Are you still trying to master the art of curling your hair with a straightening iron? To get the low-down, we enlisted the help of pro hairdresser, Anthony Nader.
1. Shampoo and condition your hair as normal. "Blow-dry using a large round brush or paddle brush keeping the nozzle following the brush down the direction of the hair. This closes the cuticle and ensures you start with a smooth, clean canvas," explains Nader.
2. Apply a thermal protector. Tip: avoid oil-based products as they can weigh your hair down.
3. Section your hair, leaving the pieces at the nape of your neck out — this will be your starting point.
4. Take a two-centimetre piece, and place the iron as close to the roots as possible. Slide it through the hair slowly in a downwards motion, simultaneously turning the iron . "The work is all in the wrist," says Nader. "[Ensure] the movement is very fluid and in one long sweep — not too jerky." He also gives this good advice: the quicker you slide the iron the looser the curl, and the slower you slide the iron, the tighter the curl.
5. Continue working on the rest of your hair, one section at a time from back to front. Remember: the thinner the section of hair, the more intense and longer-lasting the results will be. Once you get to the front, be sure to wind the sections of hair towards your face (to avoid an '80s style). And don't curl shorter fringes — blow-dry with a large round brush instead.
6. To finish, use your fingers to comb your hair, raking them through to separate the curls. "Use a good flexible hold hairspray to keep the curl longer," suggests Nader.
Still struggling? Adopt the old adage: "If at first you don't succeed, try again."
Once you get the hang of it, you'll be wondering why you ever thought it was tricky!
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