How to Curl Layered Hair

Last Updated: March 12, 2021 References

If you have layers in your hair, you can get good curls! The key is to focus on the individual layers as much as possible to make it easier to curl them. Try a curling iron for the most effective way to curl your hair. For easier methods, try tying up your hair with bandanas and leaving it overnight.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing Your Hair for Heat

1
Brush out your hair to get rid of tangles. Start with dry hair, then run a brush through your hair, working from the bottom up. Starting at the bottom helps you detangle your hair without yanking it so much at the scalp. As it comes untangled, move up your hair, always brushing down towards your tips.^{[1]
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- Try not to brush your hair when it's wet, as it could damage your hair. Similarly, don't use heat tools on wet hair, either.
- Tangles and knots will make your curls appear uneven. Plus, it will be more difficult to separate and curl your layers if your hair isn't brushed.^{[2]
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2
Add a spritz of heat protectant to limit damage from curling irons. Give your hair a light coating of a thermal protecting spray by misting it over your hair and then brushing the spray through it. Once it's on, it will help protect your hair from the heat as you curl.^{[3]
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- Some sprays also offer a little bit of hold, which will help keep the curls in place when you're done.
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3
Pick a newer curling iron or wand if possible. Older curling irons tend to heat unevenly after a while, so if you're having trouble getting your hair to curl, it may be time to get a new one.^{[4]
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Research source} If you can afford it, opt for one that's professional grade, which will heat more evenly.^{[5]
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- Look for one that has a ceramic or a tourmaline plate.
- Clean your curling iron or wand regularly to make it last longer and help it evenly heat your hair.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using a Curling Iron or Wand

1
Split your hair in half with a comb. Part your hair as you normally do, running from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Comb the hair to both sides to form a long part.^{[6]
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- It's okay to play around with your part, if you like. However, keep in mind that your layers will look best if you stick to your normal part, which is how your stylist likely parted your hair when they cut your layers.
2
Separate your hair into 2 parts on each side. Run a comb across your hair from your temples to the center of the back of your head, making a horizontal part just above your ear. Try to just catch the bottom layer of hair so it will be mostly the same length. Do the same on the other side.^{[7]
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- Sectioning off your hair will make it easier to curl.
3
Tie your hair up with ponytail holders or clips. Pull the top layer on both sides of your head into tiny buns, then secure them with clips or ponytail holders to keep them out of the way. Gather the bottom layer of hair on one side into a small ponytail holder or clip so that it will be out of the way.^{[8]
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- Leave the bottom layer on the other side down.
- If your hair has multiple layers, it's best to create multiple buns on each side. This will make it easier to curl each layer and will create the best look.
4
Wrap the hair on the iron or wand starting at the roots. This may seem counter-intuitive, but you want to heat your roots more than your tips. Hold the curling iron vertical up close to your scalp. Next, grab a small section of hair that's about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide from the bottom layer you have loose and tuck it under the clip if yours has one. Then, wind the hair around the iron or wand. When you get to the tips, leave the last 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so out, holding onto the end to keep it in place.^{[9]
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- When wrapping the hair, wind it away from your face.
- Work with just the bottom layer on 1 side first.
- For this type of curl, it's best to use a curling iron or wand that has a .75 to 1 in (1.9 to 2.5 cm) barrel.
- To vary your curl sizes, you'll need to use a different sized curling iron or wand. For tighter curls, use a smaller curling iron or wand, such as a .5 in (13 mm) curling wand. If you want really loose curls, choose a larger barrel, such as a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) iron or wand.
5
Release the hair after about 5 seconds. It only takes 3-5 seconds to get the curls you want. Leaving your hair on the curling iron for longer can cause damage. Count out 5 seconds, then unravel your hair from the curling iron or wand.^{[10]
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Variation: You can change up the style of your curls by varying how you wrap your hair:

For even curls, wrap your hair in 1 even layer around the iron or wand.

For a messy, undone look, wrap the top half of your hair 1 direction, then change direction for the bottom half.

If you want spiral curls, twist the section tightly before you curl it. Then, start wrapping your hair at the bottom of the barrel and tightly wrap the length of your hair down to the end of the barrel shaft.
6
Continue curling 1 in (2.5 cm) sections until the bottom layer is done. Work your way from 1 end of the section to the other so that all of your hair is curled. After you curl a section, move it to the side to make it easier to tell which pieces are curled. As you curl your hair, check your work by standing in front of a large mirror and angling a medium-sized mirror behind you.^{[11]
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- Finish the entire layer before you move on to another layer. Otherwise, you'll likely miss a piece.
7
Release each layer down one by one to curl. Once you've curled all the hair on the bottom layer, unclip the hair above. Use a comb to create a horizontal part from your temples to the center of the back of your head, bringing down the next layer of hair that's all about the same length. Clip the rest of the hair back in place.^{[12]
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- Curl this hair the same way you did the bottom layer.
8
Keep letting down layers until all of your hair is curled. Continue to work in small sections until all of your hair is curled. Don't try to rush, as the top layers will be the most visible. Take your time to do each section consistently so that your style turns out well.^{[13]
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- For thicker hair or hair with multiple levels, you'll likely need to let down your hair several times. Just take your time, as this will ensure your layers are as even as possible.
9
Leave your curls alone until they cool completely. Don't tug on your curls or try to move them around too much. They need time to set, which will happen as they cool down. Instead, wait until you've curled your whole head before you try to style your hair.^{[14]
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Use your fingers to style your curls, then set them with hairspray. Gently break up or arrange your curls using your fingers. However, try not to touch your hair much, as it may get fluffy or lose its curl. After your hair is styled how you like it, spritz it with hairspray to keep it in place.
- Don't brush your hair, as this will make your curls fluffy or frizzy.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making Curls with a Flat Iron

1
Choose a flat iron that's about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) wide. A smaller straightener can create curls. However, it's difficult to use a large straightener to curl your hair. Pick the smallest model you find.^{[15]
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- You might even buy a flat iron specifically to use for curling your hair, if you normally prefer to use a larger straightener.
2
Pin up your top layer of hair so you can do the bottom first. Wrap your top layer in a bun or multiple buns, then secure them with a clip. Working layer by layer makes it easier to curl all of your hair and get a consistent curl.^{[16]
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- If your hair is very thick or cut into multiple layers, it's best to do several small buns. Otherwise, it's easy to miss a spot and your curls might not look as even.
3
Grab a small 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) section of hair from near your face. Work with small sections of hair at a time to create better curls. Start near your face, then work your way around your head.^{[17]
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- Smaller sections will curl better than wider sections.
4
Clamp the straightener near your scalp. Press the straightener together slightly, keeping it loose. Your hair should go through the straightener easily, but you still want the plates to touch your hair.^{[18]
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- Don't press down too hard. Remember, you aren't trying to straighten your hair.
- It may take some practice to find the right grip.
5
Twist the hair away from your face, then pull the straightener down. Continue to twist as you slide your hair through the straightener. This will create loose curls rather than a straight style. Go slowly as you get used to the motion so that you do it correctly.^{[19]
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- You might choose to just curl part of your hair to create a loose look.
- To make this easier, you can twist and release at the top, middle, and end of your hair rather than trying to pull your hair through.
Variation: If you want to make natural, beachy curls, you can try to do an S-curl instead. Pull off a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) section of hair. Starting at your scalp, bend the section of hair into an s-shape, then clamp your straightener down over it and tap it 3 times. Release, then move down the section and create another s-shape. Keep going until the entire section is curled, then do the rest of your hair.
6
Let go before you reach the tip. Don't try to curl the tip of your hair. Use this section to control the section of hair you're curling. It will blend back into your curls once you're finished.^{[20]
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- If your tips are frizzy, you can run the straightener over them before you curl your hair.
7
Continue curling small 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) sections until your hair is curled. Go slowly so that you don't miss any sections of hair. Once you finish a layer, let down another small layer, then curl that. Keep working until all of your hair is curled.^{[21]
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- Repeat the process on the rest of your loose hair, then unclip the hair at the top. Do the same with your other layers.
- Be sure to use a heat spray before applying the iron.
8
Style your hair with your fingers after your curls cool. Don't touch your curls until they cool, as this can may lose their curl or get fluffy. Once they're cool, use your fingers to gently break them up or style them the way you want. Finally, spray them with hairspray to keep them in place.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Adding Curls without Heat

1
Wrap long, damp hair around a bandana, elastic headband, or scarf to get loose curls. Fold a bandana in half from corner to corner, then roll it up from the long end to create a band. Tie the band around your head from just below the crown to your forehead. Grab a small section of your hair, maybe 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm), and twist it to make a cord, then wrap it around the band. Loop it over the top and out the bottom multiple times until you have the whole strand wrapped up in the band. Continue sectioning and wrapping your hair until it's all wrapped.^{[22]
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- With an elastic headband, just put the band in place around your head and wrap your hair around it in the same way.
- This works well for long layers.
- Repeat the process until you have all your hair wrapped around the band.
- Mist your hair lightly with hairspray, then wear it overnight or for several hours. To take it down, untie the bandana, and slide it out from the loops you've made. Run your fingers through your hair to loosen your curls.
- For a stronger curl, start with damp, towel-dried hair.
2
Create loose waves by braiding a bandana into your hair. Divide your hair into 2 sections by parting it down the back. Place the middle of the bandana behind the hair on one side and use the ends as 2 parts of the braid. Use your hair as the third part of the braid, going all the way down. Tie it off and then do the other side. Leave it in for several hours or overnight.^{[23]
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- The bandana makes the waves bigger than just braiding your hair, as it creates a bigger braid. However, you can just braid it without a bandana for smaller waves.
- You can also use smaller strips if you don't have a lot of hair, such as thin strips of towel.
- Start with damp hair for the best results.
- You can use this process for short or long layers.
3
Roll your hair into a bun for big curls. Start with damp hair and put your hair up in a ponytail. Use a bun donut and start rolling it onto your hair at the ends. Keep rolling it over and over with your hair, trapping your hair around it, until you have a bun up against your head. Leave the bun in for several hours or overnight, then unroll it to get your curls.^{[24]
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- You can also use a sock for this purpose. Cut out the toe and then roll the sock on itself to create the donut shape you need to make a bun.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I style my layered hair?

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.

Christine George

Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Answer

For loose waves, braid your hair when it's wet and let it dry overnight before taking the braid out.