How To Curl your Hair using a Curling Iron (by germany123)

This is dedicated to Sualey :)



Step 1:Choose the right Curling iron

Unfortunately in this case I have to say: The more expensive the better. Cheap irons wont heat up properly and you will never achieve a curl that lasts. Also they might be poorly manufactured and tear at your hair.The surface needs to be ceramic so your hair can actually slide on the iron rather than scraping on it.


Step 2: Choose the right Size

Now this is a bit of a tricky one. Basically there are two rules.

1) The longer your hair, the thicker it is the bigger your iron.
2) The smaller your iron the "bouncier" your curl.

If your iron is too small for the length of your hair you will end up desperately trying to wrap your hair around it but only parts of your hair will get heat.
If its too big you wont achieve the curl you want but just get a wavy effect.

This is a good time to ask a pro for help :)
Ask your hairdresser or go to a hair shop where the sales people are trained hairdressers.
If you are unsure: Get cheap rollers in different sizes at the drugstore and try which size gives you the best effect. Then take those rollers as an orientation to choose the size iron you need.

Step 3: Get other helpful things

+ A decent amount of little silver clips

+ Three big clips

+ Hairspray (firm hold)

+ Volume Spray / Curling Spray /Setting lotion

+ A tail comb (again, dont get the cheapest one out there, it will tear your hear and scratch your scalp)

+ Cotton gloves (this is not a must but if you are worried you will burn yourself using an iron cotton gloves will provide a certain protection)

+ Possibly a friend to help :D


Step 4: Preparing the hair

Section the hair with the help of your tail comb.
First make a parting from ear to ear and another one on top- in the middle or on the side depending on how you want to wear it.
Clip away the front section to start on the back this will be more difficult to reach so do that part first. Use either two mirrors or have someone help you.
Section off a row at the bottom of your head about 1 inch thickness and pin the rest of the hair up.Spray enough of the curling lotion on your hair and comb through to distribute the product evenly. Divide the row into pieces of approx 1 inch length.
Open the iron and close it at the root as closely as possible to the scalp. Position the hair at the tip of the iron. Slowly pull it down until you reach the end of the strand. This will ensure that the whole strand of hair gets heat.
Don't leave the iron at the roots too long to avoid denting it.

Pull the iron down far enough to enclose the tips and "wrap" the hair around toward the other end of the iron by twisting the handle. Leave it for at least 20 seconds as close to the scalp as possible..the hair needs to get enough heat and all product has to dry. If you see "smoke" rising don't worry- it's not your hair burning but the moisture of the product evaporating.

Open the curler slightly and let the hair drop in the palm of your hand- careful its pretty hot..thats where the gloves come in handy!
Put the iron aside and secure the curl using one of the little silver clips. When you are done curling the whole hair spray some hairspray on the curls and let them cool completely. You can carefully loosen the top of the hair with the tail comb to make the sectioning less noticeable.


To make the curls last longer:

+ Don't wash your hair on the same day you want to curl it and don't use conditioner because it will make your hair too soft.

+ The main thing to avoid is running your fingers through your hair,tucking it behind your ear, leaning against a seat, pulling clothes over your hair etc

+ Use enough product. The healthier and thicker your hair is the more product you will need to use.

+ If you want to separate the curls carefully pull apart the strands using your fingers or the back of a tail comb- don't run your fingers through your hair or use a brush.

+ Try using a different product if the curls dont develop enough hold. For treated hair a curling product will probably be enough (check packaging to see how much hold it will give you).
I find the cheapest and most effective product to use is setting lotion (the stuff our grandmas used). You dilute it with water or apply it to wet hair depending on the instructions. When using that you might want to apply the lotion first and then blow dry it a little because the iron will not take away enough moisture.

+ Sometimes when using a lot of product for firm hold it can take away the shine of your hair. If your hair looks dull you have probably used too much product- vary the textures of the products and e.g. get a hairspray that will add shine.

DISCLAIMER: I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACCIDENTS! THESE CURLING IRONS GET VERY HOT!
I HAVE YET TO BURN A MODELS FACE BUT I HAVE SEEN THE SCARS!
MAKE SURE YOU UNPLUG THEM AFTER USE! MAKE SURE YOU NEVER PUT THEM NEAR PLASTIC BAGS, LAY THEM ON HEAT SENSITIVE SURFACES, NEVER LEAVE A CURLING IRON ON UNATTENDED, MAKE SURE THE HEATED PART NEVER TOUCHES THE CHORD...ETC