Curling your hair with a barrel curler is easy once you master the technique. This guide provides a step-by-step approach for achieving beautiful curls.
Getting Started
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Prepare your hair: Start with clean, dry hair. Applying a heat protectant spray is crucial to minimize heat damage. This step is often overlooked, but it's essential for the health of your hair.
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Choose your barrel size: The size of your barrel will determine the size of your curls. Smaller barrels create tighter curls, while larger barrels produce looser waves. Consider your hair length and desired curl style when making your selection.
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Heat up your curler: Plug in your barrel curler and allow it to reach your desired temperature. Different hair types require different temperatures; start with a lower setting and increase if needed.
Curling Your Hair: Step-by-Step
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Section your hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections. Smaller sections will yield more defined curls. Use clips to keep the uncurled sections out of the way.
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Clamp (if applicable): If your curler has a clamp, gently clamp a section of hair near the roots, ensuring all the hair is within the clamp.
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Wrap and hold: Wrap the hair around the barrel, away from your face. Hold for 7-12 seconds, depending on your hair texture and the heat setting. The video mentions, "And I flip the clamp forward so the clamp is forward. And run the hair backward. Over the barrel. And twist it up this way," illustrating a specific wrapping technique. Experiment to find what works best for you.
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Release and cool: Gently release the clamp and allow the curl to cool completely before touching it. Letting the curls cool in place helps them to set and last longer. As one source notes, "You have to let the curls cool, or “set,” in the curled position - if you just curl them and let them go while they're still warm, gravity's going to win."
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Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 for each section of your hair.
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Finishing touch: Once all sections are curled, gently run your fingers through your hair to loosen the curls and create a more natural look. You may also use hairspray for added hold.
Tips for Success
- Use heat protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tool.
- Smaller sections: Smaller sections of hair will result in more defined curls.
- Experiment with techniques: Try different wrapping techniques to achieve various curl styles.
- Allow curls to cool: Don't touch the curls until they have completely cooled.
- Use hairspray: For longer-lasting curls, use a hairspray with a strong hold.
