Whether you have straight locks that you want to add some bend and movement to, or curly locks that you just want to accentuate, curling your hair is something that we’ve probably all done at some point. It seems pretty simple – grab a straightener/curling iron, curl a small section of your hair, and you’re done, right? Not really… There are some potential pitfalls that can affect not only your final look, but also the health of your hair. If you’re looking to learn how to curl your hair safely and properly at home, you’ve come to the right place.
ContentHow to curl your hair at home: use a heat protectantMistake: you're curling your hair using too much heatHow to curl your hair at home: try different directionsMistake: you're holding the device on each section for too longHow to curl your hair at home: don't touch the endsMistake: you're using a curling iron every day
WomanEL shares hairdresser Rob Reyes' warnings about the most common mistakes when curling your hair and what to do instead to get gorgeous curls.
How to curl your hair at home: use a heat protectant
According to Reyes, this is the most important rule. While using a heat protectant is a must whenever you use any hot tool, it’s especially important with a curling iron, where the heat is applied directly to your hair (as opposed to, say, a blow dryer, which is more indirect).
“There are a lot of good heat protectants out there that will protect your hair from heat up to 230 degrees. Some even provide hold so your style will look better for longer,” he explains.
Mistake: You are curling your hair by using too high a temperature
There is really no need to heat the straightener/curling iron to its highest temperature. Many appliances suggest 230 degrees as the maximum, but Reyes says that's both excessive and too hot for most hair.
He advises starting at 150-175 degrees and gradually increasing the temperature if your hair is particularly thick or dense.
May your hair be healthy. This requires doing THIS to him before you go to bed.
How to curl your hair at home: Try different directions
Mixing up the direction of curling different sections—one section toward your face, one to the side—gives a much more natural look, says Reyes. However, if you're going for a more vintage look, you should curl all your curls in one direction (away from your face), he adds.
Error: You are holding the device on each section too long
There’s no need to hold the straightener/curler on each section for very long. Reyes says she usually holds them for about 10 seconds. The longer you hold them, the greater the risk of heat damage and dry, brittle curls. Especially if you make other mistakes like not using a heat protectant and/or turning the heat up too high.
- Fun fact: While heat helps shape curls, they harden as they cool. That’s why it’s much more important to let your curls cool completely after shaping them before you comb them with your fingers or a comb.
How to curl your hair at home: don't touch the ends
Instead of curling your entire length, Reyes recommends leaving about 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) of curl. This will not only create a more modern look, but it will also be good for the health of your hair. “The ends are the weakest and most vulnerable to damage. Therefore, by leaving them unattended, you will preserve their health for a long time,” he notes.
Mistake: Using a curling iron every day
If you have naturally curly hair, try using a curling iron only occasionally. “Give your hair a break. Wash your hair, air dry it, and use your hair’s natural texture to your advantage if possible. Then curl it with a straightener/curler on the second or third day, depending on your hair’s washing needs,” says Reyes.
“Using a curling iron and straightener every day is, unfortunately, a losing battle that leads to dry, dehydrated strands.”
You get a haircut at the salon, but you don’t like the results? Should you tell your stylist something? Yes, but express your dissatisfaction in a proper way.