Curly hair can look gorgeous no matter whether you are walking on the beach or sitting in the office. There is a great chance you have already used the curler at least once or twice in your life even if you have been blessed with the naturally curly hair. But do you remember how you did it?

If you have just recently bought your very first curling wand or even if you have been using it for a while but still wondering how to get the best out of this unique styling tool, we have created these easy to follow tips just for you. We are happy to show the easiest and the most effective way to amazing and naturally looking curls you will be proud of!

To start with, you need:

• Curling Wand – innovative styling tool that curls your hair without clamping it (as opposite to curling iron), creating naturally looking spirals;
• Heat Protective Glove. As mentioned above, curling wand does not have a clip that holds your hair on to the barrel. For that reason, manufactures often provide a special heat resistant glove to protect your skin against unwanted burns;
• Hair Brush – to use before and during the styling process;
• Sectioning Clips. These lifesaving appliances will help you to divide the large section of your hair into several manageable parts;
• Thermal Heat Protectant – to give your hair the necessary protection against the heat it’s about to endure;
• Curl Definition Mousse – perfect frizz fighter;
• Hair Spray. Although this can be optional, but applying hair spray after curling will help to keep your locks for maximum period of time.

It is more about preparation rather than actual curling, the better you are prepared, the easier the process!

Prepare your Hair Before Curling

First, start by washing your hair, especially when it is naturally oily. After all, you will be applying several styling products and the last thing you need is greasy hair. Then use thermal heat protectant (try TRESemme Protective Spray) from roots to ends of your damp hair to prevent damage. Even if your curling wand was advertised as the most damage-free tool ever, you need to take care of your locks!

You may go ahead with light weight mousse, although try to keep the application to a bare minimum in order to avoid crunchy curls. Blow dry your hair, best upside down (assisting with your hands when necessary) until your hair is completely dry.

Brush your dry hair so to remove any tangles and break up strands. Divide your hair into several large sections using hair clips, this way you make the styling process so much easier! No doubt, the more hair and the thicker it is, the more sections you will end up with. Don’t worry, there are no strict rules to this technique, just go ahead with what is comfortable for you.

All done and now you are ready to move on the next step!

Allow Your Curling Wand to Preheat

Although it pretty much depends on the model of curling wand you have, most are able to achieve the desired temperature within 30-60 seconds time frame. For better results is important you patiently wait for your curler to achieve the required temperature.

These days we are hardly surprised with variable heat settings as many commercial curling wands can top 400 to 450 degrees. However there is no need to run for higher temperatures. Your hair type should determine your heat setting. Start low and notice how your hair responds to the heat, then increase the temperature accordingly. As a rule of thumb, thin, coloured or damaged hair should be curled at lower heat settings, just avoid using temperatures above 300 degrees. For curly, coarse or thick hair, you can go for mid-range temperatures, but never above 400 degrees unless you want to dry out your hair completely.

Although there is quite a broad choice of curling wands, choose a ceramic-plated one, which will provide more heat protection compared to other options. Remember that any curler can damage your hair if used without common sense. We also suggest reading your curling wand manual for more tips on curling before you even start.

Don’t Forget Your Heat Protective Glove

So, you have done everything to prepare your hair and your curling wand for the main stage. If you have medium to long hair, we suggest starting at the back of your head. For short hair, it’s easier to start curling at the crown. Follow these 4 steps:

1. Holding a curling iron vertically, wrap a small section of your hair around the barrel always starting from the tip and curling outward direction. Pick only a little hair at a time as small sections add some depth to overall style. For the sake of safety, use the heat protective glove and keep the wand away from your face. Over-heating is the real danger, since you only need about five to ten seconds to achieve the desired look. Repeat: wait no more than 10 seconds at the time. Curling wands tend to heat up very quickly especially those made of ceramic.

2. Release you hair and allow the curl to fall to retain its shape. To avoid the mess and help yourself with further styling manipulations, roll the just-curled section around your finger, and secure it in place with a bobby pin to preserve its shape while you keep curling.

3. Repeat the above two steps with the next section of hair, but this time, twist the barrel toward your face. Alternating the direction of the curls prevents them from clumping together. Just follow this pattern and you will be safe. Keep going until you finish curling and pinning up all your hair. For more defined and long-lasting curls leave them untouched to cool down for a few minutes.

4. Remove all the bobby pins, and run your fingers through the curls to break them up. Do not brush them if you want to preserve those romantic and naturally looking locks. Once they’re styled exactly the way you want them, apply a layer of hair spray accordingly.

Hurrah! Now you are ready to go!

Follow Our Hair Care Tips

We have shown you how to use a curling wand, but here are even more tips to keep in mind when it comes to styling your hair.

• Never curl your hair when it is damp or even slightly wet! Not because the wand is too hot, but because the water will turn to sizzling steam. Dry your hair thoroughly in advance with a cool blow dry, just play it safe and your curls will form properly;
• If you’re a regularly using your curler, don’t forget to nourish your tresses. Make serums and hair treatments your best friends and your hair will always look healthy! It is important to use quality moisturizing products that will restore your locks accordingly;
• Take care of your appliance! Regularly wipe down the barrel with a damp cloth (after it’s cooled down) in order to prevent the styling product residue build up. Store your curler in a heat proof pouch if the same has been provided by manufacturer.

Follow our easy curling techniques and you will turn your otherwise flat or just boring hair into the splash of glorious frizz-free locks.