Secrets to Making Your Curls Hold

Every girl dreams of having the perfect curls. This hairstyle is one of the go-to looks for parties, big events, and other special occasions. But doesn’t it frustrate you when you’ve spent hours curling your hair only to fall flat within hours after you styled it? Don’t you just wish you can keep the curls in shape until the end of the party? Worry no more… we’ve got the tips you need to hold your curls for several hours so you can flaunt this hairstyle you’ve invested so much time and effort into.

Work with Dirty Hair

Well, not literally… but you get the idea. A day-old hair is the ideal canvas to making curls that last. The natural oils in your hair aid in making it easier to mold your hair and give it texture. Hence, styling experts recommend that you do not wash your hair a day or two prior to curling it.

A newly washed hair tends to become soft and slippery, which could resist any form of curling effort. For those who have hair that is too oily without washing, dab on a small amount of dry shampoo to give it some much needed texture.

Additional tip: if you are planning to curl your hair, skip the conditioner the day before. Save the intense conditioning treatment for another day (such as when you’re not planning to curl).

Curl in Smaller Sections

Make sure that you work with small sections of hair at a time when wrapping it into a curling iron. The smaller the sections of hair, the tighter the curls become. Tighter curls tend to last longer than wider curls are.

Another recommended trick to keeping the hold of your curls is to use smaller barrels of curling iron – ideally, use a ¾ inch barrel curling iron. This is true for hair that does not hold curling style well.

Invest in the Right Tools

As mentioned above, a curling iron with smaller barrel size is excellent for curling hair and making it last. But another factor that will aid in your effort is to invest in a professional grade curling iron. It might be slightly more expensive than a drugstore brand but it is worth the investment given the quality of the curling results.

Use Products Smartly

A common mistake that women make when curling their hair is to pack on products. The key here is to prep your hair to ensure that it will not resist any curling effort. A lightweight styling lotion or cream works best in providing enough texture and hold. Also, make sure you use a heat protection product to avoid damage. Finish off with a light mist of a hairspray to ensure that the curls stay without that stiffening effect so your curls look natural.

Post-Iron Pin

When you are done curling one section of hair, twist that section back up and pin it into place with a clip or hairpin before moving onto the next section. This is a great trick to help your curls hold and keep its shape while you wait for it to cool down. With that said, make sure that you wait for hair to completely cool down before you release it from the pin for a lasting, more defined shape.

Finishing Off Curls

A major no-no when trying to curl hair is to drench it with hairspray. A light spritz will do. But for maximum hold, opt for a strong hold hairspray. You can also use a setting lotion or cream to maintain the shape. But whatever product you use, always go for the ones you’ve used before and know to be effective. This isn’t the time to experiment with a new product.

How do you ensure that your curls hold for a long time?