We all want to have windblown hair at all times of the day, but unless you carry around your pocket fan from elementary school field days, that is highly unlikely. We're not saying you don't have great hair, because of course you do! All we're saying is, how many times have you stood in front of your vanity wondering how you get those perfect curls you picture in your head, and see in the magazines but can't quite achieve? If you're like us, try a million. We have complied four different curling (or flat) irons starting from the most basic, to more daring, that are perfect for any look. Hope you find your windblown look in here somewhere! So drop that pocket fan and pick up and iron. Enjoy!
First we will start with the basics. The standard curling iron with a clamp. This is the most basic curling iron, but also one of the more difficult to use (its not as easy as the hairdressers make it look). This iron can be used for all hair types, however those with thicker hair may receive better results because thin, fine hair can slip out of the clamp making it harder to curl.
We demonstrated on Grace, our first lovely volunteer, who has beautiful soft, long hair, and used a 1 1/4 inch barrel. We started by taking a section of hair about 1 inch in diameter and put the clamp about halfway down on the hair shaft. Then, start to curl the hair around the barrel, gradually loosening the clamp to let in more hair going down the shaft, until the whole section is wrapped around the barrel. Wait about 10-15 seconds or until the hair is hot-to-touch and release the curl. Not exactly rocket science, but maybe rockin hair science?
*Curling away from your face is normally the most flattering look, if you want to add extra volume and avoid your curls meshing together, try rotating the direction of your curls.
Ok, stating the obvious here, but flat irons are primarily used for straightening hair, however they can make a FABB tool for curling. If you are tired of standard tight curls and want to switch up your look then this is a great alternative. It gives you polished curls, but without them all looking perfectly uniform (because being perfect is overrated anyway, right?).
Katie, number two of our lovely volunteers, has thick course hair, which is perfect for using a flat iron, so the flat iron gets a good grip of the hair. We started by taking a section of about an inch thick (again) at the top of the hair shaft, and gripped the hair with the iron as if we were straightening her hair normally. Then, flip the iron under until the hair is sticking out the top of the iron, like in the picture below. Slid the iron all the way down the hair shaft and release when you get to the end and you have your curl.
*If you do have finer hair but want to try this method, try using a texturizing spray or even dry shampoo to give your hair a little more grip.
If you are really craving some change in your curls, try the Pearl wand. It has a very irregular wand structure. Instead of it being a straight wand, it has circles with a little space in-between each of them, allowing the hair to wrap around the iron. This wand creates a very messy and fun hair look. All of the curls turn out different from one another so it can give you a very naturally curly look! This wand can be used for any hair type (as that is with most wands). Kendall has short, soft hair which works perfectly with this wand.
This technique is pretty easy. Just take the standard inch section and wrap it around the barrel. You can choose to wrap the hair in-between or on top of the circles, for different curls. You can wrap the hair around all the way to the ends or leave them out for a more relaxed look.
*This is a more daring and crazy wand, so if it comes out too crazy for your liking, just take some water on your hands and scrunch it through to loosen up the curls.
Last but clearly not least we have just your standard curling wand. These are becoming more and more popular so how could we not mention it? Wands are the easiest to use and also the most versatile when it comes to hair type. No matter the thickness, texture, or length of your hair, you can find a wand to suit your every need.
Kristen has medium length hair with a medium thickness. We used a 1 inch wand, starting at the top of the hair shaft and wrapping the hair around the wand all the way down to the ends. Leave it on the barrel for 10-15 seconds or until your hair feels hot. Then, (obviously) release the curl. This doesn't take much thought or skill, but be careful not to burn your fingers...well duh.
*Wands tend to give a more tossled and relaxed curl compared to a clamp curling iron. The longer you keep your hair on the wand the more curly it will be. For relaxed waves, only keep your hair on the wand for 5-10 seconds, or comb through your curls with your fingers after your curls cool.
Remember to use a heat protectant before styling your hair, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of curling irons/wands/barrels/anything else to see what looks you really like!
Until next week,
XOXO
Kristen & Kendall
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