Have you ever found yourself with major curl envy? Whether it’s an influencer online or a gorgeous girl you spot in person, you’ve likely at one point found yourself wondering how they got such perfect, effortless waves. You may be surprised to learn that in a lot of instances, it’s straighteners at work.
Not just for sleek, smooth hair, they’re one of the easiest and most effective tools for creating curls, too!Â
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to curl your hair with straighteners, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll show you how to master the technique. With the right technique and a little practice, you can achieve anything from soft movement to bouncy, defined curls. Plus, we’ll offer top tips on how to protect your hair and keep your curls looking great all day.
To start, it’s important to choose the right hair straighteners. At Stonehills Hair, we stock top-rated tools that make curling with straighteners easier, like those from GHD. These tools are designed to give you even heat distribution and consistent styling results, which is key to creating beautiful curls.
Stylist Recommendation: Make sure your straighteners have ceramic plates for smooth styling, and choose models with variable heat settings to avoid heat damage.Â
Once you have your straighteners ready, follow these simple steps to create curls:
Start with freshly washed, clean, dry hair for the best results. Curls tend to hold better when your hair is free from product build-up, oils, or residue that can weigh it down. If you’re short on time and styling after a wash, make sure your hair is completely dry, straighteners should never be used on wet hair, as this can cause severe heat damage, weaken the strands, and leave your hair looking dull and brittle.
If your hair is slightly damp, gently towel dry it first, then finish off with a hair dryer on a low heat setting until it’s bone dry. Never skip this step, especially if you’re aiming for a long-lasting curl or wave. If you’re looking for a heatless curling method you can use on damp hair, then read our guide on how to curl hair without heat.
Before using any heat tool, it’s essential to apply a heat protectant spray evenly from root to tip. This acts as a barrier between your hair and the extreme heat of the plates, helping to prevent damage while locking in moisture and boosting shine. We recommend exploring our full heat protection range to find salon-quality sprays that suit your hair type and styling routine.
Stylist Tip: Comb through your hair after applying heat protectant to distribute it evenly and remove tangles. This ensures smoother results and reduces frizz while styling.
Before you begin curling, take the time to section your hair properly. This step makes a huge difference to how evenly your curls form and how long they last. Use sectioning clips to divide your hair into manageable parts, starting from the bottom layers and working your way up. This not only gives you more control but also ensures that every strand gets the same amount of heat and attention.
For best results, create smaller sections if you want tighter, more defined curls that hold their shape throughout the day. If you’re after a relaxed look with beachy waves or soft movement, go for larger sections, these will give your hair that effortless, undone texture that’s perfect for everyday styling.
Stylist Tip: Keep your sections consistent in size for balanced, symmetrical curls. Uneven sectioning is one of the most common causes of mismatched curl patterns.
Take one section of hair at a time and clamp the straighteners gently around the root. Ensure you’re using smooth, steady pressure without clamping too tightly, as this allows the straighteners to glide smoothly through without snagging or pulling on your strands.
Next, rotate the straighteners 180 degrees away from your face. This simple twist is what gives your hair its curl shape. Once rotated, gently pull the tool down the full length of your hair in one smooth motion, keeping consistent tension all the way to the ends. The combination of movement and heat reshapes the strand into a soft, polished curl.
Stylist Tip: Move at a steady pace — too fast won’t form a curl, too slow exposes your hair to unnecessary heat. Finding the right rhythm is key to soft, polished curls.
Once you’ve glided the straighteners to the end of the section, gently release the curl without tugging or flattening it. Let it fall naturally into shape, and resist the urge to run your fingers through it right away. Your hair is still warm from the heat tool, and disturbing the curl too soon can cause it to drop before it fully sets.
Cooling is critical; it’s what locks the curl into place and helps it hold for longer. If you want extra definition or you’re styling for an event, you can gently roll the fresh curl up and pin it against your head using a clip while it cools. This method encourages even tighter, more structured curls.
Stylist Tip: Let curls cool fully before brushing or styling. For even longer-lasting results, finish with a light mist of hairspray to set the shape. Â For longer-lasting curls, use a bit of hairspray to set the curl in place.
When it comes to styling, heat protection is essential. Straighteners can reach high temperatures, which can cause heat damage if not used properly. Using a heat protectant spray before styling helps preserve your hair’s natural moisture and keep it shiny and healthy.
At Stonehills Hair, we recommend the ghd heat protect spray or the R+Co Chainmail Thermal Protection Styling Spray, both are formulated to shield your strands from extreme heat without weighing your hair down. Browse our full range of heat protection products for maximum protection during every styling session.
Not all hair straighteners are created equal, especially when it comes to creating curls. Some are designed specifically for styling with wide plates, while others offer narrow plates for more defined curls.
When choosing your best curling wand or hair straightener, consider these factors:
Ready to level up your curl game? Whether you’re looking to master how to curl your hair with straighteners or prefer the control and variety of traditional curling wands, you’ll find trusted, stylist-approved tools in our styling collection.
Shop hair straighteners and curling tongs in our extensive range of hair styling tools. Each product in our range is selected for performance, quality, and protection, helping you style smarter while keeping your hair healthy, glossy, and frizz-free.
Get in touch with our expert team in Welwyn Garden City for luxury, in-salon hair services.
