Curling Iron Hairstyles: 26+ Hottest Styles for Stunning Curls
Transform your look into a voluminous masterpiece full of bounce with a curling iron. Discover styles from tight curls to large waves that highlight your personality.
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Small Spiral Curls
Small spiral curls exude a charm of playfulness and zest for life, like a joyful day at the amusement park! Imagine: your hair dances in a contest of little spirals, and you can easily create this look yourself! You'll need a curling iron with a narrow barrel to shape precise corkscrew curls. Remember to protect your hair with a heat protectant first to prevent damage. Once your hair is dry, wrap fine strands around the curling iron, hold them briefly, and then let them slowly release into beautiful spiral curls. Secure your masterpiece with a bit of hairspray to keep the bounce all day long. A little tip: keep the curls loose so they fall naturally and enchant with every movement!
Big Curls
Great, now comes the sophisticated level: the big curls! These glamorous waves are not only a real eye-catcher on the red carpet, but also perfect for medium-length hair. Do you want volume and a touch of luxury? Here's your guide:
For the magnificent waves, you'll need a curling iron with a slightly wider barrel. Make sure not to set it too hot to protect your hair's structure. A top choice for medium-length manes is the ghd curve® soft curl tong with a 32mm diameter. Start curling close to the head and work your way down strand by strand. This way, even the roots receive plenty of bounce.
Don't forget to use heat-protectant products beforehand and allow your hair to cool down a bit after curling. Especially with medium-length hair, it's crucial that the curls cool properly before you gently brush them out. This will help them retain their volume and last all day, guaranteed! Get inspired and become a big curl dream on two legs!
Beach Waves
Beach waves represent effortless elegance with a touch of sun-kissed freedom. Ideal for any hair, whether long or short, they provide the unmistakable flair of a relaxed day at the beach. Here's a pro tip: When curling with an iron, use a heat protection product to protect your hair. Divide it into sections to style strand by strand—make sure they're not too wide, so the curling iron can grip properly. Remember to alternate curling the strands outward and inward to enhance the natural look. Finally, a touch of hairspray gives your beach waves the perfect hold. This way, you combine style and care while rocking this trend look—without the help of sun and sea.
Half-Up Curly Hairstyle
Imagine dancing through your special day with a half-up curly hairstyle that exudes both elegance and casual charm. Start with a curling iron to create carefully defined spirals, then take the front section and gently secure it at the back with hairpins. The secret lies in the details, so consider adding a few subtle braids or let individual strands softly frame your face. This hairstyle not only lasts all day but also adds a romantic touch and makes you shine—with minimal effort! Pair it with some hair accessories or fresh flowers, and you’ll become a magical vision.
Braided Curl Hairstyle
Braided Curl Hairstyle: Get ready for the ultimate eye-catcher! With a little practice, you'll master a braided curl hairstyle that has its roots in traditional elements while looking ultra-modern. First, your hair is styled into gentle waves using a curling iron. Then, take individual strands and casually braid them through the curls. Whether inspired by the colorful braids of the Incas or the elegant weaves of the Edo period, this hairstyle is a statement and reflects the diversity of hair history. Remember to protect your curls from heat and use a good hair serum to ensure shine and smoothness.
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Hair Care Tips for Using Curling Irons
If you want to add bounce and volume to your hair using a curling iron, the right care is essential. Always start with clean and dry hair, as moisture and heat do not work well together for your hair structure. A high-quality heat protectant is crucial to shield your hair from the high temperature of the curling iron. Apply the heat protectant evenly throughout the entire length of your hair before you begin styling. After curling, it's important to nourish your hair to restore moisture and prevent split ends. A few drops of hair oil or a leave-in treatment can work wonders—especially on the ends, which are particularly affected by the heat. Additionally, be sure not to use the curling iron daily to keep your hair healthy in the long run.
Styling Techniques for Creating Different Types of Curls
Depending on the look you are aiming for, vary the wrapping technique and the diameter of the curling iron. For tight ringlet curls, choose a wand with a small diameter and wrap narrow sections tightly around the iron. Beach waves, on the other hand, require alternating the wrapping direction—sometimes towards the face and other times away from it. For large, glamorous waves, use a larger wand and wrap wider sections loosely around the iron to create a soft, flowing look. Experiment with the curling iron's orientation as well: holding it horizontally adds volume at the roots, while a vertical hold tends to create gentle waves. Over time, you'll perfect the technique and effortlessly create different types of curls.
Tips for Long-lasting Curl Hairstyles
To keep your lovingly crafted curls all day long, it's all about the right setting. A good hairspray is your best friend here – it preserves the bounce and also protects against humidity. Spray the hairspray from about 12 inches away to avoid weighing down the curls. For extra hold, you can pin each freshly curled strand at the roots and let it cool before releasing it and finally finishing everything with hairspray. Another trick for long-lasting curls is to avoid using heavy care products before curling. They can weigh down the hair and cause the curls to fall out more quickly. Instead, working with texturizing spray right after curling can not only add grip to your hair but also help hold the curls better.
