How to Curl Your Hair Using a Flat Iron: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do your bathroom or suitcase just have space for one style tool? Any hair type can benefit from the versatility of a flat iron, which can be used to straighten, curl, and even wave hair. Whether you have tight coils, defined curls, or loose waves, this multipurpose tool may help you achieve a range of styles. Indeed, a lot of hairstylists think that a flat iron may produce curls and waves that are just as thick as those produced with a conventional curling iron. No matter your curly hair type, here's a step-by-step instruction to curling it with just a flat iron, albeit it may take some practice to get the hang of it.
RELATED: How to Identify Your Curl Type Easily
How to Curl Your Hair With a Flat Iron
We’ve gathered two expert-approved methods for using a flat iron to create beautiful texture, volume, and curls with just one tool.
Method 1: Using a Flat Iron to Curl Your Hair
Step 1: Prepare for Heat Styling
Protecting your hair from heat damage should be your first priority. For long-lasting effects, apply a heat protectant spray to establish a barrier against high temperatures. Additionally, a quality product will give your hair a flexible hold without making it crunchy or stiff.
Step 2: Divide the hair
Split your hair into even parts for consistent curls. Work your way up, starting below the ears. To keep your hair safe, make sure to apply heat protectant to each region before styling.
Step 3: Tip to Flat Iron Root
Place the flat iron at the root of a 1-inch segment of hair. Rotate your wrist to push the curl away from your face as you run it through your hair. After removing the hair from the flat iron, mold the curl into the appropriate shape with your fingertips.
Step 4: Completions
Before using any styling products, let the curls cool fully. Apply a small amount of hairspray to a mixed-bristle brush and rub it through your curls for a soft, frizz-free style. Applying a nourishing hair oil to the ends will give them a smooth, glossy finish and provide hydration and shine.
Method 2: Curling Hair with a Flat Iron
Step 1: Get Ready
Use a heat protectant on your hair before styling to prevent heat damage. For even coverage, apply it directly to wet hair and comb it through from root to tip. This will shield your hair from style tool damage and guarantee that it remains detangled and silky.
Step 2: Sections of Flat Iron
Before you begin, make sure your hair is totally dry. Separate your hair into four sections: the back, two sides, and the top. You'll be able to regulate the volume and curl you desire and go through each part more quickly as a result.
Take a 1-inch piece of hair, spin it 360 degrees away from the face, and clamp the flat iron down about an inch from the roots. To get to the ends of the hair, slowly drag the flat iron down. As you progress through each phase, switch up the direction of your curls for more volume.
To keep your hair from getting dents, use a flat iron with a rounded, smooth edge. For improved hair protection and uniform heat distribution, choose a ceramic-plated flat iron.
Step 3: Secure Hair
Twist the hair after curling a piece, then let the curl to cool in situ to solidify it. For long-lasting curls, cooling is just as crucial as heat. After cooling, brush your fingers through the curls to loosen the shape and create a natural appearance.
Step 4: Completions
To add hold and volume, finish the look with hairspray or a texture spray. A texture spray will add body and give your hair a natural, disheveled look, while hairspray can help your curls last for days.
RELATED: How to Identify Your Hair Type and Why It Matters
Don't worry if your curls don't appear flawless at first; it may take a few attempts to get the hang of it. Creating body, waves, and movement—not stiff curls—is the aim.