How to Use a Flat Iron to Curl Hair

You're very familiar with your flat iron... Long time friend to the frizzy-haired individual~ But why not take your flat iron to the next level? Read on to learn how to use your flat iron to curl your hair!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flat Iron
• Hairspray or Mousse

1. 
   Start with a 'Blank Canvas'

   Start with your normal routine, no matter whether you use your flat iron to straighten uneven waves or to tame those stray 'sticky-ups.' This puts your hair in the state your most familiar to working with and will also produce a much smoother curl.

2. Choose a section of hair to work on. Decide whether you want a full lock of curl or if you just want to shape the ends. The following steps will discuss the technique for each.

3. 

   For Full Curls: Separate a 1" section of your hair and place the iron about one inch from your scalp. Begin to slowly and gently pull your hair through the iron while turning or 'curling' the lock. Work the iron downwards, being careful not to pull down too hard as this will pull the curl back out.

4. 

   For Shaping Ends: Choose a section of your hair and place the iron on the ends. You can flip the ends out or in depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Using a 1/4 twist of the iron, pull your hair across the plates. Avoid closing the iron completely because this can give you a crease and make your style look less natural.

5. 

   Now, look for any pieces you may have missed or curls that may have relaxed. Once you have finished curling, mist your entire 'do' with a flexible hairspray. I prefer Rusk W8less Hairspray as it holds well and still allows your curls to 'bounce'.

Tips & Warnings

• A thin flat iron (1" in width) works best.
• If you have stubborn hair that doesn't like to curl, try applying a hair wax before curling.
• For a pretty up-do, try pulling your hair back and curling just the pony tail.
• Use the lowest heat setting possible that still achieves your desired results. Too high of a setting can damage your hair.

Resources

• Conair Website
• Official 'Rusk' Styling Products Website

[charkstir]

on 3/27/2009 Good article Amy, very useful information...Thanks!

[alienangel555]

on 3/27/2009 yes, it has a variety of uses.Thanks

[alienangel555]

on 3/27/2009 yes, it has a variety of uses.Thanks

[alienangel555]

on 3/27/2009 yes, it has a variety of uses.Thanks

[alienangel555]

on 3/27/2009 yes, it has a variety of uses.Thanks