Flat Iron Curling

Hair, curled with a flat iron
Photo: MsMaria/Shutterstock
Q: How the heck do you use a flat iron for curling hair? I can't seem to flip my wrist right and drag at the same time.
 
A: I understand your frustration. The technique sounds simple when someone explains it, but it can feel awkward the first few times you try it. When I first started curling my hair with a flat iron, I struggled with the wrist movement too. It takes a little practice before everything clicks.
 
The easiest way to think about it is to imagine curling a piece of gift ribbon with a pair of scissors. Clamp the flat iron over a 1-inch (2.5 cm) section of hair near the roots, then rotate the iron a full 180 degrees (half-turn) so the hair wraps around the outside of the casing. Hold that angle and slowly pull the iron downward toward the ends in one smooth, continuous glide. You do not need to keep cranking your wrist upside down as you drag. Holding that initial 180-degree rotation while gliding is what creates the curl.
 
Practice the motion first with the flat iron turned off and completely cool. Once the muscle memory feels natural, turn the heat on. Most people find that after a few practice sessions, the movement becomes almost automatic.
 
A flat iron can create everything from tight, springy ringlets to loose beach waves, depending on how tight your turn is and how fast you glide. However, it's most famous for producing soft, modern bends. It's especially flattering for layered hair, where you want the ends to flick outward into soft "points," or for sleek styles with inward-curving ends.
 
How to curl hair with a flat iron
 

Critical Tips

A few critical tips can make a big difference:
 
• Choose the right iron: Use a flat iron with beveled (rounded) edges and floating plates. Sharp, square-edged irons will snag the hair and leave harsh creases.
 
• Work with small sections: Keep sections about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and thin enough to see through. Smaller sections are easier to control and heat evenly.
 
• Glide at a steady pace: Moving too quickly won't give the hair enough time to take shape, while stopping completely can create unwanted creases or expose the hair to excessive heat. Keep the iron moving at all times.
 
• Alternate directions: Rotate the iron away from your face for the front sections to open up your features. For the rest of your hair, alternate turning inward and outward for a natural look.
 
• Let the curls cool: Resist the urge to touch or brush your curls right away! Let the hair cool completely so the hydrogen bonds set into place. Once cool, run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through to break them up.
 

Prep and Products

For the best results, start by applying a lightweight blow-dry lotion or volumizing mousse to towel-dried hair before drying. Make sure your hair is 100% bone-dry before applying heat tools. Using a flat iron on damp hair boils the moisture inside the hair shaft, causing severe damage.
 
Lightly mist each section with a heat protectant spray right before styling. Once you've finished styling and the hair has cooled, finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray or a texturizing spray for long-lasting hold without stiffness.
 

©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Flat iron styling
 
How can I create bouncy curls with a flat iron?
 
Thermal styling with curling irons