How to Get Curly Hair: 7 Easy Methods That Actually Work

Can You Make Straight Hair Curly?

Understanding Your Hair’s Natural Texture

Are you a woman with straight or wavy hair who is interested in knowing how to get curly hair? In that case, you’ll be pleased to know that even very straight hair can be made curly.

However, your success in achieving curliness will depend on your natural hair texture, as well as the method you choose, and how much effort you’re happy to put in.

Hair generally falls into these three broad categories:

• Straight hair
• Wavy hair
• Curly hair

Straight hair tends to resist curl more than naturally wavy hair. So, if this is your hair texture, you may find that curls drop more quickly and require extra styling products for hold.

As for if you already have some natural wave, you’ll usually find it easier to achieve and maintain curly hair.

Whatever your hair texture may be, excellent results are still possible with the right technique. It’s important, though, to be realistic with your expectations.

Merely styling your hair can give you curls for a day or two. A perm allows for a longer-lasting, semi-permanent result, but it also requires more commitment and brings greater damage potential.

That leaves curly hair extensions as another solution. Such hair pieces give you curls instantly, without the need to commit to them for more than a few minutes.

So, as you can see, the question of how to make your hair curly is an important one. In this guide, we’ll explore those methods.

Choosing the Right Curling Method for You

There are three main routes to achieving curly hair:

• Heat styling using straighteners, curling irons, or wands. This approach is fast, but it does require care to avoid damage.
• Heatless techniques such as braids, curl ribbons, and rods. These methods are gentler on your hair and are great for overnight use.
• Curly hair extensions, which you can simply clip onto your natural hair for instant curl, volume, and depth. These hair pieces make an immediate switch-up in your look possible, with no styling time required.

The most suitable method for curling your hair will depend on such factors as your hair type, lifestyle, and how long you want your curls to last.

If, for example, you enjoy styling your hair regularly, you might appreciate the versatility of heat tools. Alternatively, you might be striving to avoid heat damage. In that case, heatless methods are probably the obvious place to look first.

As for when you want or need immediate results, clip-in hair extensions can help you pull off a curly look in minutes.

How to Curl Your Hair with Heat

Curling with Straighteners

When you’re pondering how to curl your hair, you might not immediately think of reaching for your straighteners. But these tools aren’t “just” for sleek styles; you can also use them to create beautiful curls.

Curling hair with straighteners can be as simple as following these steps:

1. Apply a heat protectant spray throughout your dry hair.
2. Divide your hair into manageable sections about 2cm to 3cm wide.
3. Clamp the straightener near the roots.
4. Twist the straightener 180 to 360 degrees away from your face.
5. Slowly glide it down the hair shaft.
6. Release the straightener and allow the curl to cool.

To create loose waves, use larger sections and less rotation. For tighter curls, use smaller sections and a more pronounced rotation, while holding longer.

We’ve provided a detailed walkthrough in our article on curling hair with straighteners.

Curling with a Curling Iron or Wand

As the name implies, curling irons and wands are designed specifically for creating curls and waves.

So, you might expect such tools to give you consistent results. You’d be right about that, too. But curling hair effectively with these devices does depend on using them correctly.

Here, then, is how to curl hair with a curling iron or wand.

1. Choose your barrel. Go for a larger size (32mm to 38mm) for loose, beachy curls. If it’s tighter curls you’re aiming for, opt for a small barrel (19mm to 25mm).
2. Apply heat protectant.
3. Section your hair.
4. Clamp a strand midway, before wrapping it around the barrel.
5. Hold for five to 15 seconds, depending on your hair thickness and texture (finer hair won’t need so much time, whereas thicker hair may benefit from a slightly longer hold).
6. Release the curl gently and give it time to cool before touching.

How to Make Heat-Styled Curls Last Longer

To keep your curls looking their best:

• Pin the curls up while they cool.
• Use a light-hold hairspray once cool.
• Avoid touching your curls until they’ve cooled completely.
• Prep your hair with mousse or texturising spray before you start curling.

These steps can make a noticeable difference to curl longevity.

How to Get Curly Hair Without Heat

Overnight Braids

In the world of heatless curls, overnight braids are a classic and easy option that continue to work well.

Here are the key steps of how to make your hair curly overnight:

1. Dampen your hair slightly, making sure it isn’t soaking wet.
2. Divide your hair into two or more sections.
3. Braid each section. If you want tighter curls, aim for tighter and smaller braids. Fewer and looser braids, meanwhile, lead to soft waves.
4. Sleep with the braids in place.
5. Unravel the braids in the morning.
6. Gently finger-comb or shake out for a soft and natural-looking finish.

For further inspiration, look at our guide to creating the perfect heatless overnight curls.

Heatless Curl Ribbons and Rods

There’s a good reason why heatless curl ribbons are a viral TikTok favourite; they’re an excellent way of creating bouncy curls without damage.

Here’s how to achieve curly hair using this method:

1. Start with damp hair.
2. Wrap sections of your hair around the ribbon or flexi-rod.
3. Tie or secure at the top.
4. Leave overnight.
5. Unwrap in the morning to reveal defined, springy curls.

Why not discover even more techniques in our guide to 12 easy ways to get heatless curls?

Sock Curls and Rag Curls

These may be “old-school” techniques, but they can still be counted on to deliver brilliantly vintage-style curls.

All that you have to do to create them is:

1. Cut old (but clean) socks or fabric into strips.
2. Wrap small sections of damp hair around them and secure.
3. Sleep on it.
4. Once released in the morning, you’ll be left with lovely, bouncy results.

Scrunching for Natural Waves

Does your hair already have some natural wave? In that case, scrunching could help further enhance it.

Here’s how to get curly hair using this technique:

1. Ensure your hair is damp.
2. Apply curl cream or mousse to it.
3. Scrunch upwards, cupping and squeezing towards your scalp.
4. Allow your hair to air dry or diffuse on a low setting.

This method can be a great addition to your curly hair routine, given the encouragement it gives to your natural texture.

The Shortcut: Curly Hair Extensions for Instant Curls

Why Curly Clip-In Extensions Are a Game-Changer

Getting instant curly hair with zero heat damage might sound like a “cheat code” or an unrealistic goal. However, it’s perfectly possible with curly hair extensions. These hair pieces give you volume and texture right now that you can also remove whenever you like.

With our 17 years of experience in hair extensions at Cliphair, we know a thing or two about achieving the perfect curl.

So, you might not be surprised that our own curly clip-in hair extensions are made from 100% Remy human hair that is AAA grade and single-drawn. This means our curly extensions can be washed, styled, and re-worn, in addition to blending naturally with your own hair.

All in all, our curly clip-ins are perfect for everyday wear. You might keep these hair pieces to one side, too, for those special occasions such as weddings, parties, and holidays, when you really can’t wait for head-turning curls.

Our halo hair extensions can also be curled, and can complement curly clip-ins.

How to Apply and Blend Curly Clip-Ins

Even beginners will find it quick and easy to apply our curly clip-ins and achieve a seamless blend with their natural hair.

Just follow these steps:

1. Section your hair.
2. Clip in the wefts close to the roots in the areas where you want volume and curl.
3. Release your natural hair over the top.
4. Blend gently using your fingers.

For an even more natural finish, curl your own hair slightly at the ends to blend seamlessly with the hair pieces.

Not sure you’ve got the hue right? Cliphair offers a free colour matching service to help you achieve the perfect shade match. Just send us a photo to get our verdict.

Caring For Your Curly Hair Extensions

Looking after your curly extensions will help maintain their shape and appearance.

So, make sure you follow these proven tips:

• Wash your extensions using sulphate-free shampoo.
• Allow your hair pieces to air dry where possible.
• Alternatively, use a diffuser on low heat if necessary.
• Store your extensions on a hanger or in a silk bag to preserve the curl pattern.

You’ll find everything you require in our hair care products collection.

How to Make Your Curls Last All Day

Prep Products That Make a Difference

The right products will lay the foundation for longer-lasting curls.

Before styling, make sure you apply texturising spray, mousse, or curl cream to damp hair. The use of heat protectant is also non-negotiable whenever you’re using hot tools.

Setting and Finishing Tips

Round off your curly hair routine with these touches, to ensure your curls last:

• Pin your curls in place while they cool.
• Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray, so that your style sets without crunchiness.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase or use a silk scrunchie to preserve the curls overnight.

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