How to Curl Straight Hair With a Hair Straightener

A hair straightener can be used as a curling iron as well. In order to achieve the best look possible, use a straightener that has an iron surface width 2" or less. Remember, the wider the iron, the bigger the curl. Because of the prolonged exposure to extreme heat, use the same hair care precautions you would with a regular curling iron, such as heat protecting spray.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1"-2" flat iron
• Heat protectant (preferably a spray)
• Flexible hold hair spray
• Bobby pins or hair clamps

How to Curl Straight Hair With a Hair Straightener

1. Spray a light mist of heat protectant throughout your hair. Brush your hair thoroughly to blend the product in as well as smooth the cuticle of each strand. Pin up the top portion of your hair, leaving the bottom half exposed.

2. Select a two-inch section of hair and smooth down any fly away strands. Spray the selected section with a very light mist of hair spray to help the curl keep its shape and stay smooth afterward.

3. Holding the selection of hair away from your head with one hand, clamp the straight iron down on the base as close to your head as is comfortable. Depending on which direction you want the curl to go, twist the flat iron (still clamped down on the base) a full turn. Your hair should be both clamped on the inside and wrapped around the outside at this point.

4. Relieving only as much pressure as you need to move the flat iron, pull the flat iron until it slides off the bottom of the section of hair. If you have done it correctly, you will have a formed ringlet.

5. Continue curling in two-inch sections until you have covered your whole head. Finish by spraying a light mist of flexible hold hairspray over all the curls. To avoid frizz, let all of the curls cool down entirely before you touch or style them.

Tips & Warnings

• Very long hair may need to be curled in one-inch sections. Make each curl in the same direction.
• Use a straightener with rounded edges on the iron itself or you may end up with kinks instead of curls.