3 Pro Ways to Get Beautiful Curls for Long and Thick Hair

Co-authored by Arthur Sebastian

Last Updated: November 4, 2022 References

Curling Iron

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T-Shirt Curls

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Sock Bun Curls

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

You'd love to add some beautiful curls to your locks... but when your hair is naturally long and thick, how can you get your dream look without spending hours in front of the mirror? For a quick, stylish look, a curling iron could be your best friend. If you'd rather let your curls form overnight, a T-shirt or sock bun curling method might be the better option. Read on to see which option is most ideal for you and your hair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Curling Iron

1
Apply a heat protecting serum. Using direct heat from the curling iron can damage your hair, so it's a good idea to apply serum before you get to work. Serum meant to protect your hair from heat damage is available in the hair styling section of drugstores.^{[1]
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- Make sure that your hair is clean and dry before you get started. Curls tend to fall out of hair that's a little oily, so don't use too much conditioner before you plan to curl your hair. Don't curl wet hair, either; as your hair dries, the curls will fall out, especially if your hair is long and thick.
2
Heat up a curling iron. If you want big, loose curls, use an iron with a bigger barrel. For tighter curls, choose one that has a smaller barrel. Either way, try to use a ceramic curling iron. These get hotter than other curling irons, creating a longer-lasting style for thick, long hair.

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3
Wrap the front of your hair around the curling iron. Start with the hair that grows above your forehead, and wrap a two-inch section of hair around the barrel. Roll it over so that the hair gets pulled back from your forehead, not toward your face. Hold it there for three seconds, then remove the curling iron and use a pin to hold the curl in place.
- Don't hold the curling iron in your hair for too long. Too much heat exposure can cause your hair to dry out.
- If you have bangs, don't wrap them with the rest of your hair. They should be styled separately.
4
Use the same method to curl the rest of your hair. Wrap it in two-inch sections around the curling iron, hold in place for three seconds, then slip out the iron and pin the curl to your head.^{[2]
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- If you need help curling the back, ask a friend to help you out. It can be difficult to make neat curls on the back of your head.
- For a tousled look, experiment with curling sections of your hair in different directions, rather than uniformly curling them toward the crown of your head.
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Spray your hair with hairspray. When all of your hair is pinned up in curls, spray it with hairspray. If you want tight curls that stay in place all day, use a maximum hold spray; for looser, more natural-looking curls, use a loose hold spray.

EXPERT TIP

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist
Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist

Our Expert Agrees: After you create your waves, you can spray your hair with a light hairspray or salt spray to add texture and help hold the curl.
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Remove the pins. After your hair has cooled from the iron, remove each of the pins and let the curls drop to your shoulders. Apply more hair spray if you wish. You can also run your fingers gently through the curls to make them look softer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

T-Shirt Curls

1
Wash and condition your hair. Don't over-condition, as this will make your curls more likely to fall out over the course of the day. While your hair is still wet, use a wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles. Gently pat it dry with a towel.
2
Make t-shirt strips. Use a scissors to cut an old t-shirt lengthwise into strips. Insert the scissors at the neck and cut down to the hem, then repeat along the neckline until you have enough strips to roll up your entire head of hair. The strips should be a few inches longer than your hair.^{[3]
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- If you don't have an old t-shirt, you can use long socks, dishtowels, or any piece of cotton fabric that is the same length as your hair.
- If you want small, tight curls, make the strips narrow. For larger curls, make them wider, about 2 or 3 inches (5.1 or 7.6 cm).
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Roll your hair in the strips. Start by separating a section of your hair from the rest. Comb it out so it's smooth, then line up the end of a t-shirt strip with the tip of the section of hair. Begin rolling it toward your so that the hair gets rolled up in the strip. When you reach your scalp, tie the ends of the strip to hold it in place. Repeat until all sections of your hair have been rolled.^{[4]
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- Roll strips of hair in different directions, or under instead of over, to achieve a tousled effect.
- Roll halfway up your hair and stop if you want waves that only extend halfway up your hair.
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Let your hair dry. Wait several hours or overnight for your hair to completely dry in the strips. Removing the strips before your hair is dry will result in curls that don't last very long.
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Take out the t-shirt strips. When your hair is totally dry, untie the strips and let your curls fall to your shoulders. Use hair spray, gel or mousse to hold them in place.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sock Bun Curls

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Put your hair in a high ponytail. Bend over and use a comb to gather your hair at the top of your head and secure it with an elastic band. Make sure it's free of bumps and tangles.^{[5]
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- This method works best if your hair is wet. Either wash and condition your hair as usual, or wet your hair and pat it dry in preparation for this method. Make sure your hair is completely free of tangles.
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Make a sock bun. Take a clean tube sock, cut off the toe, and roll it into a donut shape. The larger the donut, the bigger your curls will be. Place the sock donut over your ponytail and pull your hair through. With the donut placed against your head, wrap your hair over the donut and tuck it underneath, a section at a time. Continue doing so until all of your hair is securely in place over the donut.^{[6]
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3
Let your hair dry. Wait several hours or overnight for your hair to dry around the bun. When you're sure it's completely dry, remove the bun and let your curls fall free. This method results in loose, wavy curls. Keep them in place with gel, mousse or hairspray.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Why does my hair not hold a curl?

Arthur Sebastian
Professional Hair Stylist
Arthur Sebastian is the Owner of Arthur Sebastian Hair Salon in San Francisco, California. Arthur has worked as a hair stylist for over 20 years and received his Cosmetology License in 1998. He believes that the true work of a successful hair stylist comes from passion and a love for hairdressing.

Arthur Sebastian

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

After you create your waves, you can spray your hair with a light hairspray or salt spray. This will add texture and help your curls hold longer.
Question

My hair always feels dry after I curl it. What is wrong?

Community Answer

You've either left it on too long or it's just like that. It's normal for hair to feel dry after curling it with heat, so don't worry about it. Just make sure you take really good care of your hair afterward.
Question

Do I roll the sock to make a donut shape?

Hanji Zoe

Community Answer

Yes. It should look like a store-bought hair donut, but with a sock instead.