1. Prep your hair: Start with dry, detangled hair. Apply a heat protectant spray to safeguard your locks from heat damage.
2. Heat up your iron: Choose the desired barrel size and adjust the temperature based on your hair type (fine, medium, thick) and desired curl style (loose waves, tight curls).
3. Section your hair: Clip up the majority of your hair to work in manageable sections, starting from the bottom layers.
4. Choose your curl direction: Decide if you want the curls to face away from your face (for a softer look) or towards your face (for a more dramatic look).
5. Wrap your hair: Take a small section of hair, clamp it down near the root with the iron facing the desired curl direction, and begin wrapping the hair around the barrel.
6. Hold and release: Hold the curl in place for a few seconds (holding time depends on hair type and desired curl tightness) and then gently release the clamp and unfurl the hair.
7. Cool and repeat: Let the curl cool completely before moving on to the next section. This helps the curl set and hold its shape.
8. Alternate directions: For a more natural look, alternate curling directions throughout your hair (some sections away, some towards your face).
9. Finish and style: Once all sections are curled, use your fingers to gently break up the curls and create a more voluminous style. Apply a light hairspray for added hold, if desired.
10. Bonus tip: For extra volume and texture, use your fingers to gently tease the roots of your hair before curling