How To Curl Hair With A Straightener: The Ultimate Step-By-Step Guide

Curls aren’t just a hairstyle—they’re a vibe. From soft, beachy waves to tight ringlets, curling your hair adds volume, texture, and personality. And the best part? You don’t need a curling iron to achieve them. One of the most versatile and underrated tools in your hair styling kit—the straightener—can create stunning curls with the right technique.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything from choosing the right straightener, preparing your hair, mastering curling techniques, and prolonging the life of your curls. Whether you're a beginner or a hair styling pro, this tutorial is for you.

Why Use a Straightener to Curl Hair?

While curling irons are designed specifically for curling, straighteners (also known as flat irons) offer several unique benefits:

• Dual-purpose tool: Great for both straightening and curling, saving you money and space.

• Different curl types: From waves to spirals, a straightener can do it all.

• Natural-looking curls: Many find that curls from a straightener appear softer and more lived-in.

• Quick results: Once mastered, you can curl your hair in under 15 minutes.

Step 1: Choose the Right Straightener

Not all flat irons are created equal. For curling, the right tool makes a huge difference.

What to Look for:

• Plate width: 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal. Narrow plates offer better control for curling.

• Rounded edges: Avoid flat, sharp edges. Rounded barrels allow the hair to glide and wrap smoothly.

• Ceramic or titanium plates: Ceramic for even heat distribution; titanium for quicker heat and better for thick/coarse hair.

• Adjustable heat settings: Helps prevent damage, especially for fine or color-treated hair.

Popular Models for Curling:

• GHD Platinum+ Styler

• BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium

• Dyson Corrale

• CHI Original Ceramic Flat Iron

Step 2: Prep Your Hair Properly

Styling starts well before you plug in the straightener.

Wash and Dry

Start with clean, dry hair. Curls hold best when your hair is completely dry and free of oil or product build-up.

Apply Heat Protectant

Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This step prevents breakage and keeps your hair shiny and healthy.

Recommended products:

• Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

• CHI 44 Iron Guard

• Olaplex No. 9 Bond Protector

Detangle and Section

Brush your hair to remove tangles. Then divide it into manageable sections (4 to 8 depending on hair thickness) and clip them up. Work from the bottom layers to the top.

Step 3: Set the Right Temperature

The right heat setting depends on your hair type:

• Fine or damaged hair: 250°F to 300°F

• Normal hair: 300°F to 375°F

• Thick/coarse hair: 375°F to 450°F

Never use max heat unless your hair is very thick or you’re doing professional-grade styling.

Step 4: Master the Curling Techniques

Technique 1: The Classic Twist and Glide

Perfect for: Soft curls or beachy waves

How to:

1. Take a 1-inch section of hair.

2. Clamp the straightener near the roots.

3. Twist the iron 180° away from your face (like turning a key).

4. Slowly glide it down the strand, maintaining the twist.

5. Release and let the curl fall naturally.

Tip: The slower you glide, the tighter the curl. Move faster for looser waves.

Technique 2: The S-Curl or “Wave” Method

Perfect for: Loose, effortless waves

How to:

1. Clamp a section near the root.

2. Twist your wrist slightly in one direction to bend the hair into an S-shape.

3. Glide down a couple inches and bend in the opposite direction.

4. Continue this S-pattern down the strand.

Result: Natural, beachy texture similar to braiding overnight.

Technique 3: The Ribbon Curl (Full Twist)

Perfect for: Defined ringlets

How to:

1. Clamp a small section (½–1 inch).

2. Rotate the straightener 360° to wrap the hair fully around the iron.

3. Pull down slowly like curling a ribbon.

4. Let the curl cool before touching.

Tip: Hold the ends taut while you pull for more polished curls.

Step 5: Let Your Curls Cool

Once you've curled a section, let it cool in place. Curls are still “setting” as they cool, so avoid brushing or handling them immediately.

Optional: Pin curls to your head while they cool if you want longer-lasting, tighter curls.

Step 6: Finish and Set the Style

After your entire head is curled, it's time to set the look.

Shake It Out

Flip your head over and gently shake your curls for volume. Use your fingers to separate and fluff, or a wide-tooth comb for soft waves.

Add Texture or Hold

• Use a texturizing spray for volume and grip.

• Finish with a light hairspray to hold your style all day.

• Use shine spray or a few drops of hair oil for added gloss.

Pro tip: Avoid heavy products or brushing with a regular brush—this can flatten your curls.

Step 7: Maintain and Refresh Curls

Curls can last 1–3 days if you care for them properly.

At Night:

• Use a silk or satin pillowcase.

• Pineapple your hair (loose high bun) or wrap in a silk scarf.

• Avoid moisture or sweat as it can loosen curls.

Next-Day Styling:

• Refresh with a curling wand or re-curl using your straightener.

• Use dry shampoo for volume and oil control at the roots.

Troubleshooting Common Curling Issues

My curls won’t hold.

• Use less conditioner and no heavy products before styling.

• Try using a mousse or styling spray before curling.

• Make sure hair is completely dry and cooled properly.

The curls look flat or frizzy.

• Use smaller sections and apply tension.

• Use a higher-quality straightener.

• Apply anti-frizz serum or smoothing spray after styling.

Ends look straight or stick out.

• Make sure you’re wrapping the ends completely around the iron.

• Use a tail comb to guide ends into the plates while curling.

Different Styles You Can Create

Once you master the basic techniques, mix it up!

• Beach Waves: Use the S-pattern method and comb out with fingers.

• Loose Hollywood Waves: Use the twist-and-glide technique, then brush curls together into large waves.

• Tight Spirals: Use ribbon curls on small sections with a 1-inch straightener.

• Messy Bedhead Look: Alternate directions while curling sections for an undone finish.

Bonus Tips for Long-Lasting, Healthy Curls

• Always use a heat protectant—every time!

• Don’t overheat your hair. Heat damage is real.

• Practice on small sections until you build confidence.

• Invest in quality tools—it makes a big difference.

• Deep condition weekly to restore moisture.

Curling your hair with a straightener might seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a quick and easy part of your styling routine. With the right tool, a bit of patience, and the techniques shared above, you can create endless curling styles without ever picking up a curling iron.

Remember: Every head of hair is different. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to find the method that works for you. Experiment, have fun, and most importantly—rock your curls with confidence!