How To Curl And Wave Hair With Straighteners

Whether you call them straighteners or flat irons, they're not just for straightening hair. With our quick and easy hair curling hacks, we’ll explain how to curl with straighteners and master the art of creating full, voluminous curls or effortless waves.

Curling with straighteners can save time, especially on busy mornings or when you’re heading to an event after work. You don’t need to be a pro, either. Our guide is perfect for beginners – all you need is a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion, a hair brush, and straighteners. Try CLOUD NINE's versatile 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro, which can be used to easily switch between waves and curls, making it simpler than ever to get a curly or wavy look at home.

Before you start, head to our Temperature Calculator to help work out which heat setting is safest to use on your hair type.

TOP TIPS FOR CURLING AND WAVING WITH STRAIGHTENERS

Before you reach for the straighteners, keep these tips in mind:

• Prep with a heat protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray like our Magical Quick Dry Potion to shield your hair from heat. Our Magical Quick Dry Potion also contains natural ingredients to nourish your hair.
• Start with dry hair: For best results, make sure your hair is completely dry before using a straightener. Our Airshot Pro hair dryer is a great way to dry your hair ready for styling.
• Section your hair: To make styling easier, divide your hair into a few sections using clips. 
• Use the right temperature for your hair type: Fine or damaged hair may need a lower temperature, while thick or coarse hair can usually handle a bit more heat. Not sure what temperature setting to use? Head to our Temperature Calculator to find out the perfect temperature for your hair type. Choose a straightener with Variable Temperature Control like our 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to put you in charge of the heat you apply to your hair. 

HOW TO CREATE LOOSE ‘C’ WAVES WITH STRAIGHTENERS

This wavy look is great on mid-length or long hair. To achieve loose ‘C’ waves, try the ‘pull-and-twist’ method using the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro. You basically need to create one big wave for each section, adding overall texture to your hair. Here’s how:

1. Apply a heat protectant: Spritz your hair with our Magical Quick Dry Potion to provide protection and nourishment as you style.
2. Position the straightener: Take a section of hair, around 1 to 2 inches wide, and gently position the straightener at the top of the section, close to your scalp, then start gliding down slowly.
3. Twist as you move: As you glide the straightener down your hair, twist your wrist slightly to create a wave outwards. The motion should resemble a gentle ‘C’ shape. Keep this motion going right to the ends of your hair. 
4. Open the straighteners: Release your hair by opening the plates, then place them at the top of the next section and repeat. 
5. Repeat for the other sections: Continue waving your hair by creating ‘C’ shapes throughout.
6. Finish with hairspray: A lightweight hairspray is the perfect way to set your waves and help them last all day (or night). Apply a touch of Magical Remedy for extra shine.

HOW TO CREATE SMOOTH ‘S’ WAVES WITH STRAIGHTENERS

For a touch of Hollywood glamour, ‘S’ waves are the classic go-to hairstyle. This look requires a little more skill, but it’s easy with a bit of practice. Here’s what to do:

1. Start with a heat protectant: Apply a heat protector spray like our Magical Quick Dry Potion to help keep your hair safe from heat.
2. Begin with a small section: Take a small section of hair, no more than 1 or 2 inches wide. Place the straighteners at the top of the section, near the scalp, and gently glide the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro along its length.
3. Twist as you move: As you smooth the ceramic plates over the hair, gently twist the straighteners in your hands and outwards, in a ‘C’ motion. Immediately, while the straighteners are still moving, twist the tool back towards your head – in the opposite direction – to create an ‘S’ shape.
4. Alternate the waves: As soon as you’ve created your first ‘S’ shape, twist your straighteners back the other way to create a ‘C’ shape once more, then twist to create another ‘S’ chape and so on until you reach the end of that section.
5. Repeat for the other sections: Continue in this way until you have created ‘S’ waves throughout your hair.
6. Set with hairspray: A few spritzes of a lightweight hairspray will help set your waves in place. Smooth a little Magical Remedy through your hair to add an extra sheen.

HOW TO CREATE BOUNCY CURLS WITH STRAIGHTENERS

You can create gorgeous bouncy curls with straighteners using this simple twisting technique. You may want to use a protective glove for this style, as you will need to handle the straighteners a little more with your free hand. Here’s how to achieve a curly look:

1. Start with a heat protectant: As with all our other styles, spritz your hair with our Magical Quick Dry Potion before styling.
2. Section your hair: Use clips to divide your hair into sections. This will make it much easier to curl your hair.
3. Start with a small section: Close the straighteners around your hair where you want the curl to start. If you want the curl to start at the top of your hair, place your straighteners near your scalp. For a more relaxed, beachy look, place your straighteners part-way down your hair.
4. Glide and turn: Begin to gently glide the straighteners down the length of your hair - as if you’re straightening your hair. At the point you want your curl to start (possibly near the scalp, or mid-way down), pivot your straighteners 180 degrees (a half turn) away from your face, keeping the plates closed carefully around your hair.
5. Gently guide the straighteners along your hair: Keeping your straighteners twisted in the 180-degree position, gently move the straighteners down the length of the section, moving as smoothly as possible to avoid kinks or creases.
6. Repeat for each section: Repeat the process of gliding and twisting until you have curled each section.
7. Dress your curls: Using our Luxury Texture Comb, gently separate the curls to create a looser style. Finish with a mist of lightweight hairspray to keep your curls defined for longer.

HOW TO CREATE WAVES WITH STRAIGHTENERS ON SHORT HAIR

If you have short hair, such as a bob or pixie cut, you can still create gorgeous waves with a straightener. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a slim straightener: Our Slim Iron is perfect for adding textured waves to shorter hair. Its narrower 0.5-inch plates are still packed with expert haircare technology like Revive ModeTM which uses Axial VibrationTM technology to care for your hair during styling.
2. Section your hair: Using clips, separate your hair into sections to make it easier to style.
3. Glide and twist: Start with the straighteners near your scalp and glide them gently through your hair, twisting the straighteners to create a small ‘C’ shape, then twist in the opposite direction to create another ‘C’ shape (which makes the ‘S’ shape). Continue this pattern of twists all the way to the ends of your hair.
4. Repeat through all sections: Apply the same technique to the rest of your hair until you’ve completed your look.

Head to our guide to low-maintenance hairstyles for more styling ideas for all hair types.

CURLING HAIR WITH STRAIGHTENERS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does curling hair with straighteners cause more damage than using a curling wand?

As long as you use a heat protectant and the right temperature for your hair type, using a straightener is just as healthy as using a curling wand. Head to our Temperature Calculator to work out the perfect temperature for your hair type. If you’re thinking of taking your curling or waving to the next level, try our Curling Wand.

What type of straightener is best for curling and waving?

Straighteners with curved plates are best for curling and waving, like our 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro. For short hair, straighteners with slim 0.5-inch plates are a great option – try our Slim Iron. Larger ‘flat iron’ straighteners are best for straightening hair and creating waves in longer hair, but it’s best to stick to plates that are 1-inch thick or less if you want defined waves or curls.

What temperature should I use for curling or waving my hair with straighteners?

The ideal temperature of your styling tools depends on your hair type, and whether it’s been coloured or bleached. The best way to check which temperature is perfect for your hair is to use our Temperature Calculator. By answering a few easy questions, we’ll tell you which temperature to set your straighteners to for optimum styling. 

Whether you’re a hairstyling novice or salon-worthy pro, with just a few simple techniques, you can style your hair into soft, bouncy curls, or gorgeous glossy waves. Make sure you use a heat protectant before you style and always choose straighteners with Variable Temperature Control so you can dial down the heat and keep your perfect curls or waves as healthy and glossy as possible.

We’d love to see your waves or curls on our socials – head to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.