Hair Curling 101: How Do I Do This?

So you’re tired of your limp, lifeless, straight hair and want to add a bit of volume and “oomph” to your ‘do. Not a problem! The easiest way to do this is to simply throw in some sexy curls that will add a whole lot more bounce and volume to your hair. If you haven’t curled your hair before, doing it successfully may be a bit of a challenge if you are all on your own. Fortunately we’re here to guide you through the process so you know exactly what to do to have the hair that you want.

Step 1: Dampen your Hair

You don’t want to start curling your hair on dry hair, but you don’t want your hair to be dripping wet either. If your hair is dry, then spritz it until it is only damp and not soaked through. The goal is for your hair to be just wet enough to ensure that every single strand has come in contact with the water.

Why wet your hair? Wetting your hair allows you to break the hydrogen bonds in your hair, so your hair will be more permeable when you add the curls. While your hair is moist, you can also add in a light gel or mouse.

TIP: Do not wet your hair if you are using a curling took that requires heat to give you a curl. A curling iron would be a good example of a tool you can use without having to dampen your hair.

Step 2: Choose your Method

There are several different ways in which you can curl your hair. Some of the most popular are:

Curling iron: This tool is great in that it will give you a curl quickly and with little to no pre-planning (unlike traditional curling methods). It can take a lot of time, however, and damage your hair.

Foam Rollers: These really are ideal as you can sleep in them overnight, and they won’t cause any damage to your hair. The downfall to foam rollers is that they can be difficult to put in, especially at the back of the head, so you may need help from a friend to put them in.

Braids: This is a quick and easy way to add some definition to your hair. All you have to do is braid your hair when you come out of the shower at night, and take out the braids in the morning.

Bobby Pins: These would be referred to as the classic “pin curls”. Bobby pins are great for creating those small and skinny defined curls that stay close to the head.

Hair Straightener: You can use a hair straightener to create some very loose, soft and sexy curls in your hair.

Fabric and/or Rags: This method is far more comfortable than wearing rollers overnight, and the end results will leave you looking as if you had pins in your hair. Fabric is better than both as it is far more comfortable, and it is very easy to sleep in.

Knots: If you are really itching to have some curl in your hair and just can’t seem to find a way, then tie your hair in knots!

Hair Sticks: Forget wrapping your hair around a roller; wrap it around a stick instead! This method ofhair curling is essentially the same as using a roller, only a stick is used and skinny curls are created rather than large, loose curls.