I love the relaxed look of soft, loose waves. This type of curl is so easy to wear and looks great the next day as the curls fall into a beachy wave.
Curling your hair into a wave adds a beautiful texture when you’re styling updos, as it creates more volume and body in your hair.
The key to getting these large waves is using a large curling wand. For this tutorial I’m using the H2D X3 curling wand, which comes with three different wand attachments. I’m using the 32mm large barrel curler which is best for long hair.
How to curl your hair to create soft, loose waves
1. Start with straight hair. This may seem silly to point out, but if you have really curly hair like me, your need to smooth it out. I needed to wash and blowdry my hair with a large round brush to smooth it before I begin to curl.
2. Section your hair. Start by take a section across the back from ear to ear. Clip the rest of your hair up and out of the way.
3. Curl in small sections. Take a small piece of hair from the section and curl it around your wand, away from your face. Hold the wand above so you can let the curl drop from the barrel. This lets the curl stay in shape.
4. Don’t curl right to the root. Continue curling working in small sections around your hair. As you get to the top sections, don’t curl all the way to the root. I like to start the curl just above my ears so the waves sit better.
5. Let your curls cool. It’s so important to leave them in the ringlet shapes for a few minutes to let all your hair cool. This will make them last longer in your hair. Finish getting ready and then we’ll finish the hair.
6. Soften the curls into waves. Run your fingers through your curls to break them up. Use a bristle brush (like my fave Mason Pearson) to lightly brush the curls into waves. You can use a light serum to define the ends of your hair, or instead use a sea salt spray to add more texture.
Styling tips:
- Curls always drop. Style your hair a little tighter to begin with than you actually the finished curl to be. This will mean your hair looks good for longer.
- Clip up your curls to let them cool. My hair holds a curl well so I leave my hair down while I curl the next section. If your hair doesn’t hold a curl well, I recommend buying some small, flat clips to pin each curl up separately. Once your hair is cool, let your curls down and then run your fingers through to break them up.
- Always curl away from your face. This creates a softer, more open look. And I think it looks prettier.
- Don’t curl your roots. For this softer look keep your waves starting about ear level down.
How do you wear your waves? What’s your best tip for curling your hair?
How long do you hold your hair on the hot curling wand?
Hi Anne, only about 5-10 seconds. Check out this video I made with more tips – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrC0wKZaknw xx
Hi I’ve tried everything and my hair won’t curl unless I put it on high and hold it on there for a long time! Its damaging my hair. My hair is also super thick and frizzy . Do you have any tips ?
Hi Jessica, There are so many causes for frizz so first check what shampoo and conditioner you’re using and try switching to a sulphate free type. Then try not to cause extra frizz by rubbing your hair with your towel after you wash your hair. As for curling, always use a heat protectant to limit the damage. Try clipping up each section of hair after you curl it to let it cool. This let’s it cool in the curl shape so it holds better for longer. Good luck x
I have curly hair too. When I try to curl my hair with a curling iron after blowing it out straight, it won’t curl again! Do you do anything special to help it curl after blow drying?
Hi Kylee, you can spray each section lightly with hairspray before curling and clip them up to let them cool in shape x
I have one of those curling wands and I just can’t seem to manage using it. I feel super clumsy with it which I can’t understand because I use either a regular curling iron or a flat iron every day. I guess it’ll take practice.
Hi Amanda! I know what you mean, and I think it just takes a little practice holding your curling wand above your head. Practice while it’s switched off so you can find a comfortable position (without damaging your hair!) x
Great post! Do you find the size of the barrel makes a difference? I have a conical wand and I find te curl is too tight to get the nice, loose wave
Hi Caitlin! Yes the barrel makes a big difference. These are so easy to do with a 32mm barrel. You can still do them with your conical wand. After you curl your hair, pull on your hair and straighten it a little then let it hang. Does that make sense? You can stretch out the curl a little while your hair is hot and create a larger curl. Try it and let me know how you go x
Wow thanks for your barrel trick.Didn’t know that 32 mm can make it happen easily. I was looking for a trick how to do that. I’m going to link this article for my readers!
Love this look but not sure I can do this on my Asian hair. How soft and romantic. 🙂
Thanks Ling! It definitely works in Asian hair. This wand has adjustable heat settings so works on all hair types x