Q&A for How to Use a Curling Wand

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    My hair is still not curling even with this tutorial. Are there any other suggestions?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Try using smaller sections. The more hair you have on the wand, the harder it is for the heat to penetrate evenly. You can also try wrapping sections you've already curled into little pin curls and clipping them until completely cooled.
  • Question
    How do you curl your hair without heat?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Wet it down and wrap it around something: pencils, rollers, or bendable rods. You can also make pin curls using your fingers. Let the hair dry completely, then remove the set and you'll have curls.
  • Question
    How do you curl your hair away from your face?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Working with vertical sections, wrap the hair away from the face, clockwise on the right and counterclockwise on the left.
  • Question
    I'm having a hard time getting my hair to stay at the base of the wand. When I start to wrap, it just moves down to the smaller part. Any suggestions?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Try holding the wand up a little higher, preferably just above the section you are wrapping. Make sure you are using firm, even tension.
  • Question
    What should I put on my hair before curling it?
    Jenny Tran
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Jenny Tran is a Hair Stylist and the Founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran based in the Dallas, Texas metro area. With over seven years of professional hair styling experience, Jenny specializes in hair coloring, haircutting, and hair extensions. JT Hair Lab is an authorized carrier of R+Co and of Milbon and is committed to using products with quality ingredients.
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Spray a small amount of setting spray or styling spray all over your hair so that the curls hold all day.
  • Question
    Do you have any tips for someone with long and thick hair?
    Community Answer
    Try to tie your hair in a ponytail and take smaller sections, even though your hair is thick, this will allow more hair to be wrapped around your curler or wand, resulting in your hair being curled all the way, even if it's long.
  • Question
    Why should I use the curling wand for only two to five seconds for each section of hair? Will I damage my hair if I use the wand for 20 seconds per section?
    Community Answer
    Two to five seconds is the appropriate time to put it on there because if you hold it on there for a long time then it could eventually damage your hair. Or, in some cases even burn your hair off. Twenty seconds is too long.
  • Question
    What can I do if my hair is difficult to curl or does not hold curls well?
    Community Answer
    Try to work on unwashed, day-old hair, and skip the hair conditioner. You can also add a little bit of mousse, hair spray, or some other styling product into your hair before you use a curling wand. When you are done curling your hair, set your style with hairspray, an avoid touching your curls.
  • Question
    Can I use a normal glove, like a cotton pair worn in winter?
    Community Answer
    No. You want something that will insulate against heat and won't catch on fire if it touches the iron.
  • Question
    Should I straighten before curling?
    Community Answer
    Whatever works for you. For most people, there is no need to straighten before curling, and it would just be unnecessary extra heat damage. But if you find your hair too unmanageable to use the curling wand without straightening, go ahead.
  • Question
    I can never seem to get the back of my hair curled with my wand. Any suggestions?
    Community Answer
    Put half of your hair to one side, and the other half to the other. Then when you finish curling your hair, just put your hair back normally.
  • Question
    Why do I need gloves for curling hair?
    Community Answer
    You don't absolutely need a glove, but they are highly recommended for curling wands that do not have a clamp to secure the hair. You will need to keep your hair in place with your fingers. A glove will help protect your fingers and keep them from getting burnt. Some curling wands may already come with a special glove.
  • Question
    What kind of glove should I use with a curling wand?
    Community Answer
    Any good heat glove will do, but get one from a good brand.
  • Question
    What effects do the different heat settings have when curling my hair?
    Community Answer
    The hotter the wand is, the less time you should hold it in place. The heat is what makes the curl, and a higher heat setting will give you tighter curls.
  • Question
    What age can I use one?
    Community Answer
    Any age, but if you're younger, you might want to wait, or have an adult use it for you.
  • Question
    How long will it take to curl each section of my hair?
    Community Answer
    Using about a square inch of hair -- if you have short hair, hold it for about 4-6 seconds; for medium hair 5-7 seconds; and for long hair 10-12 seconds. Adjust these times according to your own needs.
  • Question
    How do I use a curling iron that has no heat modification setting?
    Community Answer
    Use the curling wand the same way you would use one with a modification setting. The temperature will be safe for your hair.
  • Question
    What do I do if my hair is thick and difficult to maintain?
    Community Answer
    Do several layers of curls. This will help you maintain it, and it will look like your hair has a lot more volume.
  • Question
    How do I use a curling wand with balls on it? Mine has ball-shaped things on it and I'm not sure how to use it.
    Community Answer
    You can either wrap your hair like you would on a regular wand or wrap your hair in-between the balls.
  • Question
    I have really long hair -- how long do I hold the wand on my hair for?
    Community Answer
    You would still hold for 2 to 5 seconds, just be sure to take a thin piece of hair each time.
  • Question
    How long does my hair need to be to use a curling wand?
    Community Answer
    About an 1 1/2 to actually form a curl; anything shorter would make a wave or not curl at all.
  • Question
    How can I get perfect ringlets with the wand?
    Community Answer
    Keep each section of your hair flat as you curl it. This will give you the desired look.
  • Question
    Why don't any of the wands have stands on them? Where am I going to place it? Will it damage all surfaces?
    Community Answer
    The stand on some is subtle/less obvious. Try using it on a flat surface, such as your sink.
  • Question
    How do you sleep so your curls do not come out?
    Community Answer
    I strongly suggest using a satin pillow case. It won't crush or pull the curls apart as badly. You may need to touch up the curls in the morning but it won't be a whole head redo.
  • Question
    Should my hair be straight before I do this, or can I have my natural curly hair?
    Community Answer
    Your hair should either be straightened or blow dried and brushed. Just make sure your hair isn't frizzy after blow drying.
  • Question
    What temperature should I set my wand to?
    Community Answer
    You can set it at any temperature depending on how you want your curl to look. Lower temps will give looser curls. If your hair is difficult to style, try a higher temp.
  • Question
    How do I prepare my hair before?
    Community Answer
    Brush through and start by sectioning at the base of the back of head. If you only want a few curls, put your hair in a pony tail and curl sections before taking the pony tail out. Alternatively leave pony tail in for a pretty updo.
  • Question
    How can I prevent my hair from getting really frizzy when I curl it?
    Community Answer
    There are anti-frizz serums that can help with frizzy hair after curling. Follow the instructions that are on the can or bottle for best results.
  • Question
    I am 11. Should I be curling my hair?
    Community Answer
    You can. Just be very careful not to burn yourself, and remember to unplug the iron when you're finished.
  • Question
    What can I do if the curls never hold after I use a curling wand?
    Community Answer
    When you take the hair off the wand, do not put it down, but let it settle in the palm of your hand and put hairspray on and then leave it.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article