How To Create Loose, Natural Curls With A Curling Iron?

If you’ve always admired those effortlessly beautiful, loose curls that seem to cascade effortlessly down over the shoulder, you’re in luck! Creating those natural-looking curls with a curling iron may seem intimidating at first, but with the right technique, it can be easier than you think. In this article, we will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to achieve those stunning loose curls using a curling iron. Get ready to transform your hair into a cascading masterpiece!

Choosing the Right Curling Iron

Consider the barrel size

When it comes to choosing the right curling iron for loose, natural curls, one of the first things you should consider is the barrel size. The size of the barrel determines the size of the curls you’ll be able to achieve. For loose, natural curls, you’ll want to opt for a curling iron with a larger barrel size, typically around 1.5 inches or larger. This larger barrel size will create soft, bouncy curls that give your hair a natural and effortless look.

Opt for a curling iron with adjustable heat settings

Another important factor to consider when choosing a curling iron is the heat settings. It’s essential to choose a curling iron that offers adjustable heat settings, as different hair types require different levels of heat. If you have fine or damaged hair, you’ll want to use lower heat settings to prevent further damage. On the other hand, if you have thick or coarse hair, you may need higher heat settings to effectively curl your hair. Adjustable heat settings give you more control over the curling process and allow you to customize the heat to match your hair type and needs.

Select a curling iron with a clip or without a clip

Curling irons come with either a clip or without a clip, and each option has its benefits. If you’re new to curling your hair or prefer more defined curls, a curling iron with a clip may be the best choice for you. The clip holds the hair in place as you wrap it around the barrel, ensuring that each section of hair gets evenly heated and curled. On the other hand, if you prefer a more relaxed and natural look, a curling iron without a clip may be a better option. Without the clip, you have more freedom to wrap and twist your hair around the barrel, creating looser, more natural-looking curls.

Look for a curling iron with a tourmaline or ceramic coating

To protect your hair from excessive heat damage and create smooth and shiny curls, look for a curling iron with a tourmaline or ceramic coating. These materials help to distribute heat evenly and reduce frizz, resulting in healthy-looking curls. The tourmaline or ceramic coating also prevents hot spots on the barrel, ensuring that your curls are consistent from root to tip. Additionally, these coatings help to seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and reducing the risk of heat damage. Choosing a curling iron with a tourmaline or ceramic coating is a great way to achieve beautiful, natural-looking curls while prioritizing the health of your hair.

Preparing Your Hair

Ensure your hair is clean and dry

Before you start curling your hair, it’s important to ensure that your hair is clean and dry. Curling wet or damp hair can lead to uneven results and may cause damage to your hair. Make sure to wash and thoroughly dry your hair before using the curling iron. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a blow dryer on a low heat setting or allow your hair to air dry naturally.

Apply a heat protectant spray

To protect your hair from the heat of the curling iron, it’s essential to apply a heat protectant spray. This product forms a protective barrier between your hair and the heated barrel, minimizing damage and keeping your hair healthy. Simply spray the heat protectant evenly throughout your hair, paying extra attention to the ends and any areas that are prone to dryness or damage. Allow the spray to dry before moving on to the next step.

Divide your hair into sections

To achieve the best results and ensure that every section of your hair gets curled, it’s important to divide your hair into manageable sections. Use hair clips or hair ties to separate your hair into smaller sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up. This will make the curling process easier and more efficient, as you’ll be able to focus on one section at a time, ensuring that all of your hair gets properly curled.

Comb through your hair to remove any tangles

Before you begin curling, it’s essential to comb through your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Using a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush, gently brush through each section of hair to ensure that it’s smooth and tangle-free. This step is important as it helps the curling iron glide through your hair smoothly, preventing any snagging or pulling that could cause damage. Take your time with this step to ensure that your hair is completely detangled and ready for curling.

Setting Up Your Curling Iron

Plug in and turn on the curling iron

To start setting up your curling iron, plug it into a power outlet and turn it on. Most curling irons have a power switch or button that you can easily locate. Once you’ve turned on the curling iron, it will start heating up, so make sure to place it in a safe and stable location where it won’t accidentally touch any surfaces or objects.

Adjust the heat setting according to your hair type

After turning on the curling iron, it’s time to adjust the heat setting according to your hair type. As mentioned earlier, different hair types require different levels of heat to achieve the desired curls. If you have fine or damaged hair, it’s best to start with a lower heat setting to minimize the risk of heat damage. For thicker or coarser hair, you may need to use a higher heat setting to effectively curl your hair. Consult the curling iron’s manual or follow the general guidelines provided to select the appropriate heat setting for your hair type.

Allow the curling iron to heat up

Once you’ve set the desired heat setting, allow the curling iron to heat up fully before you start curling your hair. This may take a few minutes, but it’s important not to rush this step. Waiting for the curling iron to reach the desired temperature ensures that the curls will hold in place and prevents any premature loosening or flattening of the curls.

Test the temperature on a small strand of hair

Before you start curling your entire head of hair, it’s a good idea to test the temperature of the curling iron on a small strand of hair. This will help you gauge whether the heat is too high or too low for your hair, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments. Take a small section of hair from an inconspicuous area, such as underneath your hair, and wrap it around the curling iron for a few seconds. If the curl seems too loose or doesn’t hold well, you may need to increase the heat. Conversely, if the curl looks frizzy or damaged, you may need to decrease the heat. Once you’re satisfied with the test curl, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Techniques for Loose, Natural Curls

The Wrap Technique

The Wrap Technique is one of the most common and versatile techniques for creating loose, natural curls. To use this technique, take a section of hair and wrap it around the curling iron away from your face. Start by holding the curling iron vertically with the barrel facing downward and pointing to the ground. Take a small section of hair from the middle of your head and wrap it around the barrel, making sure to leave the ends out for a more relaxed look. Hold the hair in place for a few seconds, then release it to reveal a beautiful, loose curl. Repeat this process on all sections of hair until your entire head is curled.

The Twirl Technique

The Twirl Technique is another popular method for achieving loose, natural curls. To use this technique, take a section of hair and twirl it around the curling iron, leaving the ends out. Start by holding the curling iron horizontally with the barrel facing upwards. Take a small section of hair and place it in between the barrel and clip (if your curling iron has a clip). Begin twirling the curling iron away from your face, wrapping the section of hair around the barrel as you go. Hold the hair in place for a few seconds, then release it to reveal a beautiful, effortless curl. Repeat this process on all sections of hair until your entire head is curled.

The Twist and Pull Technique

The Twist and Pull Technique is a great option for achieving loose, natural curls with added texture. To use this technique, take a section of hair and twist it tightly before wrapping it around the curling iron. Start by holding the curling iron vertically with the barrel facing downward. Take a small section of hair and twist it tightly from the root to the ends. Once the section of hair is twisted, wrap it around the barrel, making sure to hold the twisted section in place. Hold the hair in place for a few seconds, then release it to reveal a beautifully textured curl. Repeat this process on all sections of hair until your entire head is curled.

The Clamp and Slide Technique

The Clamp and Slide Technique is a simple yet effective method for achieving loose, natural curls. To use this technique, take a section of hair and clamp it between the barrel and clip (if your curling iron has a clip). Start by holding the curling iron horizontally with the barrel facing upwards and the clip open. Place the section of hair in between the barrel and clip, close the clip, and slide the curling iron down the hair shaft. Hold the hair in place for a few seconds, then release it to reveal a loose, cascading curl. Repeat this process on all sections of hair until your entire head is curled.

Creating a Loose, Natural Look

Avoid curling the ends of your hair

To achieve a loose, natural look, it’s important to avoid curling the ends of your hair. Instead, leave a few inches of your hair out of the curling iron to create a more relaxed and effortless look. By leaving the ends straight, you’ll achieve that signature loose curl that gives your hair a natural and carefree appearance.

Leave a few inches of your hair out of the curling iron

In addition to not curling the ends of your hair, make sure to leave a few inches of your hair out of the curling iron throughout the curling process. This technique adds to the overall natural and relaxed look of the curls. By leaving the top section of your hair untouched by the curling iron, you’ll create a subtle contrast between your natural hair texture and the loose curls, resulting in a more textured and effortless hairstyle.

Alternate curling towards and away from your face

To achieve a more natural look, try alternating the direction of your curls. Curl some sections towards your face and others away from your face. This technique adds dimension and movement to your hair, creating a more relaxed and lived-in look. By alternating the curl direction, you can achieve a more organic and natural-looking hairstyle that mimics the way your hair naturally falls.

Gently tousle the curls with your fingers for a more relaxed look

After curling your hair, use your fingers to gently tousle the curls for a more relaxed and effortless look. This step helps to break up the curls and adds texture to your hair. Gently run your fingers through the curls, loosening them slightly and creating a more natural appearance. Be careful not to overdo it and lose the shape of the curls – the goal is to enhance the natural look, not create a completely undone hairstyle.

Setting and Finishing the Curls

Allow the curls to cool completely

Once you’ve finished curling your hair, it’s important to allow the curls to cool completely before touching or styling them further. Allowing the curls to cool sets the shape and helps them last longer. As tempting as it may be to run your fingers through your newly curled hair, resist the urge and give the curls some time to cool down. This will ensure that the curls hold their shape and stay intact throughout the day or evening.

Apply a flexible hold hairspray

To ensure that your loose, natural curls last all day, it’s helpful to apply a flexible hold hairspray. Look for a hairspray that provides a light hold without making your hair stiff or crunchy. Hold the hairspray about 10-12 inches away from your head and mist it evenly over your curls. This will help to set the curls in place without weighing them down or making them feel heavy. The flexible hold hairspray will also help to combat any frizz or flyaways and keep your curls looking polished and defined.

Separate the curls with your fingers for more volume

If you want to add more volume to your loose, natural curls, gently separate them using your fingers. Starting from the roots, carefully run your fingers through the curls, gently pulling them apart. This technique adds volume and creates a fuller look by separating the individual curls. Once you’ve separated all the curls, lightly shake your head to further enhance the volume and create a more effortless and natural appearance.

Finish with a shine serum for a polished look

To add a finishing touch to your loose, natural curls, apply a shine serum. This product helps to enhance the shine and luster of your hair, making it look healthy and polished. Take a small amount of shine serum and rub it between your palms. Gently smooth the serum over your curls, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid applying too much product, as it can weigh down the curls or make your hair look greasy. The shine serum will add a beautiful finish to your curls and give them a healthy, radiant glow.

Creating loose, natural curls with a curling iron is easier than you might think. By following the right techniques and using the appropriate curling iron, you can achieve a beautiful and effortlessly chic hairstyle. Remember to choose the right barrel size, opt for a curling iron with adjustable heat settings, select a curling iron with or without a clip depending on your desired look, and look for one with a tourmaline or ceramic coating to protect and enhance the health of your hair.

Before starting the curling process, make sure your hair is clean and dry. Apply a heat protectant spray to safeguard your hair from heat damage. Divide your hair into sections to ensure even curls and comb through to remove any tangles.

Setting up your curling iron involves plugging it in, selecting the appropriate heat setting for your hair type, allowing it to heat up fully, and testing the temperature on a small strand of hair. Once you’re ready to begin, there are several techniques to choose from for creating loose, natural curls. Experiment with the Wrap Technique, Twirl Technique, Twist and Pull Technique, and Clamp and Slide Technique to find the one that works best for you.

To enhance the loose, natural look, avoid curling the ends of your hair and leave a few inches out of the curling iron. Alternate curling towards and away from your face for added dimension. After curling, gently tousle the curls with your fingers to create a more relaxed look.

Setting and finishing the curls involves allowing them to cool completely, applying a flexible hold hairspray to set them in place, separating the curls with your fingers for more volume, and finishing with a shine serum for a polished look.

By following these steps and techniques, you can easily create loose, natural curls with a curling iron. Whether you’re getting ready for a special occasion or simply want to change up your everyday hairstyle, loose curls are always a great choice for a relaxed and effortlessly chic look. Have fun experimenting with different techniques and finding the style that makes you feel fabulous.