Flawless, Bouncy Curls Are Just a Wand Away

Types of curling wands

A curling wand is a type of curling iron that has no clip for your hair. Just like other styling tools, various types of wands produce unique looks.

• Thin curling wands are ideal for tight curls if you want a mane of ringlets.
• Cone-shaped wands make it easy to achieve multiple curl styles.
• Straight wands with a medium-sized barrel are ideal for classic, uniform curls.
• Large wands create big, bouncy waves that add volume.

If you’re a curling wand beginner, try Foxybae Hair’s Le’Se7en 7-in-1 Curling Wand Set so you can try different attachments to find what you like best. If you’re prone to frizz, Almost Famous’ 32mm Studio Series Curling Wand is best because it features frizz-fighting ionic technology for silky smooth hair. 

How to curl hair with a wand — for beginners

It’s important to use hot styling tools correctly to avoid hair damage and burns. Even if you’ve seen your hairstylist use this tool before, it’s crucial to learn how to use a curling wand on yourself.

1. Dry: Make sure your hair is completely dry before curling. Otherwise, you’re more likely to damage your hair and the tool. 
2. Prep: Apply a heat protectant to protect your hair. We love Living proof’s PhD Heat Styling Spray because it protects hair for 48 hours. 
3. Section: Each section's size will dictate the look of your curl. A small area creates tighter curls, and larger segments create big waves. Use a hair clip to hold the rest of your hair out of the way. If you have longer or thicker hair, you’ll want to work with smaller chunks of hair — so put up several layers at a time, and work in layers. 
4. Curl: Place the wand face-down and wrap a section of your hair around the iron. Hold the curl for several seconds, increasing the time for thicker hair. After 10–15 seconds have passed, drop the wand. For longer-lasting curls, bobby pin them to your scalp while they cool to help them hold their shape. 
5. Repeat: Continue until every section is curled. 
6. Style: If you want looser curls, gently run your fingers or a brush through your hair to break them up. Apply hairspray to set the curl, holding the can several inches away from your hair to avoid a sticky, crunchy look.

‍

Curling wand tips

It’ll take practice to perfect your technique, but these tips will speed up the learning process. 

• Give damaged hair a break. If your hair is dry, brittle, and frizzy, take a break from using hot tools. It’s harder to curl damaged hair and it worsens your hair’s health. 
• Use a heat-proof glove. It’s easy to burn yourself with a curling wand, so use a heat-proof glove. The wands usually come with one, but you can also purchase them online. 
• Adjust the heat setting depending on your hair type. Use a lower heat setting for thin hair, turning up the heat for thicker hair. 
• Vary hair amount and wand position. Your waves will look more natural if you alternate between curling your hair away and toward your face and experiment with section sizes. 

People also ask

How do you repair heat-damaged hair?

While a haircut is a surefire way of removing damage, you can also do the following things to keep your length and repair your hair. 

• Stop heat styling. The first step to reviving damaged locks is to stop harming them. We recommend putting the hot tools away and using a hairdryer on cold. While taking a break, try heatless styles like a french braid or a sleek ponytail.
• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Harsh shampoo strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and frizzy. We recommend PHYTO’s Phytojoba Moisturizing Shampoo because it includes nourishing jojoba milk.
• Use a moisturizing conditioner. Damaged strands need extra hydration, so choose a product that contains nourishing ingredients like argan or coconut oil. Luseta's Biotin and Collagen Conditioner is excellent because it strengthens the hair shaft long-term. 
• Apply hair masks. Pamper yourself while combating hair damage with an extra-strength hair treatment. We love Olaplex’s No.3 Hair Perfector because it repairs bonds to seal your split ends for smooth, healthy hair.
• Finish with a hair serum. Applying a hair serum after blow-drying or styling your hair is a daily hair-care step that will repair your locks. We recommend Keratin Complex’s Intense Rx Repair Serum because it’s safe for color-treated hair.

What other hot tools curl hair?

These heat-styling tools also create curls. 

• A flat iron is typically used to straighten your hair but can also create curls. 
• A curling iron is similar to a wand but with a clip along the shaft for your hair. The clip can make it easier to curl your hair and avoid burning yourself, but it can also leave indents. Curling wand curls will never have this mark. 
• A hairdryer and round brush can create voluminous, large waves. This style is called a blowout. 

How long does it take to curl hair?

Your hair type, length, and section sizes will determine curl time. Thin hair and large sections will take less time than thick hair and small sections. You’ll also become faster as you practice. We recommend practicing curling your hair when you’ve got nothing planned afterward to time the process. Master the craft and you’ll eventually curl your hair in less than 10 minutes. 

Finding the best products

While perfecting the art of curling wand styling is crucial, your hairstyle is only as great as the products you use. Flawless curls will disappear in minutes if you’re not setting them with the right hairspray, and hair will become damaged if heat protectant isn’t used. 

To find the best products for your hair type and style concerns, check out video reviews on Flip. Our community shares candid, helpful information about the beauty industry’s most popular brands so you can feel excited about your next purchase. Want to check Flip Shop reviews? Find them on the App Store!