Apply a heat protectant
● Brush out tangles
● Prep with styling products
For best results, use Blow Out Spray before heat styling. This heat protectant helps:
● Smooth frizz
● Add shine
● Add light volume
● Improve curl life
● Create a polished finish
A smooth base can make a big difference in how long your style lasts.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into:
● Bottom section
● Middle section
● Top section
Working in sections helps make each curl more even.
Step 3: Curl Each Section
Take a one-inch section of hair and wrap it around your barrel.
For tighter curls:
● Use smaller sections
● Choose the ¾" Pro Styling Wand
● Hold it a bit longer
For classic curls:
● Use the 1" Pro Styling Wand
● Maintain consistent tension
For loose waves:
● Use the 1.25" Pro Styling Wand
● Wrap hair more loosely
Step 4: Let Curls Cool
One common mistake is touching curls too soon.
Letting curls cool fully helps lock in the shape and improve hold.
How to Curl Using Curling Tongs
Many people wonder about the difference between curling irons and curling tongs.
Differences Between Curling Irons and Tongs
Curling tongs:
● Feature a clamp
● Create polished curls
● Offer greater styling control
Styling wands:
● Create softer waves
● Add natural movement
● Eliminate clamp marks
Both tools can create beautiful curls depending on the finish you're looking for.
Step-by-Step Method
Preparing Your Hair
Always begin with:
● Dry hair
● Heat protectant
● Proper sectioning
Loose vs. Tight Curls
For loose curls:
● Use larger barrels
● Brush curls gently after cooling
● Finish with a lightweight spray
For tight curls:
● Use smaller barrels
● Leave curls alone until cool
● Apply minimal finishing products
Tips for Long-Lasting Curls
Creating curls is only half the process - keeping them intact all day requires proper preparation and finishing technique
Using the Right Products
Heat Protectants and Styling Aids
Heat protectants help shield your hair while improving styling results.
Using Blow Out Spray before curling can:
● Help curls last longer
● Boost shine
● Reduce frizz
● Improve smoothness
● Add volume without heaviness
It is a strong prep product for polished curls that last.
Techniques for Setting Curls
Let Curls Cool Completely
This small step can improve hold.
Pin Curls for Extra Hold
Pinning curls while they cool can help them last longer.
Avoid Over-Touching
The more you touch curls, the faster they can lose shape.
Hair Spray and Other Hold Products
To keep curls through the day:
● Use a flexible-hold hairspray
● Avoid heavy products
● Refresh with dry shampoo if needed
The goal is to keep movement while holding the curl shape.
How to Maintain Curls Throughout the Day
To keep curls looking their best:
● Avoid too much brushing
● Protect hair from humidity
● Use light styling products
● Carry a travel-size hairspray for touch-ups
Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can also help keep curls overnight and reduce frizz.
Q&A
Question: Which barrel size should I choose for my hair goal?
Short answer: Choose the 3/4-inch Pro Styling Wand or a 19mm barrel for tight curls, defined ringlets, maximum volume, and stronger hold. Use the 1-inch Pro Styling Wand or a 25mm barrel for classic curls, soft bounce, and flexible everyday styling. For loose curls, beach waves, blowout-inspired styles, and soft volume, the 1.25-inch Pro Styling Wand or 32mm barrel is the best fit, especially for longer hair.
Question: Why should I let curls cool before brushing or touching them?
Short answer: Letting curls cool fully helps lock the hair into a new shape. Touching, brushing, or separating curls too soon can make them loosen faster and lose shape. For extra hold, you can also pin curls while they cool and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.
Question: How should I adjust curling methods for different hair types?
Short answer: Straight hair often needs more prep, smaller sections, texturizing product, and full cooling time to help curls last. Wavy hair already has natural texture, so curling select sections and switching directions can add movement. Curly hair works best with frizz control, smaller sections, moderate heat, and care for its natural texture. Different curl types need different prep, so choose the method that fits your hair curl type.
Question: What is the difference between curling tongs and styling wands?
Short answer: Curling tongs have a clamp, which gives more control and helps create polished curls. Styling wands do not use a clamp, so they make softer waves, more natural movement, and no clamp marks. Both tools can create beautiful results, but the best choice depends on whether you want a neat, controlled curl or a more relaxed finish.
Question: What products help curls last longer without weighing hair down?
Short answer: A heat protectant and light styling products are key. Blow Out Spray is recommended before heat styling because it helps smooth frizz, boost shine, add light volume, improve curl longevity, and create a polished finish. To maintain curls through the day, use a flexible-hold hairspray and avoid heavy products that can make curls fall flat.
