For those of us with storage space as limited as our budgets, it’s great that there is really only one hair styling tool needed these days. Thanks to today’s hair stylists and vloggers, we now know that the trusty flat iron can create flawless waves just as easily as it can pin-straight strands. Unfortunately, however, the ease of creating flat iron waves with just a flick of the wrist doesn’t always work perfectly when you’re trying it out at home! However, we have six foolproof methods for using the flat iron to create curls that even a hair styling novice can master in a few simple steps.
Don't forget the S shape for bouncier curls!
- Prep your hair. Before you learn how to get flat iron waves, make sure you’re prepared and starting with dry hair. Use a flat iron around 1” thick and heated to 300°F. Spritz your hair with heat protection spray to minimize any heat damage.
- Create curls by feeding your hair into your flat iron in an "S" formation. Start by dropping the middle section of hair into the iron to create the first bend. Then, feed the piece in between the flat iron clamps in an "S" curve formation, clamping down on the shape to create the bends. Repeat to the ends.
- Use the twirl-and-pull method to make waves. Holding your iron at an angle, insert a 1.5”-long section of hair between the clamps, turning it away from your face to create the first bend. Then, gently slide the iron down the section of hair before twirling the iron away from your face again. Repeat this method until you reach your ends, leaving them straight for an unfinished look. Finally, once your entire head is done, run your fingers through your "loose curls" to make them more wave-like.
- Bending your wrist back and forth is key for achieving flat iron waves. Holding your hair horizontally from your head, turn your wrist away from your hair and then down as you move down the section of hair. Next, bend your wrist back toward your hair, creating not-quite-curled texture.
- Braid your hair and then run a flat iron over it a few times. It’s best to start braiding the hair near your eyes, not at the top of the head. Smaller, tighter braids will result in thicker waves. After you braid your hair and run the flat iron over it, loosen the braids and add a sea salt spray to keep your beach waves hair looking great throughout the day.
- Pin-curl your hair up after you've made waves to keep your style intact longer. It’s best to pin-curl your hair for around an hour, if possible, or you can even do this before going to bed and sleep with the curls in place. If your hair doesn't usually hold a wave, this last trick will help keep it all day long. After curling your hair with your flat iron (using any of the methods above), let it cool and then roll a 1” section into a pin curl. Secure it with bobby pins if you're going to sleep in your style, or use duckbill clips if you're just letting your hair cool while you do your makeup. The longer you let your hair set, the longer your waves will last!
With our six hacks for flat iron waves, great texture is just a few flicks of the wrist away. Be sure to lock in your waves with a strong hairspray and you’ll master this look in no time