Q&A for How to Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron

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  • Question
    Is there a difference between a straightener and a flat iron?
    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
    Nope, there is not a difference. They are two terms for the same thing and work the same way.
  • Question
    How do you curl your hair with a wand?
    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
    Separate out a small section (about the same size as the wand). Wrap your hair from roots to ends, hold for a few seconds, and release.
  • Question
    How do you curl your hair with a pencil?
    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
    You can wrap damp strands around the pencil in a spiral and allow them to dry. This creates a very tight curl. Make sure use a pencil with a rounded stem for a smooth curl.
  • Question
    How do you straighten your hair with a curling iron?
    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
    You can only straighten your hair with a very large curling iron. If your hair is naturally curly, you may have to blow it out first, then refine with the iron.
  • Question
    How do you do straw curls?
    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
    You can wrap damp hair around straws to create tight coils. Wind small sections from roots to ends in a spiral, allow your hair to dry, then remove the straws.
  • Question
    How can I make sure I don't burn my hair?
    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
    Make sure to use a high quality straightening iron that is set on a temperature appropriate to your hair, and always protect strands with thermal protectant before styling. Use heat stylers no more than twice a week, and less often if hair is damaged or dry.
  • Question
    How do you curl your hair with a flat iron on the right side?
    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
    The best way to get an even curl on both sides of your head is to hold the iron vertically and, with the clamp open, wrap strands around it from roots to ends. Then clamp the hair and hold for a few seconds before releasing. Wrap hair away from your face, or counterclockwise on the right.
  • Question
    Do you have to use heat protection spray?
    Community Answer
    You do not have to. However, it is highly recommended that you do so, in order to protect your hair from as much heat damage as possible. Not using it will leave your hair vulnerable and exposed to heat damage.
  • Question
    I have really thick hair, and this will not work. What do I do.
    Community Answer
    Separate your hair into thinner and smaller sections. Although this will take a longer amount of time, it will definitely help. You can also try using mouse or hair spray to hold the curls.
  • Question
    How do I know how much heat I should use on my hair straightener?
    Community Answer
    Start at the lowest setting of heat, and straighten or or curl a strand of hair. If your hair doesn't hold the curl, or if it won't straighten, dial it up a notch. Repeat until you find the setting that makes your hair hold the style you want it to be in.
  • Question
    Why does my natural gray hair turn yellow when I use a flat iron, and can I prevent this from happening?
    Community Answer
    It is likely being burned by the iron. Make sure you use a good product that protects against heat before you use any kind of iron on your hair.
  • Question
    Can I curl hair that is naturally curly, but not enough for me?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. I'd recommend straightening it first, though, to make it easier to get the right texture for you.
  • Question
    How many parts should I break my hair into?
    Community Answer
    It all depends on how thick you want the curls, and how thick your hair is. If you have thick hair, you should break it into 5-6 sections. If you have medium hair, do 4-3. And if you have fine hair, do 3-2. Again, it all depends on your hair type and the style you're going for.
  • Question
    How long should I keep the straightener on my hair?
    Community Answer
    It is recommended to keep it on for 10-15 seconds, but if you have weaker hair (or finer) then you should keep it on for about 5-8 seconds.
  • Question
    What if you have fine hair and it won't stay in the same place when you're curling it?
    Community Answer
    Try teasing your hair with a large comb before you curl it. This thickens your hair up a bit and helps it stay in place.
  • Question
    How do I curl the hair on the back of my head if I'm curling my hair myself?
    Community Answer
    Part your hair in two sides and bring each to the front to curl it.
  • Question
    How do you set the flat iron to a low setting?
    Community Answer
    Just press the arrow pointing down. If it doesn't go down anymore, that means it is at its lowest setting.
  • Question
    How long will the curls stay?
    Community Answer
    Depends on the natural texture of your hair, humidity levels, and the amount of product you put in it. Pin-straight hair without much product added to the finished curls won't hold the curls longer than a few hours.
  • Question
    Is there an another way to curl my hair without the spray?
    Community Answer
    You can always curl your hair without it, but the spray is to protect and hold the shape of the curl.
  • Question
    How do I stop my hair from being frizzy?
    Community Answer
    You could try anti-frizz shampoo and conditioner, which can be quite expensive, or you could use anti-frizz spray.
  • Question
    With this work if I have African hair?
    Community Answer
    It will if your hair has already been straightened.
  • Question
    How long does the straightening process take?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how long and thick your hair is. If it is short and thin, you're looking at 5-15 minutes, but it can take over an hour with extremely long, thick, frizzy hair.
  • Question
    What happens if I don't use hairspray?
    Community Answer
    The curls won't keep their shape for as long.
  • Question
    I have really thick hair. Will I be able to curl my hair with a flat iron?
    Community Answer
    Yes, although you might be a bit sweaty and hot by the end of it. Make sure you have patience before starting. Separate your hair into A lot of sections, one by one. A section shouldn't be wider than half your finger.
  • Question
    How do I wrap my hair around when curling my hair?
    Community Answer
    The secret to this curl is keeping the hair wrapped flat against the curling iron barrel without twisting. To keep the hair flat against the curling iron, you’ll need to adjust your hands each time you go around the iron; otherwise, the hair will naturally want to twist around the barrel. If you have fine hair and desire more volume, this curl type is for you!
  • Question
    Why does my hair turn purple when I use the straightener on it?
    Community Answer
    Because it is damaging your hair. Consider using heat protecting spray to prevent the straightener from burning and damaging your hair.
  • Question
    Why does a flat paddle style iron not work?
    Community Answer
    Flat paddle irons are too flat to curl hair. They may generate loose waves, but not curls.
  • Question
    How do I straighten my hair when it's curly?
    Carolyn Barratt
    Community Answer
    Comb through your hair, place it in the handles of the straightener, and slide it down the hair.
  • Question
    How do I get my curls to hold?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you put hairspray in. It's also very helpful if you use conditioner to help with static.
  • Question
    How do I straighten my hair when it's curly and frizzy?
    Community Answer
    If it is frizzy, make sure to use conditioner and the right kind of shampoo for your hair.
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