Prep Your Hair
Before you begin, you want to start with a clean slate. That means cleansed, moisturized, and thoroughly dry hair. Add any treatments you prefer depending on your hair type: if you have very fine hair, you’ll want to prep with a volumizing and texturing formula; if you have thick, dry hair, you’ll want to prep with nourishing and anti-frizz products. And, for whatever type of hair you have, always use a heat protectant before you bring a curling iron anywhere near your gorgeous strands.
Pick Your Hair Curler
For loose curls, you’ll want a curling iron with a barrel between 1 and 1.5 inches, depending on how big and loose you want your curls to be. Set it to the lowest setting that your hair responds to.
Section Your Strands of Hair
Next, comb your hair into sections. If you have fine or thin hair, section your hair into top and bottom. If you have thick hair, give yourself three sections: top, middle, and bottom. Either way, start curling at the bottom layer and move your way up.
Get to Curling Your Hair
Take a 1-inch section of hair and wrap it around your curling iron. Wait 5 to 10 seconds—the shortest time it takes your hair to take a curl—and then gently release the hair from the iron. Hold it in your hand for a second or two before it cools, and then let it fall. Repeat until all sections of your hair have a curl.
Tip: The more damaged your hair is, the less time it will take to hold a curl. The bottom layer, which often has less damage, may take longer to curl than the top.
Set Your Hairstyle
Once your curls have cooled, use a setting product to help them maintain their shape. What product you use will depend on your hair type and thickness: if you have fine strands, a lightweight holding spray may do the trick, and if you have thicker strands, you’ll need something with more hold, like a gel or mousse. Once your holding product is in, gently run your fingers through your curls to break them up and give them that effortlessly easy style.
Protect Your Loose Curls
Now that you’ve got your curls, treat them gently to help them last. Sleep with your hair in a loose bun or braid to help prevent snagging and frizzing and revive them with a dry shampoo or volumizing spray in the morning if needed. That’s all there is to it!
Want to know more about what makes your hair, your hair? Learn more about the science behind the strands at our Tips & Tricks.
About HairCode, backed by decades of hair care research and industry-leading cosmetic scientists
We're obsessed with hair and the science behind what makes it look and feel amazing. Our dedicated team leverages years of extensive haircare research and product development led by pioneering cosmetic scientists, PhDs in Biology and Chemistry, along with esteemed professional hair stylists from around the globe. Our goal is to be the most accurate and easy-to-use platform for you to learn about your hair. Our HairCode Quiz is built to harness a wealth of haircare research to give you a straightforward and science-backed haircare regimen recommendation based on questions that matter. We know that hair can be complicated. That's why we break it down for you piece by piece with your unique HairCode. So, let's get to the root of it... Because we are here to support you on a journey of self-discovery and love for your hair.
