Written by Lainee Reed
If you are anything like me, you’ve been curling your own hair since your mom allowed you to pick up a curling iron. There is something about curls that makes us feel beautiful and ready to take on the world! But nothing breaks our spirits like curls that fall out minutes after completing. From technique to products, we’ve got a variety of solutions to ensure those hard earned and beautiful curls are here to stay.
1. Prep:
In order to get a good curl, you need to prep your hair first. We want to create a solid foundation for our hairstyles and it all starts with a heat protectant. Remember to blow-dry your hair completely, this will close the cuticle and help hold your curls, as well as avoid heat damage from using the iron on damp hair. We recommend using Redken Iron Shape 11 for heat protection, control and hold.
2. Direction:
Make your desired part before you start curling, as this will help determine which way you curl the hair. For a more natural look, you'll want to curl your hair away from your face. This means winding the hair down and around the wand of the curling iron in a clockwise direction on the right side of your face and a counter-clockwise direction on the left side.
3. Technique:
Most women clip their ends into the iron and then twist the iron in toward their head, which isn’t wrong, but will create more of a barrel curl rather than the more natural-looking wave you were probably going for. To achieve a natural curl, hold the iron so the barrel is facing down toward the floor, then wrap your hair around it starting from the roots and locking your ends in last. This will not only make your curls last longer, but it will also give you more volume at the base. You can also leave the ends out of the iron to complete the more natural look you are going for.
4. Size:
Did you know you can create all different types of curls with just one size of curling iron! Yes, it’s possible. Going with a 1” barrel size is considered a universal size. So don’ t get overwhelmed with purchasing every single iron and size – save your money.
5. Sectioning:
Sectioning is key to getting your curls to last and to achieve the look desired. If you are going for loose waves, take a larger section of hair and if you are going for tighter curls, go with smaller sections. Taking too much hair into one section, however, can prevent the hair from heating evenly and causing the curls to disappear. For a natural loose wave take about an inch wide section (WIDE not thick). This is where the confusion can happen. Think width, not thickness. Also, try mixing up the size of sections for a more relaxed and beach wave look.
6. Setting:
Always allow your hair to cool down for a couple of minutes so the curl has a chance to set. Touching or running your fingers through your curls immediately after curling it can cause unwanted frizz or make your curls fall. After you've allowed your hair to cool, you can help keep your style in place by spraying your curls with a finishing spray, we recommend using Redken Control Addict 28. To get a more natural, slightly messy curl, break up your finished curls with your fingers and spray with a sea salt spray such as Redken Fashion Waves 07 to add texture to your curls. Alternatively, you can brush them lightly for a smoother wave. This will also help you distribute product evenly throughout your strands.
If you have a look in mind but are unsure on the how to create it, you can always turn to your trusted hairstylist. Being the professionals they are and also knowing your hair type, they can show you different techniques and tips for achieving the looks you want!
Now, go get curling and be sure to post your beautiful curls on Instagram with #samvilla so we can see!!!
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You know that we want to see you recreate this look! Be sure to take pictures and tag your photos on Instagram using #samvilla for a chance to be featured.
