You’ve found just the curling tongs you’re after, but do you know how to use them to get the best curls? Before you make any silly mistakes, here’s some advice from the pros on how to make your curling tongs your partner in hair!
When to curl and how to prep the hair
Before getting out your curling tongs, ask yourself if the time is right! “We can’t stress enough that for your curls to last, you should wash your hair the day before you plan to curl it. The shape will drop more easily on clean hair.”
Whichever product you choose, it is best applied to wet hair to add body and spring to the curls. Use styling products to help structure the curl. “If you want long-lasting curls, opt for a styling mousse. For a softer result, a curl definition product will do.”
Now that your hair is ready to go, you can start creating your cute curls. Remember that your curling tongs can only be used on dry hair. “Blow dry your hair thoroughly first, being careful not to burn your precious locks.”
Choosing the right tool and sections
Then, take your curling tongs, whichever diameter you prefer, depending on the result you’re after (the wider the barrel, the bigger the curl will be and vice versa). “Choose the sections you want to curl. You don’t have to curl the full length of your hair if you don’t want to - this can take a long time!”
To use your curling tongs properly, roll the piece of hair you want to curl around the full length of the curling tongs so that the heat is evenly distributed. “Try to do this fairly swiftly so that your hair is not subjected to the heat for too long. So roll the piece of hair quickly around the curling tongs in a spiral motion, wait a few seconds, then release the curling tongs to free the hair and wait for it to cool down.”
Technique: how to wrap and release
If you want to curl your hair like a pro, hold your head upside down with the end of the tongs pointed towards the floor! Be careful when using your curling tongs in order to avoid breaking your hair or adding kinks. “It’s the round section of the curling tongs that gives your hair its shape, whereas the section on top is hollow and contains ridges. So make sure you spread your hair out evenly to avoid kinks.”
Our tip: If you have long hair, it’s best to curl your hair in two goes. Say goodbye to block blonde hair! These days we are reverting back to diversity and volume with golden and warm blondes. For silky and shiny hair, you’ll need to know the right tricks and use the right products, because hair doesn’t naturally shine!
Product and tool guidelines
To multiply your hairstyles without getting your hair cut, all you need are the right products and tools. With a little imagination, anything is possible! When it comes to hair, we all want what we can’t have; people with straight hair want curls, and people with curls want straight hair. Taking a hot iron to your hair can be intimidating, especially if you have never done it before.
The type of curls you want will determine the curling tongs you use. Ceramic and tourmaline tongs are used by many professional stylists. Gold and titanium coated tongs are good conductors of heat, but do not help minimize frizz. Though the gold and titanium coating helps keep them from damaging hair as easily as chrome tongs do, it tends to wear off with time. Chrome tongs are the most widely available, and lowest quality curling tongs on the market.
Different tong designs
Spring Curling Tongs are a good option if you are new to using curling tongs. They have a spring-action clip that holds your hair in place, making them very easy to use, and are available in a wide range of sizes. Clipless Curling Tongs present more of a challenge, but give you more flexibility as far as the style of curls you can create. They do not create the crease that can sometimes result from using spring curling tongs, and allow you to get closer to the roots of your hair. Marcel Curling Tongs were designed for professionals, and will be very difficult for the novice to master. They have an extra handle that allows the user to exercise a greater level of control. Spiral or Ribbon Curling Tongs create spiraling ringlets, as their name suggests.
Practical steps for great curls
Read some reviews. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information, consult the internet. Wash and condition your hair. If your hair is thick or not particularly oily, do not wash it before curling. If your hair usually has trouble holding a curl, skip washing it for a day or two before curling. This should help make your hair more malleable. Apply product. If your hair is damaged, oily, or limp, spray it with a heat protectant from root to ends while it is still damp. Apply a strong-hold mousse liberally-you can do this at the roots to achieve a fuller look, or from mid-shaft to ends for a looser one.
Plug in your curling tongs. If your hair is fine or damaged, select a heat setting under 200 degrees. A medium hair texture may need a temperature between 200 and 300 degrees. If your hair is curly or thick, select a heat setting between 300 and 400 degrees. As you go, you can gauge how well your initial temperature selection is working, and make adjustments accordingly.
Step-by-step curling routine
- 1) Start with the top layer of hair on the back of your head. Comb it out and mist it lightly with hairspray, going from root to end. Apply the tongs to your hair.
- 2) If you are using spring curling tongs and want to achieve a bouncy curl, clip the tongs close to the roots and slide them gently down to the tip, holding them horizontally. If you want loose waves, clip the tongs an inch or two above the ends of your hair, holding them in a vertical position, and roll up.
- 3) If you are using clipless tongs, start at the roots of your hair.
- 4) Hold for 10 to 20 seconds. The amount of time you need will vary depending on how thick your hair is, the temperature of your curling tong, and how much definition you want in your curls. If you are unsure, start at 10 and see how it looks.
- 5) Unwind your hair from the tongs gently. Use a bobby pin to clip the curl onto your head. This will keep it out of your way, and help it hold its shape once you unpin it.
- 6) See how it looks. If your curls look a little too perfect, finger comb your hair gently to break up any unwanted ringlets. If you want a slightly mussed look, flip your hair forward and then back.
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. If you have oily hair, start with clean, blow-dried hair before curling. Avoid putting products directly onto your scalp. Instead, put them on the hair itself. Watch video tutorials. There are myriad approaches to using curling tongs, and they vary greatly based on the kind of hair you have, your skill level, the tongs you are using, and the look you are trying to achieve.
Curling hair isn’t just for long locks. Rewrite the rulebook on trimmed tresses and jump headfirst into perfecting how to curl short hair with a wand. Getting short curly hairstyles doesn’t have to cause hassle, just make sure you’ve got the right tools to hand. Achieve long-lasting curls by prepping your cropped hair with ghd curl hold spray. Add curls and waves to your short hairstyle repertoire with help from ghd.
Follow this guide on how to curl short hair with a wand or tong for guaranteed head-turning styles. So you can get those chic curls you crave, ghd has taken a look at some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to curling your hair.
Q: DO I NEED TO USE A HEAT PROTECTANT WHEN CURLING MY HAIR? A: To keep your tousles fully protected and get guilt-free styling, heat protection spray is a styling essential when curling your hair. The ghd heat protect spray will protect your hair from any dryer or styler, leaving your hair with a no-product healthy feel. Using the unique ghd Heat Protection System, the spray creates an invisible barrier against everyday damage, whether your hair is damp or dry. Our Heat Protection System also features in the ghd curl hold spray.
Q: HOW CAN I MAKE MY CURLS LAST LONGER? A: You can use professional products to help keep your curls or waves looking bouncy all night long.
