How to Curl Your Hair & Make It Last

I get asked about my hair almost every time I post an outfit here or on social media. Which is kind of funny to me because I spend so little time on my hair, and it usually feels like a hot-mess. And I don’t consider myself any kind of hair expert, so I kept putting a tutorial post off. Then it dawned on me that I’m not an expert on 99.99% of the stuff I babble about here, so I finally decided to go for it.

I’m certainly no pro, and I don’t do anything ground-breaking with my hair, but this is the method I’ve used for ages and it works for me. I hope it comes in handy for you, too!

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

 

{Favorite Hair Products & Tools}
Hair Dryer (I’ve since switched to this one & can’t believe the difference!)
Smoothing Serum
Pomade
Shower Cap (so perfect for 2nd & 3rd day curls!)

 

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

 

{What You Do}

You’ll notice the post is titled, ‘How to Curl Your Hair…& Make it Last.‘ The ‘make it last’ part is what’s key for me because I like to go several days between shampoos.

So the first step is starting with clean, dry hair. I upgraded to this hair dryer a few years ago and it literally cut my drying time in half (see my full review on the Dyson Dryer here).

After shampoo and conditioner, I add a little smoothing serum, then do a quick blow dry using a paddle brush. My goal is to get it dry and mostly smooth. I usually do this step at night, then curl it the next morning.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

Start by clipping the top two-thirds up, and comb a 1-inch section.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

Hold the curling iron parallel to your head, and place close to the root.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

Wrap the section around the iron, holding the bottom inch away, and leave for 10-seconds or so. If you’re curling larger sections, hold it longer, and vice versa for smaller sections. Pull the iron out without touching or pulling the curls.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

You want the most concentrated curl at the roots, not the ends, for a more natural look. So if you’re using an iron with a clamp, don’t place the iron on the ends and roll upwards toward the root. And just a sidenote, it took me 6 months to be able to use a curling wand without wearing the glove. There is no shame in the glove!

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

Work your way around, curling the bottom layer in 1-inch sections, then let another layer out of the clip.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

Repeat the same process on the second layer. I like a messier look, so I don’t worry if some sections are curlier than others, or if I miss a section completely.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

Once you’ve curled all the layers, spray a light mist of hairspray on your whole head.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

Let your hair cool completely without touching or pulling on the curls…this step is key for making them last!

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

It typically takes me less than 10 minutes to curl my hair, and I let it ‘set’ while putting on my makeup and getting dressed. Then lightly run your fingers through your hair, separating the curls.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

Follow with another light mist of hairspray.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

For a piecey look, I finish by rubbing a little pomade in the ends with my fingers.

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

And there you have it!

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last
Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last
Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

 

Hi Sugarplum | How to Curl Your Hair & Make it Last

For day 2, I lightly comb the ends and re-curl a few pieces on the top and around my face.


Cozy V-Neck Pullover | Bralette | White Jeans | Bangle Set


Turtleneck Tunic Top | Jeggings | Leopard Flats

Bell-Sleeve Top (also in white on sale here) | White Jeans | Similar Wedge Sandals | Sunglasses | Clutch

Day 3 is typically a ponytail or messy bun, with a couple of new curls around my face.


Fringe Sandals | Tote Purse | Off-the-Shoulder Top (on sale!) | Favorite Jeans | Earrings | Sunglasses

Wow, that is a whole lot of my face and hair! But I hope this post is helpful to you guys! Feel free to leave any questions in the comments and I’ll answer them there…or if you have other hair-related tutorials you’d like to see, let me know, too.
Update: Find my new beachy waves tutorial for slightly longer hair here. And all my hair & makeup posts here.

 

{Favorite Hair Products & Tools}
Hair Dryer (I’ve since switched to this one & can’t believe the difference!)
Smoothing Serum
Pomade
Shower Cap (so perfect for 2nd & 3rd day curls!)

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