How to Curl Your Hair With a Straightener: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
Want to learn how to curl your hair with a straightener? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re dreaming of soft beach waves, loose everyday curls, or gorgeous bombshell curls, you don’t actually need a curling iron to achieve them. With the right technique and a little practice, your flat iron can create beautiful curls that look like you just stepped out of the salon.
Ladies, I’ve finally mastered the art of curling my hair with a straightener after YEARS of failed YouTube tutorials! Turns out, creating gorgeous, bouncy curls with a flat iron is easier than you think. The secret? A simple twisting technique and a little practice! My biggest tip for beginners: Practice with your straightener turned OFF to perfect the movement without damaging your hair. Once you’ve got it down, you can create everything from loose beach waves to voluminous curls. For more easy hairstyles, check out my 10-minute loose curls hair tutorial!
What You Need to Curl Your Hair With a Flat Iron
Before getting started, make sure you have a few basic hair styling essentials ready. You don’t need a million expensive products to create gorgeous curls, but having the right tools can make the process much easier.
- A flat iron with smooth plates: A straightener that glides easily through your hair will help prevent tugging and unwanted creases.
- Heat protectant spray: Apply a heat protectant suitable for your hair type before using hot styling tools.
- Hair clips: Sectioning your hair makes it easier to curl evenly, especially if you have thick or long hair.
- A brush or wide-tooth comb: Gently detangle your hair before styling to help the straightener glide smoothly.
- Lightweight finishing spray: Use a little hairspray or flexible-hold styling spray to help your curls maintain their shape.
I personally recommend choosing a straightener with smooth, snag-resistant plates and adjustable temperature settings. For more of my favorite styling tools and hair products, check out my best hair products and styling essentials.
How to Curl Your Hair With a Straightener: 7 Easy Steps
Ready to learn how to create gorgeous curls with your flat iron? Follow these seven simple steps to achieve soft, bouncy curls without a traditional curling iron. I recommend starting with clean, completely dry, detangled hair and applying heat protectant before you begin.
Step 1: Section Your Hair
Start by separating a 1-inch section of hair. If you have thick or long hair, clip the rest of your hair out of the way so you can focus on one section at a time. Smaller sections generally create more defined curls, while larger sections can produce a looser wave.
Step 2: Pull the Hair Away From Your Face
Using one hand, gently pull the section of hair away from your face. This helps keep the hair separated and makes it easier to guide the straightener through the strand. For the pieces closest to your face, I recommend curling away from your face to create a soft, flattering look.
Step 3: Position Your Straightener Vertically
With your other hand, hold your flat iron vertically so the tip of the straightener, opposite the cord, points toward the ground. This positioning makes it easier to rotate the tool and create a smooth curl as you move down the hair.
Step 4: Clamp the Straightener Near Your Roots
Gently clamp the straightener around your section of hair, starting a little below the roots rather than directly against your scalp. Avoid squeezing too tightly, since the straightener needs to glide smoothly through your hair without pulling or snagging.
Step 5: Twist the Straightener Away From Your Face
Here’s where the magic happens! Rotate the straightener away from your face and gently glide it down the length of your hair in one continuous motion. Maintain a smooth, controlled movement rather than stopping in one spot, which can create unwanted bends or expose your hair to too much heat.
The amount you rotate the straightener and how quickly you glide it through your hair will influence the shape of your curl. This is the step that takes the most practice, so don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t perfect!
Step 6: Release and Shape Your Curl
Once you’ve reached the ends of your hair, release the straightener and allow the curl to fall naturally. If needed, gently guide the curl into shape with your fingers, being careful not to touch hair that’s still too hot. Let the curl cool before brushing or separating it so it has a better chance of holding its shape.
Step 7: Finish With a Lightweight Hairspray
For extra hold, apply a light mist of finishing spray once your curls have cooled. If you want a softer, more relaxed look, gently separate the curls with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. If you’re going for defined, bouncy curls, leave them mostly untouched and use a flexible-hold spray to help maintain their shape.
5 Tips for Curling Long Hair With a Straightener
Now that you’ve mastered the basic technique, let’s talk about a few little tricks that can make a BIG difference. If you’ve ever struggled with curls falling flat, awkward creases, or hair getting caught in your straightener, these tips are for you!
1. Use a Straightener That Glides Smoothly Through Your Hair
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the straightener you use can make a difference. A flat iron with smooth plates is especially helpful when curling because you’re constantly twisting and sliding the tool through your hair. If your straightener catches or pulls, it can make the process frustrating and create unwanted bends. I originally used the Panasonic nanoe straightener for this tutorial, and I loved how smoothly it moved through my hair. When shopping for a straightener, look for smooth plates, adjustable heat settings, and a design that’s comfortable to rotate.
2. Start With Completely Dry Hair
For the best results, make sure your hair is completely dry before using a regular flat iron. I personally find it easier to create curls when my hair hasn’t already been heavily styled with a straightener, but results can vary depending on your hair texture and the products you’re using. If you’ve just washed your hair, dry it thoroughly and apply heat protectant according to the product directions before styling. Never use a conventional straightener on damp hair unless the tool is specifically designed and approved for wet-to-dry styling.
3. Don’t Turn Your Straightener to the Highest Heat Setting
You guys, hotter does NOT automatically mean better curls! Using excessive heat can contribute to dryness, breakage, and long-term hair damage, especially if your hair is bleached, colored, or already fragile. Instead, use the lowest effective temperature recommended for your hair type and styling tool. Fine, damaged, or color-treated hair often benefits from lower temperatures, while thicker hair may require a different setting. Always follow your straightener’s instructions and avoid repeatedly passing the tool over the same section. If your hair needs a little extra TLC, check out my hair care tips for changing seasons, where I share simple ways to keep hair looking healthy while using styling tools.
4. Curl Your Hair Away From Your Face
One of my favorite tricks for creating flattering curls is rotating the straightener away from my face, especially around the front sections of my hair. This helps create that soft, swept-back look that I absolutely love. For a more natural finish, you can alternate the direction of some curls throughout the back of your hair while keeping the face-framing pieces curled outward. This creates movement and prevents every curl from looking exactly the same.
5. Let Your Curls Cool Before Brushing Them Out
If your curls tend to fall flat almost immediately, you might be touching them too soon. I recommend allowing your curls to cool completely before running your fingers or a brush through them. This helps preserve their shape while they’re setting. Once your hair has cooled, gently separate the curls for a softer, more effortless finish. You can also apply a little lightweight hairspray if your hair struggles to hold a curl. For more tips on keeping long hair healthy and manageable, check out my five hair hacks for longer, healthier-looking hair.
How to Create Loose Beach Waves With a Straightener
If you prefer loose, effortless beach waves over defined curls, you can easily adjust this technique. Instead of using small sections of hair, try working with slightly larger sections and moving your straightener more quickly through the strands. Use a gentler rotation to create a relaxed bend rather than a tight spiral. I also love leaving the very ends of my hair a little straighter for a modern, undone look. Just make sure you don’t hold the straightener in one place for too long. Once your waves have cooled, gently separate them with your fingers and finish with a little texture spray if desired. This is one of my favorite hairstyles for casual days, date nights, and those mornings when I want my hair to look cute without spending forever in front of the mirror.
If you love effortless waves, you’ll also enjoy my 10-minute loose curls hair routine, where I share another method for achieving soft, everyday curls.
More Easy Hair Tutorials and Styling Tips From Mash Elle
If you love discovering easy hairstyles and beauty hacks, you’re going to love these Mash Elle hair tutorials! From quick everyday curls to cute heatless hairstyles, there are plenty of ways to switch up your look without spending hours getting ready.
