Loose curls have been a go-to hairstyle for years, often seen on social media, giving off a relaxed yet polished vibe. The good news? You don’t need a curling iron to achieve this look—just a flat iron and a little practice.
### Prepping Your Hair
For the best results, start with clean hair. Wash and condition as usual, and if you have a leave-in conditioner, apply it to keep your hair hydrated. Since flat irons can be harsh, extra conditioning helps protect your strands.
Before using heat, apply a heat protectant. These products contain silicones that lock in moisture and minimize damage. Be sure to follow the instructions—too much can make your hair greasy, while too little won’t provide enough protection.
Let your hair dry completely before styling, as wet hair is more prone to breakage. If possible, air dry your hair, but if you’re short on time, use a towel and then blow-dry on a low setting.
### Sectioning for Easy Styling
Dividing your hair into sections makes the process more manageable. A common method is to split it into three sections, securing each with flat hair clips. This helps you keep track of which parts you’ve curled and which still need attention.
### Straightening Before Curling
For the best loose curls, start by straightening your hair. Set your flat iron to a high but comfortable temperature—if your hair is fine, use a lower setting to prevent damage.
Working from the back of your head, take a one-inch section and run the flat iron over it to smooth it out. Continue this process until all of your hair is straight, allowing each section to cool as you go.
### Creating Loose Curls
Once your hair is straight, it’s time to curl. Take a section, position the flat iron so it’s pointing downward, and twist it away from your face. For a natural look, start curling no higher than your cheekbone. As you twist, slowly glide the flat iron down to the ends.
Let the curl drop and cool for a few seconds. If it’s not quite right, don’t worry—this style is forgiving, and a little practice will help you perfect the technique.
To help the curls hold their shape, twist each one and pin it back with a bobby pin while you continue styling the rest of your hair.
### Finishing Touches
Once all your curls are in place, mist your hair with a light-hold hairspray to set the style. Avoid extra-firm sprays, as they can make the curls feel stiff instead of soft and bouncy.
After about 20 minutes, your hair should be cool and set. Remove the pins and let your curls fall naturally. If they’re too tight, gently run your fingers or a comb through them until you achieve the perfect loose curl look.