Back To Beauty Basics: 6 Mistakes You’re Making While Curling Your Hair & How To Fix It.
One of the biggest questions I still get after doing hair for years and after blogging about this topic for years is "HOW DO I CURL HAIR".
I'm Meg Ann Lee, a hair stylist in the Eau Claire area and I'm doing a "back to basics" beauty series on the blog this month. Achieving flawless curls takes more than just heat and hair-it's about technique, direction, and the right tools. Whether you're using rollers or a curling iron, these tips will help you create beautiful, long-lasting curls at home.
1.You're Not Prepping with the Right Products
Having your hair prepped with product is usually the main difference I see in "at home" curls vs "salon" curls. Before you begin curling, always apply a heat protectant spray to safeguard your hair from damage. If using rollers, a light mousse or setting cream will help hold the curl without making your hair feel stiff.
Here are some of my favorite products for you to check out below!
2. You're not Utilizing Rollers or Doing a Roller Set.
If you're loving the rise of the "blow out" trend you need to get some rollers! For a classic roller set, start by sectioning your hair into small, even sections. Roll each section around the roller, starting from the ends and rolling towards the roots. Ensure the hair is smooth and taut as you roll for a sleek finish.
For tighter curls, opt for smaller rollers; for looser, more voluminous waves, go with larger ones. The size of the roller directly impacts the size of the curl, so choose according to the style you want to achieve.
One thing I love to do is put rollers through the top section of my hair while I curl the underneath for added volume through my crown area.
3. You're not Paying Attention to Direction
The direction you curl your hair matters. For volume, curl the hair away from your face. For a more vintage look, try rolling towards your face. Consistency in direction is key to a uniform curl pattern or "wave" look. If you want more "beachy waves" that stay separated, curl each section in opposite directions and leave about 1-2 inches at the end out.
Curl Vertically for Loose Waves
To create loose, beachy waves, hold the curling iron vertically and wrap the hair around the barrel, leaving the ends out. This technique gives you effortless-looking curls that are great for casual styles.
Curl Horizontal for Volume
If you want more volume and bounce, hold the curling iron horizontally as you curl each section. This method creates more lift at the roots and adds fullness to your style.
4.You Aren't Using the Right Curling Iron Barrel Size
All curling irons come in different sizes. As a stylist, my go-to for shorter hair is a 1-inch barrel and for hair past the shoulders, I choose a 1.5-inch barrel. A 1.75 is for LOOSE curls if you have long hair. Consider investing in a curling iron with interchangeable barrels for versatility!
5. You're not Waiting Long Enough Before Brushing. Curl Cool Down = Longevity
After curling, let your hair cool completely before touching or styling it. Curls set better and last longer when they've cooled down in their coiled state. You can clip each curl up after curling and let them cool in place for even more definition and staying power.
6. You're Skipping Texture Spray.
Most of the "inspo" style pictures I see are HEAVY in texture and volume. The key here is texture spray of course! We've all heard people say "dirty hair styles better" but that's not really the truth. What they are trying to say is hair with less moisture and more styling products will keep a style better. So, make sure you're finishing with a dry shampoo at the root, a texture spray at mids and ends and a flexible hair spray for longevity.
Check out my other hair styling blog posts below!
Whether you're setting your hair with rollers or using a curling iron, the key to perfect curls lies in the details. Proper preparation, paying attention to direction, and using the right techniques for the style you want will ensure your curls come out looking polished and professional every time. Happy styling <3