Curling short natural hair with a flat iron can be an excellent way to achieve beautiful, defined curls without the need for a curling iron or rollers. This technique can provide you with a range of styles, from tight ringlets to loose waves, depending on the method you use. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you curl your short natural hair with a flat iron effectively.
Preparation: Clean and Condition Your Hair
Wash and condition your hair
Start with clean hair. Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfate-free shampoos are gentle and help maintain your hair’s natural oils. Follow up with a deep conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and soft.
Dry your hair completely
Before using a flat iron, ensure your hair is completely dry. Wet hair can get damaged by the heat. You can either air dry your hair or use a blow dryer with a diffuser to maintain some volume and texture.
Apply a heat protectant
Heat protectants are essential when using any heat styling tool. They create a barrier between your hair and the heat, minimizing damage. Spray or apply a heat protectant evenly through your hair before you start styling.
Tools and Products Needed
Flat iron
Choose a flat iron with adjustable heat settings. Ceramic or tourmaline plates are preferable because they distribute heat evenly and reduce frizz. For short hair, a flat iron with 1-inch plates is ideal.
Comb or brush
A fine-toothed comb or a detangling brush will help you remove any knots and ensure your hair is smooth before curling.
Hair clips
Sectioning your hair makes the curling process more manageable. Use hair clips to divide your hair into small, workable sections.
Finishing products
To set your curls and add shine, use a light hold hairspray or a shine serum. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down your curls.
Step-by-Step Guide to Curling Short Natural Hair with a Flat Iron
1. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into small sections
Sectioning your hair makes it easier to manage and ensures that every part gets curled. Use hair clips to separate your hair into at least four sections: two on the top and two on the bottom. If your hair is very thick, you might need to create more sections.
2. Set the Flat Iron to the Right Temperature
Choose the appropriate heat setting
The temperature you use depends on your hair type. For fine or damaged hair, use a lower heat setting (around 300-350°F). For thicker, coarser hair, a higher setting (350-400°F) may be necessary. Always start with a lower temperature to avoid unnecessary heat damage.
SEE ALSO: How to Get Natural Curls Back After Flat Ironing?
3. Start Curling
Take a small section of hair
Work with one small section at a time. The smaller the section, the more defined your curls will be.
Clamp the flat iron at the roots
Place the flat iron close to the roots of the section you’re working on. Be careful not to burn your scalp.
Twist the flat iron
Turn the flat iron 180 degrees away from your face and slowly glide it down the length of the hair. For tighter curls, twist the flat iron 360 degrees and move slowly. For looser curls, a 180-degree twist and a quicker glide will suffice.
Release the curl
Once you reach the end of the hair section, gently release the curl from the flat iron. Let it cool in your palm for a few seconds to set the shape.
4. Repeat the Process
Continue through all sections
Repeat the curling process for each section of hair. Ensure that all sections are evenly curled. It’s important to maintain a consistent technique throughout to achieve uniform curls.
5. Style Your Curls
Finger-comb your curls
Once all sections are curled, let them cool completely. Then, gently run your fingers through your curls to separate them and add volume. Avoid using a brush as it can make your curls frizzy.
Set your style
Apply a light hold hairspray to keep your curls in place throughout the day. A shine serum can also be used to add a glossy finish to your curls.
Tips for Perfect Curls
Practice makes perfect
If you’re new to curling with a flat iron, practice a few times to get the technique right. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect.
Use the right amount of hair
Curling too much hair at once can result in uneven curls. Smaller sections will give you more control and better results.
Be mindful of the heat
Always be cautious with heat settings. Using too much heat can damage your hair. It’s better to use lower heat and take a bit more time curling your hair than to risk damaging it with high heat.
Experiment with angles and directions
Curling your hair in different directions can create a more natural look. Try curling some sections away from your face and others towards your face.
Maintaining Your Curls
Nighttime routine
To maintain your curls overnight, consider using a silk or satin pillowcase, which reduces friction and helps preserve your curls. You can also loosely wrap your hair in a silk scarf or use a bonnet to protect your curls.
Refresh your curls
If your curls start to lose their shape, you can refresh them with a bit of water and a light styling cream. Gently scrunch your curls to revive their shape.
Minimize heat styling
To keep your hair healthy, limit the use of heat styling tools. Give your hair regular breaks from heat and opt for heatless curling methods when possible.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Curls not holding
If your curls aren’t holding, try using a stronger hold hairspray. Also, ensure that your hair is completely dry and that you’re not using too much product before curling.
Frizz and flyaways
To combat frizz, use a smoothing serum or a light oil. Ensure that you’re using a flat iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates, as these materials help reduce frizz.
Heat damage
If you notice signs of heat damage, such as dryness or breakage, take a break from heat styling. Focus on deep conditioning treatments and use heat protectant products religiously when you do use heat tools.
Conclusion
Curling short natural hair with a flat iron can be a versatile and effective way to achieve a variety of styles. With the right tools, products, and techniques, you can create beautiful, long-lasting curls while keeping your hair healthy and vibrant. Remember to be patient and practice the technique to find what works best for your hair type and desired look.