Hair Care Tips How To Get Big Curls With A Curling Iron? By Marilyn Atkins Posted on July 30, 2023 0 Are you looking to achieve those beautiful big curls with your curling iron? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will walk you through step-by-step on how to get those gorgeous big curls that you’ve always wanted. Trust us, with a little practice and the right technique, you’ll be rocking those stunning curls in no time. So grab your curling iron and get ready to transform your hair into a fabulous masterpiece! Ready to learn more? In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about getting big curls with a curling iron. We will start by discussing the right tools and products to use, as well as the ideal curling iron size for achieving those big curls. Then, we will dive into the technique, showing you how to properly section and curl your hair to achieve maximum volume and bounce. Finally, we will share some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your curls last all day long. So, get ready to say goodbye to flat hair and hello to big, beautiful curls! Choosing the Right Curling Iron Consider the Barrel Size When it comes to getting big curls with a curling iron, the first thing you need to consider is the barrel size. The size of the barrel determines the size of the curls you will achieve. If you want larger curls, opt for a larger barrel size. A barrel size of 1 inch or bigger would be ideal for creating big, voluminous curls. Keep in mind that the smaller the barrel size, the tighter the curls will be. Choose the Right Material The material of the curling iron barrel is another important factor to consider. Different materials can produce different results. Ceramic barrels are known for their ability to distribute heat evenly and create smooth curls. Tourmaline barrels emit negative ions that help reduce frizz and create shiny curls. Titanium barrels heat up quickly and are great for thick, hard-to-curl hair. Choose a material that suits your hair type and desired curling results. Pick the Suitable Heat Setting The heat setting of your curling iron is crucial for achieving big curls. If your hair is fine or damaged, use a lower heat setting to prevent further damage. For thicker or coarse hair, a higher heat setting may be necessary to create lasting curls. It’s always best to start with a lower heat setting and gradually increase it if needed. Remember to always use heat protectant before curling your hair to minimize heat damage. Prepping Your Hair Wash and Condition Your Hair Before curling your hair, it’s important to start with clean, conditioned hair. Use a shampoo and conditioner that’s suitable for your hair type. Make sure to rinse out all the product thoroughly to avoid any residue that can weigh down your curls. Apply Heat Protectant Protecting your hair from heat damage is crucial when using a curling iron. Apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair before styling. This will create a barrier between your hair and the heat, minimizing any potential damage. Detangle Your Hair Detangling your hair before curling is essential to ensure smooth, even curls. Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for detangling to gently remove any knots or tangles. Starting with smooth, tangle-free hair will make the curling process much easier and yield better results. Preparing Your Curling Iron Plug in and Heat Up the Curling Iron After prepping your hair, it’s time to prepare your curling iron. Plug in your curling iron and allow it to heat up to the desired temperature. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating up your specific curling iron. It’s important to give the curling iron enough time to heat up properly so that it can effectively curl your hair. Select the Appropriate Barrel Once your curling iron is heated up, it’s time to select the appropriate barrel for the desired curls. If you want big, loose curls, opt for a larger barrel size. If you want tighter curls, choose a smaller barrel size. Pay attention to the shape of the barrel as well. A tapered barrel creates more natural-looking curls, while a straight barrel creates uniform curls. Wait for the Iron to Reach the Desired Temperature Before you start curling your hair, make sure the curling iron has reached the desired temperature. Most curling irons have an indicator light that lets you know when it’s ready. It’s important to wait for the iron to reach the proper temperature to ensure that your curls hold and last throughout the day. Sectioning Your Hair Divide Your Hair into Sections To make the curling process easier, divide your hair into sections. Start by parting your hair down the middle and then divide each side into two sections, creating a total of four sections. You can secure each section with clips or hair ties to keep them separate. Secure the Remaining Hair Once you’ve divided your hair into sections, secure the remaining hair out of the way. You can use clips or hair ties to secure the hair at the back of your head. This will prevent your hair from getting tangled while you curl the sections. Curling Techniques Basic Curling Technique The basic curling technique is suitable for achieving big, loose curls. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the curling iron barrel, starting from the mid-length of the hair. Hold the hair around the barrel for a few seconds, then release it. Repeat this process with the remaining sections of hair. Reverse Curling Technique The reverse curling technique is ideal for creating curls that fall away from the face. Instead of wrapping the hair around the barrel towards your face, wrap it away from your face. This technique helps create more volume and adds a flattering frame to your face. Combining Different Techniques You can also experiment with combining different curling techniques to achieve your desired look. For example, you can use the basic curling technique on some sections and the reverse curling technique on others. This will add dimension and texture to your curls, creating a more personalized and unique style. Curling Your Hair Start Curling from the Bottom When curling your hair, it’s best to start from the bottom sections and work your way up. This ensures that all of your hair gets evenly curled and avoids any sections being missed. Start with the lowest section at the nape of your neck and gradually work your way up, releasing and curling each section as you go. Wrap a Section of Hair Around the Barrel To curl a section of hair, take a small piece and wrap it around the curling iron barrel. Start wrapping from the mid-length of the hair and leave the ends out for a more natural look. Be careful not to wrap too much hair around the barrel, as this can cause the curls to drop and not hold their shape. Hold for Desired Time and Release the Curl Hold the hair around the barrel for a few seconds, depending on the thickness of your hair and the desired curl intensity. Thicker hair may require a longer hold time, while thinner hair may need less time. Release the curl gently and repeat the process with the remaining sections of hair. Creating Volume and Definition Tease the Roots for Added Volume If you want to add more volume to your curls, tease the roots of your hair. Take a section of hair at the crown of your head and backcomb it gently with a teasing brush or comb. This will create lift and volume at the roots, making your curls appear fuller and more voluminous. Use Texturizing Products To add texture and definition to your curls, use texturizing products such as dry shampoo or texturizing spray. These products can give your curls a more lived-in, messy look, which is perfect for achieving big, effortless curls. Separate and Define the Curls After curling your hair, separate the curls by gently running your fingers through them. This will create more separation and definition, making your curls look more natural and voluminous. You can also use a wide-tooth comb or a pick comb to achieve this effect. Finishing Touches Apply Hairspray for Hold To ensure that your curls last all day, apply a light mist of hairspray. Hold the hairspray can about 12 inches away from your head and spray evenly over your curls. Be careful not to use too much hairspray, as this can weigh down your curls and make them look stiff. Add Shine with a Serum For extra shine and to tame any frizz, apply a small amount of hair serum to the ends of your curls. This will give your curls a polished, shiny finish without weighing them down. Avoid applying the serum near the roots, as this can make your hair look greasy. Gently Brush or Finger Comb the Curls To achieve a more natural, romantic look, gently brush or finger comb through your curls. This will soften the curls and give them a more lived-in appearance. Be careful not to brush too vigorously, as this can cause the curls to lose their shape. Maintaining Your Curls Avoid Excessive Touching To keep your curls looking their best, avoid excessive touching throughout the day. The more you touch your curls, the more likely they are to lose their shape. Instead, try not to play with or run your fingers through your curls too often. Sleep with a Silk or Satin Hair Covering To maintain your curls overnight, consider sleeping with a silk or satin hair covering. These materials help reduce friction between your hair and the pillow, preventing your curls from getting flattened or frizzy while you sleep. Refresh Curls with Dry Shampoo or Curl Reviver If your curls start to lose their shape or look flat throughout the day, you can refresh them with some dry shampoo or curl reviver. Simply spray a small amount onto your roots and tousle your hair gently to liven up your curls. Conclusion Now that you know how to get big curls with a curling iron, it’s time to experiment and have fun with different styles and looks. Remember to choose the right barrel size, prep your hair properly, and use the correct curling techniques for the desired results. With practice and the right tools, you’ll be able to achieve beautiful, voluminous curls that will turn heads wherever you go. So, go ahead and unleash your inner curling diva!