How to Use a Flat Iron to Make Waves

Waves created with a flat iron

Whether your hair is straight or curly, you can change your look and give yourself waves with a flat iron. You don't need a curling iron to create this effect--you can use a mid-size flat iron. In fact, even if your hair is already wavy, you can still follow the technique outlined here for waves that are slightly tighter, looser or simply more refined than your natural ones.

Things You'll Need

• Comb
• Heat-protective serum
• Mid-size flat iron

Instructions

1. Comb your hair to smooth away any snarls and tangles for flawless looking waves. Turn the flat iron on and allow it to heat up.

2. Squirt a pinch of heat-protective hair serum on your palm and rub your hands briskly together before working the product into your hair. Make sure to get serum on the tips of your hair to avoid getting split ends, but stay away from the roots as applying serum here will weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.

3. Pick up a fine section of hair and clamp the flat iron down at least a half inch away from the roots. You can start lower if you want looser waves or want your hair to be wavy only midway to the ends. Twist your wrist inwards towards your head and slide the flat iron down the entire section of hair. Maintain this position and twist inwards again at the ends to make sure you don't leave them straight (see Resources for a video). While you should not be in a hurry, do not be so slow in sliding the flat iron down either--doing so may create tighter curls instead of waves. Factors such as the way your hair reacts to heat and how hot your flat iron gets also play a role in the waves that result. With a little practice, you can get your ideal timing down.

4. Repeat Step 3 for the rest of the hair on your head. Style as desired when you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick with a mid-size flat iron, as a small one may give you tighter curls and a large one is strictly for straightening the hair.

• Keep possible hair damage minimal by using a ceramic flat iron instead of a metal-plated one.

Resources

• Expert Village video on creating beachy waves with a flat iron