How to Create Wavy Hair With a Curling Iron

Co-authored by Steven Waldman

Last Updated: January 7, 2023 References

If you have straight hair and are struggling to give it a little extra volume, you may want to try creating a wavy hair look. You can use a curling iron and a few hair products to achieve relaxed wavy hair for a daytime look or a night out. This method works great on long hair or short hair.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Gathering the Supplies

1
Get a ceramic tourmaline 1” barrel curling iron. This is a high quality styling tool, and so it should work better than the alternative and also protect your hair better. The 1” barrel will allow you to create large curls that you can then shake out and scrunch up to create a wavy look. You can also use a curling iron with a larger barrel or a smaller barrel, though it may be more difficult to achieve the wavy look.^{[1]
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- You can buy curling irons from a beauty supply shop or online.
2
Use a protective serum. A protective hair serum made from natural products, like argan oil, or a serum made to protect hair from heat will ensure your hair does not dry out when you curl it. Applying a protective serum to your hair before you use the curling iron on it will also help to protect your hair from any damage or breakage due to the heat.^{[2]
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- You can find a protective hair serum or spray at beauty supply stores, hair salons, in the beauty aisle of supermarkets, or online.
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3
Look for a protective finishing spray.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Steven Waldman
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.} To set the wavy look, you should apply a protective finishing spray once your hair has been curled. The spray can contain a setting agent or a finishing agent that will keep your hair in place but it should also have a protective element so your hair stays healthy and shiny throughout the day.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Using the Curling Iron

1
Divide your hair into two sections. The most effective way to get the wavy hair look is to curl your hair in sections.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Steven Waldman
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.} You can use a comb to divide your hair into two even sections on either side of your head.^{[6]
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- You can then clip one section of hair with a large clip. Make sure the section is out of the way so you can focus on the loose section first.
2
Apply a protective spray or serum to the loose section. This will ensure that your hair doesn’t dry out when you curl it. You can apply a few spritzes of spray to the section of hair, or rub a serum into it. Either way, make sure that entire length of your hair is coated from roots to tips.^{[7]
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3
Run the curling iron over the ends of your hair.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Steven Waldman
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.} Before you start curling the section, you should run the curling iron over the ends of your hair in quick, fluid motions. This will ensure your hair is smooth and ready to be curled.^{[9]
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- This step is especially useful for individuals with wavy hair who want to give their hair more of a controlled wave.
- Starting with smooth, straight hair will help the waves stick to your hair more effectively.
- You can also use a hair straightener or try a straightening balm.
4
Curl the loose section of hair. Grab a small chunk of hair from the loose section, about one to two inches of hair. Starting at the base of your hair, close to your roots, wrap the section around the curling iron away from your face.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Yan Kandkhorov
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.} This will ensure the wave flows away from your face, rather than into it.^{[11]
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- Hold the hair in the curling iron for 10 seconds if your iron is set to a higher temperature and/or your hair is thin.
- Hold the hair in the curling iron for 20-30 seconds if your iron is set to a lower temperature and/or your hair is thick.
- Loosen your grip on the curling iron handle and pull the curling iron down to the end of your hair.
- Curl the same section of hair again to the top of your head, close to your roots. Hold the hair for 5 seconds, then gently release it.
5
Curl the other section of hair. Once you have curled one section of hair, move to the other section. Work carefully and curl each small chunk of hair so the curls look uniform when they fall side by side.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Yan Kandkhorov
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.} Always curl away from your face the curls do not crowd or hide your face. Remember to apply protective spray or serum on your hair before you apply any heat to it.^{[13]
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- If you have shorter sections of hair around your face, curl them one at a time. You can alternate the direction of the curls so they have a more wavy look.
- If you have bangs, brush your bangs to the side of your face where your hair naturally parts.
6
Comb out the curls. Once you have curled all of your hair, you will need to make the curls appear more loose and wavy. Run a wide-tooth comb over the curls in sections, softly loosening up the curls with the comb. You can also use your fingertips to gently loosen up the curls.^{[14]
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- Another option is to flip your head upside down and use your fingers to loosen up the curls. Try to separate all the curls by running your hands through them. Check that the curls appear loose and wavy, rather than stiff and uniform.^{[15]
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  Expert Source
  
  Steven Waldman
  Professional Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 27 July 2021.}
7
Set your wavy hair with finishing spray. Now that you have the ideal wavy hair look, you should use a finishing spray to ensure it stays put for the rest of the day or night. Apply a few spritzes of the finishing spray to your hair and run your fingers through the curls one last time. This should keep your hair looking wavy and loose.^{[16]
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- If you have straight, fine hair, you may want to use a volumizing or texturizing spray to give it some body.
- Apply a few spritzes of the spray, then use your fingers to lightly rub it into the ends of your hair.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Where should I start curling the hair?

Yan Kandkhorov
Hair Stylist
Yan Kandkhorov is a Hair Stylist and Owner of K&S Salon, a hair salon based in New York City's Meatpacking District. Yan has over 20 years of experience in the hair industry, is best known for paving the way for iconic hair trends in the industry, and has operated his salon since 2017. His hair salon has been voted one of the Best Hair Salons in New York City in 2019 by Expertise. Yan and K&S Salon has collaborated with leading fashion magazines and celebrities such as Marie Clair USA, Lucy Magazine, and Resident Magazine.

Yan Kandkhorov

Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

The higher up you start, the wavier and looser your curls will be. If you want really strong curls, you'd start at the bottom. There's no right or wrong option there, it's really just about the look that you're going for.