20+ Ways to Curl Your Hair for Perfect, Gorgeous Waves

There are countless ways to curl your hair, whether you want soft beach waves, tight ringlets, or big voluminous curls. You can achieve the perfect curl at home using various techniques, tools, and even heatless methods. Here are 20+ ways to curl your hair, suitable for every hair type and length.

Curling with Heat Tools

1. Curling Iron

One of the most popular ways to curl your hair is by using a curling iron. For tighter curls, use a smaller barrel, and for looser waves, opt for a larger barrel. Simply wrap sections of hair around the barrel and hold for a few seconds before releasing.

2. Flat Iron Curls

Surprisingly, flat irons aren’t just for straightening. You can create beautiful curls by twisting your flat iron as you glide it down a section of hair. This method gives smooth, sleek curls with a polished finish.

3. Curling Wand

A curling wand is similar to a curling iron but without the clamp. This allows you to create more natural-looking curls by wrapping your hair around the wand in different directions.

4. Hot Rollers

For voluminous curls, hot rollers are a great option. Roll your hair in sections and leave them to set for about 15-20 minutes. Once you remove the rollers, you’ll have bouncy, long-lasting curls.

5. Blow Dryer and Round Brush

For a salon-like blowout with big, soft curls, use a round brush and a blow dryer. Roll sections of hair around the brush and blow-dry from the roots to the ends to create loose waves.

Heatless Curling Techniques

6. Braiding for Waves

For effortless, heatless curls, braid your hair while it’s slightly damp and leave the braids in overnight. In the morning, undo the braids to reveal natural, beachy waves.

7. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are not only a protective style but also a way to achieve defined curls. Twist small sections of hair into knots, secure them, and leave them overnight for tight curls when you unravel them.

8. Sock Curls

Sock curls are a fun, easy way to create large, bouncy curls without heat. Roll sections of your hair around socks, tie them up, and leave them in overnight.

9. Twist and Pin

Twist sections of damp hair and pin them up into small buns all over your head. Once your hair is dry, release the buns for soft, natural waves.

10. Headband Curls

Wrap your hair around a headband and leave it in overnight for loose, romantic waves. This method is especially easy and comfortable for sleeping.

Using Hair Products for Curls

11. Mousse for Extra Volume

Apply mousse to damp hair before curling for extra volume and hold. It works well with both heat and heatless methods, giving your curls more bounce and structure.

12. Sea Salt Spray for Beach Waves

Sea salt spray gives you that natural beachy wave look without much effort. Apply it to damp hair, scrunch, and either air dry or diffuse for texture and volume.

13. Heat Protectant Spray

Before using any heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray. This prevents damage while helping your curls last longer and stay frizz-free.

14. Curling Cream for Defined Curls

Curling cream enhances natural curls or waves. Apply it to damp hair and either scrunch or twist your hair for a more defined look.

Curling with Different Tools

15. Flexi Rods

Flexi rods are bendable foam rods that you wrap sections of hair around for spiral curls. You can sleep with them in, and in the morning, you’ll have beautifully defined curls.

16. Perm Rods

For tighter, more structured curls, perm rods are a great option. Set your hair with them overnight or sit under a hooded dryer for more immediate results.

17. Velcro Rollers

Velcro rollers are perfect for adding volume and curl. Roll them into sections of damp hair and let them air dry or use a blow dryer for quicker results.

18. Finger Coils

For natural curls, finger-coiling is a great option. Take small sections of damp hair and wrap them around your finger to form a tight curl, then let them air dry.

Unique Curling Methods

19. Paper Towel Curls

Roll sections of damp hair around paper towels and tie them into knots. This heatless curling method gives soft, long-lasting curls.

20. T-Shirt Curls

A simple way to create loose curls is by using an old T-shirt. Twist the shirt into a circular shape, wrap your hair around it, and sleep with it in overnight for bouncy curls.