Masterful Curling Techniques For Long Hair

There’s something magical about curls. Whether it’s soft, romantic waves cascading over your shoulders or bold, bouncy spirals stealing the show, curls are well and truly on-trend. Want an effortlessly chic look for brunch? Loose beachy waves are your best friend. Heading to a formal event? Dramatic spirals can take your style up a notch. Whatever the occasion, there’s a curling technique to match.

Not sure whether your hair is naturally straight, wavy, curly, or coily? Head to our Expert’s Guide: How to Find Out Your Hair Type, to find out.

Before reaching for your Curling Wand or straighteners, use our Temperature Calculator to discover the perfect styling temperature for your hair type.

HOW TO CURL LONG STRAIGHT HAIR (TYPE 1) 

Long, straight hair can be instantly volumised by curled styles, but it may struggle to hold its shape without the right prep and finishing touches. Try this method for curls that last:

1. Start with dry hair. Apply a heat protectant like Magical Quick Dry Potion and a texture spray or mousse to add grip and hold. 
2. Focusing on the lengths, use the Curling Wand to curl your hair section by section. Make sure you use the protective glove included in the box. If you want to create looser waves, use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro instead. It has curved ceramic plates – ideal for adding natural-looking waves.
3. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to encourage your curls to last the whole day or night.

HOW TO CURL LONG WAVY HAIR (TYPE 2) 

Long, wavy hair is the perfect blank canvas for a range of styles. Make your gorgeous long locks pop with one of these beautiful, curled looks:

Natural waves

Wearing your waves the way nature intended is the healthiest way to style them. 

1. To bring your waves to life, we recommend washing your hair with a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Our Magical Remedy is the perfect conditioning product to give your hair a hydration boost, as it can be used as a wash-out or leave-in conditioner as well as a hair mask. Make sure you pay close attention to the ends of your hair when applying. 
2. Gently brush a wave-enhancing product or texturising spray through your hair with the Wet Hairbrush. Add a spritz of Magical Quick Dry Potion for heat protection. 
3. Use the Airshot Pro hair dryer with the diffuser attachment and a low airflow setting and gently hover dry your hair to enhance your natural waves. 

Head to our guide on how to use a diffuser for more tips.

Styled curls

To achieve styled curls on naturally wavy hair, it’s best to blow-dry your hair straight first to create an even base for consistent results. 

1. Apply Magical Quick Dry Potion to your damp wavy hair for heat protection and faster drying.
2. Use the Airshot Pro hair dryer with the Precise Drying Nozzle and a round brush to blow-dry your hair straight, creating a base to work with. 
3. If you’re after big, uniform curls, reach for the Curling Wand. Using the protective glove supplied with the wand, wrap small sections of your hair around the ceramic barrel, hold for a few seconds, and release. For looser, more relaxed waves, use our 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro in a twisting motion.
4. Repeat for your whole head and spray with a lightweight hairspray for hold. 

For more tips on how to master curling with straighteners, head to our guide on how to curl with straighteners.

Rolled curls

Hair rollers are a classic, low-heat way to add volume-packed curls to wavy hair. 

1. While your hair is still damp, apply some Magical Quick Dry Potion for heat protection and extra nourishment.
2. Roll a small section of hair around a roller, and clip in place. Repeat for all sections.
3. Gently dry your hair with the Airshot hair dryer on a low-speed setting before releasing your beautiful curls.
4. Brush out your curls using the Luxury Dressing Brush and finish with a lightweight hairspray to keep them in place.

HOW TO CURL LONG CURLY HAIR (TYPE 3) 

Embrace the magic of your naturally curly hair, whether you’re enhancing your natural texture or crafting perfect spirals with a curling iron.

Natural curls

Long curly hair should be celebrated in all its glory. Here’s how to get the most from your naturally bouncy curls:

1. To define your curls, start by washing them with a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. Our Magical Remedy is a brilliant 3-in-1 conditioning product that can be used as a wash-out or leave-in conditioner, and hair mask – ideal for enhanced curl definition.
2. Apply your favourite curl-defining products and a few spritzes of Magical Quick Dry Potion for heat protection.
3. Switch your Airshot Pro to a medium heat and low air speed setting, and use the diffuser attachment to gently cup your curls, and gently push upwards to dry. For a looser curl, simply leave your curls to air dry after applying your curl product.
4. The Curling Wand can be used to ensure consistency amongst your natural curls. If you have a stray curl that’s not quite curling the way you want it, simply wrap it around the Curling Wand’s ceramic barrel for a neat, defined curl that blends in with your natural hair texture. Double-check the ideal heat for your hair by using the Temperature Calculator first, so you can be confident you’re caring for your hair health while styling.

Styled curls

For bigger, wider, blow-dry-style curls or a looser, wavier look, you have to go straight before you can go curly again. 

1. Start with damp hair and apply a heat protectant like Magical Quick Dry Potion to nourish and protect your hair during styling. Apply a curl-relaxing cream or straightening lotion if needed.
2. Using the Airshot Pro with its Precise-Drying Nozzle, blow-dry your hair straight section-by-section with a round brush for added control. 
3. Apply a little more Magical Quick Dry Potion before straightening. The CLOUD NINE 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro can be first used to straighten your hair, then again to add a curl or wave. If this is your tool of choice, take a look at our guide How to Curl Hair with Straighteners for more tips. For more defined, bouncy curls, use the Curling Wand on your straightened hair and finish with a light hairspray for a glossy finish.

HOW TO CURL LONG COILY HAIR (TYPE 4) 

Celebrate the bold beauty of your gorgeous coily hair, either by embracing your natural kinks, or styling them into big curls. 

Natural coils

Give your hair some TLC with moisturising products and use low or no heat to celebrate your hair’s naturally coily texture.

1. Use the LCO method to keep your coils moisturised. Start with a liquid conditioner (L), then apply a crème (C) followed by an oil (O) to lock in moisture. 
2. While your hair is still wet, gently detangle it using a wide tooth comb. 
3. Apply your favourite curl-defining products before using the Airshot Pro hair dryer with diffuser attachment on a low speed, low heat setting. Alternatively, allow it to dry naturally. 

Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Using a Hair Diffuser for more tips.

Styled curls

If you’re after a different kind of curl, your type 4 coils can be relaxed, straightened and curled using a Curling Wand. Here’s how:

1. For a heatless relaxing method, braid your hair when wet to stretch your curls. There are relaxing creams you can use but do check with your hairdresser first to make sure you’re choosing the right product for your hair type, texture and condition.
2. When dry or nearly dry, gently undo your braids. If it’s still damp, use the Airshot Pro on a medium flow, medium heat and a round brush to dry your hair straight section-by-section. 
3. For a smoother appearance, straighten your hair using the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro. Before switching on your straighteners, make sure you know which temperature is perfect for your type 4 hair by using our Temperature Calculator.
4. Once your hair is straight and smooth, use the Curling Wand to create big curls or stick to the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to create a wavier texture. 

Read our guide Unravelling Type 4C Hair for how to style and care for type 4 hair.

Whether you’re a curly girl or not, anyone can achieve the perfect curls using CLOUD NINE tools. 

We’d love to see your curls on our socials. Head to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.