Whats the easiest way to create soft curls with a flat iron?

Question

My hair dresser does it all the time but I can't seem to do it myself! Easy, thorough instructions please!!!!!

Answer 1

Personally, I prefer the look that I achieve from using a wide barrelled curling iron (I find that it holds longer, even without using hairspray, and simply looks better). However, if you want to use a flat iron, first make sure that yours is good and can reach a high heat (I use a CHI tourmaline straightening iron, make sure that it's ceramic and that you heat prep your hair first using appropriate products -- you can buy them at any salon or drug store, usually). Then, take a small amount of hair and straighten it as you normally would, but make sure that use a press the iron together tighter towards the bottom and angle it in a little at the bottom towards your face (facing inwards). Then, after letting your hair cool for about 30 seconds (you can go on to another strand of hair during this time), go back from the top of the strand and, holding the iron with both hands, twist the hair around the iron as you go down (it requires a bit more concentration and manueverability than using a curling iron). Make sure that the iron is in an upright position as you curl it, or else your curls will look awkward. If you aren't satisfied with the curl at first, then go back from the top and re-curl it. (And remember, it won't be perfect at first -- practice makes perfect!!) If your hair doesn't hold a curl well normally, use a gel first (when your hair is wet, apply a small amount and let dry) or just use hairspray to set it. And if you have normally straight hair, don't worry about going over it with the iron first,before you curl your hair (my hair is curly to begin with, so I usually just use this process if it's being frizzy or unmanageable). I can achieve salon great curls through this process, and I'm sure that you can too!!! Sorry that this ended up being sooo long and detailed, but I hope that this helps you!!! Good luck!!!

Answer 2

When I was getting my hair down for a prom fashion show i was in she curled by hair with the flat iron because it would hold longer. She did my friend's as well. Think about how you would with curling iron, clamp the ends then twist it around the barrel. It's pretty much the same way. She used a 1" ceramic iron and the outside got warm too not just the plates.