The Secrets to Curling Hair- Curling Iron, Wand & Flat Iron

Explore how curl direction, right or left, shapes the final look across irons, and how away-from-face versus toward-the-face directions, plus alternating patterns, create varied styles.

Identify away from the face or towards the face to create space near the eye. Both directions share the same curl but yield different looks, including behind-the-ear Hollywood pinup styles.

Master on base versus off base positioning to control lift and volume when curling at the scalp, using elevation and direction to shape the look.

Learn to prevent fish hooks when curling hair by starting at mid-length and keeping ends in the curl. Lay the ends along the barrel while wrapping.

Master wrapping a clip iron in open or closed mode to create flat, wand-like, or outside-barrel curls, while avoiding burns by opening away from the client and watching clip seams.

Learn a fast end-focused curling technique using a curling iron for loose, beveled ends. Divide the back, wrap ends away from the face, and adjust for hair that holds curl.

Create tousled waves with straight ends by testing curl size, wrapping and twisting hair, and leaving the ends uncurled for movement and that trendy Instagram-worthy texture.

Create Hollywood waves by teasing the base, shaping through sections, and finishing with a shine serum and flexible working spray for a glossy, movable hold.

Learn to curl with a flat iron using horizontal and vertical moves, keeping movement to avoid kinks and producing left, right, and beachy curls at 350–370 degrees.

Discover how pull angle and direction with a flat iron—from straight down to 45-degree diagonal to outward—shape curl tightness, and keep results consistent with steady speed and section shape.

Master flat iron beveling to add texture by angling and turning the iron, creating ends that bevel away from or toward the face for a subtle, lifted look.

Master traditional flat iron curls away from the face using controlled sections, speed, and direction to tailor tighter or looser waves, with tapping to fine-tune and balance the back.

Use a flat iron set to create loose curls by curling in the chosen direction and pinning sections to the scalp. Let them cool to improve elasticity and hold.

Learn to create natural looking curls by alternating curl directions across sections, building volume and a tousled, unpredictable pattern. Map front sections and vary directions to flatter face and texture.

Learn to create super loose waves with a half turn vertical technique using a flat iron, keeping consistent sections and directions away from the face for a fast, blowout-like curl.

Learn to create soft end curls with a horizontal half-turn technique using a curling iron, focusing on bouncy, end-only curls and directing them away from the face.

Learn to create faux dreadlocks with twisting and flat iron for a natural, textured look. Work with direction, brick-laying, and heat to shape, loosen, and avoid tangles for period-piece styling.