I haven’t made a video like this in a couple of years and after learning a few tips myself, I thought it was time for an update! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, curling is an art. We have a tendency to get hung up on how big the sections should be or what product to use and while those things are important, having the right technique is everything!
Before we start, let’s talk about what I recommend having on hand. First, I’ll be using the Babyliss 1” curling iron. While I love this brand, there are a few other brands that I like as well (more to come on that in another video), but I would stick to the 1” size regardless. It’s going to make your curls last longer and give you the shape you’re looking for, regardless of your hair type.
Next, in terms of product, I keep it simple. To achieve curls that last, I stick to dry styling products rather than wet ones. No sticky hair spray here! Instead, I love UNITE dry shampoo and the dry texture spray. The combination of these is going to prep and set your hair in a way that keeps it looking fresh for days!
Lastly, I like to use the Ensemble alligator clips for sectioning and the Ensemble detangler to brush out my curls at the end. This brush is amazing because it helps to loosen the curls without undoing everything I worked so hard to create!
Okay so let me break it down for you. Also, if you’re a more visual person, you can check out the video below!
If you have extra smooth or silky hair, you can prep your hair by spraying it with the UNITE dry shampoo. Otherwise, no prep is needed, and you’ll use my favorite dry styling product at the end.
First, I turn my curling iron onto the highest heat setting. I highly recommend practicing with no heat first so that you’re not using unnecessary heat on your hair. I typically section my hair into three sections, but depending on how much of it you have, two sections may be plenty! I always start with my bottom section and work my way up. If you have short hair, I would skip that bottom layer as it will probably give you more volume if you leave it untouched. I’m going to start with the layer closest to my face and go in at a flat angle and wind it out away from my face. Typically, I leave about an inch out at the end, but if you want a bouncy curl, you can just click through your ends with your iron. Try not to pull your curling iron through the ends of your hair as that can lead to major damage.
Now I pull the second section down over my bottom layer. I start with a ribbon curl with the pieces that surround my face. I’m going to start with a very flat section, clamp it and then over direct it away from my face. That is KEY to making your curls last longer. Learn more about how to achieve the ribbon curl in the video here! When it comes to curling those front pieces, I have a hot take. Don’t hold the curling iron in one place to achieve the curl. In my younger days I literally used to count to 8 before I let go! Just keep the iron moving and gently click through with your finger on the clamp.
Keep curling in the same direction around your head and don’t overthink the back, I promise when it’s all said and done, it will look great and the back being perfect won’t matter.
Okay, now let’s talk about the top section. This is really the section that matters the most! For the top section, we’re going to focus on a technique known as curling on base. This is where we start the curl as close to the base of our scalp as possible. I do this by parting the front section of my hair on angle and then allowing my curling iron to follow that angle when I go to clamp near the base of my scalp. Then I’m going to over direct my curling iron again.
I know what you’re thinking…
“JESS! Why haven’t you rotated your curls?!”
Okay so here me out on this one. Typically, I don’t rotate my curls until I get just past my ears. That way, I can create volume using those corner sections. I know it may sound strange but check out the end result here!
Okay, now I’ve finished those curls all around my head and I’m going to let it cool a bit before I spray. Once it’s cooled, I’m going to grab sections, hold them out from against my scalp and spray them with my UNITE Texturiza spray. Once I spray each section, I lean my head forward slightly and brush out my curls with my Ensemble detangler brush to loosen everything up. The finished product will literally last for DAYS!
Make sure you comment any questions you have below and check out the video for a more in-depth tutorial!
