How to Create Wavy Hair With a Flat Iron

A flat iron is a hair-styling tool used to re-shape the hair using heated metal plates. Typically, hair rollers or curling irons are used to create wavy hair in naturally straight hair. However, a flat iron can be used to accomplish the same effects. With a flat iron, hair may be re-shaped into loose curls or relaxed waves depending on your personal hair style and intended look.

Things You'll Need

• Hair blowdryer
• Flat iron
• Hair heat protectant spray or serum
• Hair styling product (optional)
• Hair pin or clip

Instructions

1. Blowdry your hair on the blowdryer's medium heat setting while combing it with a wide-tooth comb to untangle and relax the hair shaft. Rub a dime-sized amount of hair heat protectant serum in your palms and briskly rub through your hair, focusing on its ends. If using a protectant spray, close your eyes and spray a light mist of product over your entire head.

2. Plug the flat iron into a power outlet and allow it to heat up to its highest, hottest setting. Meanwhile, use the comb to separate your hair into manageable chunks. Use a hairpin or hairclip to keep each section separated if you have a lot of hair.

3. Pick up a section of hair with your non-dominant hand. Hold the flat iron in the opposite hand and place it near the roots of the section you've selected and press the two ends of the flat iron together. Move the flat iron up the section of hair in a slow, smooth motion. As you move the styling device, twist it around itself so that the hair creates continuous loops around the iron until you reach the ends of the section.

4. Repeat Step 3 for each section of your hair until your entire head is finished. Style your hair according to your individual preference. Go over your hair one more time with the flat iron, touching up the lower half of the hair to which the eye is naturally drawn. Start flat ironing at the middle of the hair shift, repeating the twisting process to induce more waves in the hair.

5. Apply hair styling product such as hair spray or mousse to lock-in the style, if so desired. If you reside in an area with significant moisture and humidity, you may wish to consider using a frizz-control product to help seal out moisture and keep the styled curls and waves soft and manageable.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a heat protectant product to protect the hair shaft from burning and becoming damaged by the heat of the flat iron.

References

• Vetica, Robert. "Good to Great Hair: Celebrity Hairstyling Techniques Made Simple". New York: Fair Winds Press, 2009.

Resources

• Hair Protectant and Flair Iron Products
• Anti-Frizz Hair Products
• Hair Styling Products