How to Use a Curved Flat Iron? [8 Simple Steps to Follow]

I love styling my hair; it gives it more personality and helps me express myself more. Recently, I was interested to learn more about using a curved flat iron to give myself waves and curls. But how to use a curved flat iron?

There are several excellent techniques you can use, including flicks and curls, as well as flat waves and full turns to give you a variety of wavy results. It’s very simple to do, and you add masses of volume to your hair.

I’m excited to take you through some of my favorite tips and tricks for using a curved flat iron.

READ MORE: 3 Best Flat Iron With Rounded Edges Review

Key Takeaways:

  • Use a heat protectant to avoid heat damage.
  • Section your hair off to make it easier
  • Start with the bottom layer first
  • Hold the flat iron horizontally

How to Use a Curved Flat Iron?

Using a curved flat iron can be a lot of FUN, and straighteners allow for a great deal of flexibility when experimenting with new styles. Below, you will find my QUICK and easy steps for achieving styling mastery in no time at all.

Step One: Make Sure Your Hair is Clean and Dry

Flat ironing on dirty or damp hair can damage your strands and lead to BREAKAGE. I recommend using a flat iron on freshly shampooed and conditioned hair that has been towel-dried.

It’s important to make sure your hair is clean before flat ironing because dirty hair can cause the flat iron to SLIP, which can lead to breakage. Additionally, you want to avoid flat ironing on wet hair, as this can DAMAGE your strands.

Pro Tip: Towel-drying your hair will help to remove any excess moisture to help prevent heat damage.

Step Two: Use a Thin Flat Iron

If you have thick, coarse hair, I recommend using a flat iron that is 1 inch or LESS. This will help prevent your hair from getting caught in the flat iron and make it EASIER to achieve sleek, straight styles.

Thick, coarse hair can be more challenging to flat iron, as it is more likely to get CAUGHT in the plates. Using a thinner flat iron will help to avoid this issue and make it easier to achieve sleek, straight styles.

Pro Tip: If you have thin or fine hair, you can use a flat iron that is 1.5 inches or wider. This will help to add volume and body to your styles.

Step Three: Apply Heat Protectant (Generously)

Heat protectant is a MUST when flat ironing your hair, as it will help to prevent heat damage. I like to apply a generous amount of professional heat protectant spray to my hair before flat ironing, making sure to COVER all of my hair.

Be generous with your heat protectant to help prevent heat damage. Make sure to cover ALL of your hair, especially to the ends.

Women Applying Heat Protectant spray

Pro Tip: If you have thick, coarse hair, you may want to apply a flat ironing spray in addition to your heat protectant. This will help to add extra protection and make it easier to style.

Step Four: Separate Your Hair into Sections

Start by separating your hair into SMALL sections, about 1-2 inches wide. I like to start at the back of my head and work my way forward. This will help to ensure that all of your hair is flat ironed evenly.

Smaller sections will help to ensure that your hair is flat ironed evenly. Use clips to help keep your hair sections SEPARATED while flat ironing. This will help to avoid any accidental flat ironing.

Step Five: Use Flicks and Curls

One of the best things about using a flat iron is that you can create a variety of looks, from sleek and straight to playful and wavy. To create flicks and curls, start by flat ironing small sections of hair.

TAKE your time with each section to ensure that the hair is flat ironed evenly. Once you reach your hair’s ends, flip the flat iron up and out to create a flick.

For curls, simply WRAP the hair around the flat iron and HOLD for a few seconds before releasing.

Step Six: Go a Full Turn Instead of Half to Curl the Hair

This is one of my favorite flat ironing tips. When curling your hair with a flat iron, go a FULL turn around instead of a half turn. This will help to create tighter, more defined curls.

A complete turn will also help to ensure that your hair is flat ironed evenly.

Step Seven: Try Flat Waves

Flat waves are a great option if you want to add a little texture to your hair. To create flat waves, start by flat ironing small sections of hair. Once you reach the ends of your hair, TWIST the flat iron before FLATTENING it.

This will create a wave in your hair. For loose, beachy waves, make sure to leave some of the ends out. For tighter, more DEFINED waves, flat iron all of the hair.

Step Eight: Apply Finishing Touches

Once you have flat ironed your hair, you can add some FINISHING touches. I like to apply a small amount of oil or serum to my hair to help tame flyaways and add shine.

Try applying a small amount of oil or serum to add a little SHINE and protection to your hair. This will also help to tame any flyaways.

Can Flat Irons Cause Heat Damage?

If you use a flat iron regularly, you may be wondering if it can cause HEAT damage. While flat irons can damage your hair if misused, you can do a few things to avoid hair damage from heat styling tools[1].

First, make sure that you are using a heat protectant BEFORE flat ironing your hair. This will help to create a barrier between your hair and the flat iron.

women using flat iron but how to use a curved flat iron

Second, AVOID using flat irons on wet hair. Wet hair is more susceptible to heat damage, so ensure your hair is dehydrated before flat ironing.

Finally, avoid flat ironing your hair every day. Over-using flat irons can lead to heat damage, so give your hair a BREAK between flat ironing sessions.

FAQs

Should I Use A Curler Or A Flat Iron?

If you want to add CURL and waves to your hair, then a flat iron is the way to go. Curling irons can be more challenging and may not give you the same results as a flat iron.

Are Straighteners And Flat Irons The Same Thing?

Yes, flat irons and straighteners are the SAME things. Many people use the terms interchangeably.

Do I Need To Use A Heat Protectant With A Flat Iron?

Women Applying Heat Protectant spray

Yes, you should always use a heat protectant when flat ironing your hair. Heat protectants help create a barrier between your hair and the flat iron, preventing heat damage.

How Hot Does A Curved Flat Iron Get?

Most curved flat irons will get up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have fine hair, you may need to use a lower temperature to avoid damaging your hair.

How Do I Clean A Curved Flat Iron?

To clean a flat iron, unplug it and allow it to cool completely. Wipe the flat iron down with a damp cloth to remove any built-up residue. You can also use a flat iron cleaning spray to help remove any residue.

Conclusion

A curved flat iron can be an excellent investment for your hair care routine. They can help to add curls and waves to your hair and give it a more voluminous look.

I hope this guide has inspired you to experiment more with your style, and whatever you decide to go with, I’m sure it will look incredible.

women using flat iron but how to use a curved flat iron

So, did you find the steps helpful? Let us know in the comments section!

Sources:

  • 1. Zhou Y, Rigoletto R, Koelmel D, Zhang G, Gillece TW, Foltis L, et al. The effect of various cosmetic pretreatments on protecting hair from thermal damage by hot flat ironing. Journal of Cosmetic Science [Internet]. 2011 [cited 2022 Nov 8];62:265–82. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21635854/