How to Use Curlers

If you want curly hair for the day or are going out for the night and want a fancy style, curlers can help you get what you’re looking for. If used properly, curlers can give you a glamorous look that holds up for hours. Depending on what kind of curls you want, a variety of curler sets are available. Foam curlers can be worn while you sleep or during the day, while hot curlers give you results in less than 30 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Light-hold hairspray
• Strong-hold hairspray
• Comb
• Hot curlers
• Foam curlers
• Hair pick
• Hair claw clip
• Duck clips

Instructions

1. Start with dirty hair. If you’re going to curl your hair, don’t wash it before you curl it. When your hair is clean, it has more slip. As a result, many styles won’t hold as well, especially curls. Plan on curling hair that hasn’t been washed in at least a day to maximize results.

2. Comb your hair. You want the strands of hair to be as smooth as possible. This will ensure that you get even results.

3. Section your hair. Depending on the thickness of your hair, divide it into two or three parts. Pin up the sections of hair that aren’t being worked on with duck clips or a claw clip.

4. Use hairspray. If your hair has trouble holding curl, spray the strands prior to rolling them in the curler. This step only works if you are using hot curlers. If you decide you need extra hold after you have curled your hair, use a strong-hold hairspray to keep your style in place.

5. Roll the curlers carefully. Whether you have long or short hair, it is important to roll your curlers so that all parts of the section of hair are rolled up in the curler. Start from the bottom and roll the curler up toward your scalp. Pin the curler with the appropriate clips. If you have a piece of hair that keeps falling out, use the light-hold hairspray so that it bonds to the rest of hair in the section that you are rolling.

6. Give curlers enough time to set. If you are using hot curlers, allow at least 15 minutes. If you can leave them in longer, that is even better. Most foam curlers need to be left in overnight to achieve the best results.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave hot curlers in for an extra 15 minutes for more hold. This extra time will allow your hair to cool down, which will make it less likely that the curls will fall out when you remove your curlers.

• Don’t use too much hairspray or hair will be left sticky and hard.