Guide to Styling Corkscrew Curls

woman with very curly hair

Corkscrew curls are conquering the catwalks as well as our hair! We'll tell you what you need to know about these tight curls, which hairstyles are best styled with them, and how women with straight hair can also get in on this curly trend.

It’s almost like a natural law that we always want what we don't have: curly-haired girls want straight hair, while those with straight locks long for that curly mane. Luckily, we can have the best of both worlds! Here, we’ll be focusing on the curly trend of the season: the corkscrew look is making its rounds once again.

How to get corkscrew curls

Women getting corkscrew curls styled
So much bounce with corkscrew curls!

As you might have guessed, these spiral curls get their name from the corkscrew. The best way to get these curls is with a curling iron. The larger the diameter of the curling iron, the larger the curls will be, so opt for smaller ones.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Comb through towel-dried hair and part it in the middle.
  2. For more bounce, work a hazelnut-sized amount of mousse into your hair, and then blow your hair dry.
    Volume tip: lift your hair with your fingers while blow-drying it.
  3. Comb your hair straight and grab your curling iron.
  4. Curl your hair, section by section, until your entire head of hair is nice and curly. 
    Pro-tip: For a more put-together look, twist the curling iron backwards while forming your curls.

  5. Careful! Make sure not to brush out your curls!
  6. Separate the curls as needed using a straight needle and then set the hairstyle with plenty of hairspray.

Hairstyles with corkscrew curls

These ringlets have left their good girl image at home this season and are now exciting and relaxed. Forget cute braids and embrace your wilder side by leaving your hair loose.

Corkscrew curls with fake bangs

Woman with curls and fake bangs
One look - two fashionable trends: corkscrew curls and fake bangs

Long goldilocks and messy fake bangs make for an alluring look.

How to get this look: Create a short side part in your hair and make the corkscrew curls. After styling, lightly brush the curls. Style the fake bangs by pulling a section of long hair over your forehead and securing it by placing bobby pins horizontally. Loosen the fake bangs with your fingers for a messier look. Then just set with some hairspray and you’re all done!

Corkscrew curls with a part

Brunette woman with corkscrew curls
Add a part to give your curls some direction

Corkscrew curls in the trendy clavi-cut length (up to the collarbone) are very in, and are particularly beautiful and elegant with a side or center part. And for the evening, some dramatic lip color is all you need.

How to get this look: First create a precise part, make the corkscrew curls, leaving a small section at the hairline straight and tuck it behind your ears. Finish the look with some shine spray and you’re all set!

Short corkscrew curls

Brunette woman with short hair and corkscrew curls
Short curls for that rogue charm

Curls aren’t just for long hair – those with shorter cuts can also get trendy corkscrew curls. For example, these curls turn the classic bob into an exciting lion’s mane. The corkscrew curls have to be styled messily to make the look cool instead of stuffy. How does that work?

How to get the look: Style corkscrew curls to your jawline, then flip your head over and blow dry your hair upside down, using your fingers to gently separate the curls a bit and to form them into shape.

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