The first thing I do before styling my hair whether wearing it down or braiding it is to give it some big loose curls. This helps with the texture and volume of the hair even when I braid or style an updo. So here it is: the how to of my basic loose curls with a curling wand.
First, let me explain why I use a curling wand as opposed to a curling iron. I have both and I use both, but they both have ups and downs for me. When I say curling iron I’m referring to the one with a clip. And the advantage with the clip is it helps holding your hair while your wrap it around the hot tool. But it’s also a bad thing because if you don’t know how to use this curling iron well (which I took a VERY long time to figure out), you could get clip marks on your hair. They look like kinks and the curls lose that soft natural look.
So to avoid the clip marks, I started using a curling wand instead (the one without any clip). I’ve switched over to curling wand for a year now. To be honest, at first it was difficult for me to adjust since there is no clip. The challenge is how to get my hair wrapped around this 400ºF rod without burning my finger, my scalp, and even my ear and neck. That’s the challenge! So that’s why I put this post together to help anyone who’s learning how to use a curling wand to nail your big loose curls without hurting yourself.
I’ll be featuring this T3 Whirl Trio interchangeable curling wand that was sent to me as a gift. It comes as a set with three different wands like pictured above: a 1″ straight barrel, a 1 1/4″-3/4″ tapered barrel and a 1.5″ straight barrel. The one I’m using here is the biggest one, 1.5″ straight barrel.
I start with my straight hair divided into 2 sides, and work on one side at a time.
- Heat Protection Spray: A lot of people skip this step, but I cannot stress it enough. Heat damages your hair, you need protection spray. I use this Caviar Anti-Aging spray which protects up to 450ºF. It also smells amazing. People ask how I have shiny healthy looking curls, this is part of it! (Also, if you have time, you can spray this volume mist before the heat protection spray. I use this when I have time and it adds so much volume!) Then brush your hair out. Start from bottom, then work your way up if you have long hair.
- Wear glove on same side of hair: This T3 Whirl Trio set also comes with a glove (as any curling wand should). There are 5 different heat settings that goes up to 410ºF, but I set mine to the second hottest. Glove goes on hand of the same side of the hair, wand on the other hand. For example, I start with my left side, I wear the glove on my left hand and hold the wand with my right. When I switch to do the right side, glove on right hand, wand on left.
- Curl away from face: Start from the back and work your way to the front. Wrap a section of hair around the wand, away from face. I keep the same direction for each side here. At the end, leave 1-2 inches. I like the ends not curls, give a more natural look in my opinion 🙂 When you’re done with one side, remove glove, apply heat protection spray to the other side, wear glove on the other hand and repeat!
- Texturizing Spray: I used to use hair spray to hold the curls at this step. And you can too, but I find hair spray to be sticky, sometimes too firm and makes my curls feel crunchy and look unnatural. I want to keep the curls soft, bouncy but at the same time voluminous. I use this amazing Oribe texturizing spray. Lift your hair up, spritz, spritz. Flip all your hair upside down, spritz, spritz. And you’re done!
Hope you like this hair tutorial. Below are the products that I used to create this basic curl look. Let me know if you enjoy hair tutorials like this and I’ll create more!
*Thank you T3 Micro for sending me this wonderful wand trio to help me create this look.
Click on product to shop:
denisesplanet says
Yes, I liked the tutorial! I didn’t know there was a difference between a curling wand and a curling iron! I liked this one now, I need to buy a curling wand now 🙂 And the tip of wearing gloves is very good! Never thought of that! Yes, it’s a challenge not to burn ears and neck! Your hair looks great – before and after! Hope you have a very nice week!
DenisesPlanet.com
Atsuna Matsui (@atsunamatsui) says
The end result of your loose curls look amazing dear! I absolutely love it. 🙂
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
thomasfalkenstedt says
Sometimes I wish I had more hair than I do to play around with as I’m envious of all the nice tools and products you girls with long hair get to use! At the same time I realize it’s really time consuming too and should probably be grateful for that. 🙂 But, lovely tutorial and gorgeous pics! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/2016/10/28/heroism/
Gigi says
I”m so going to try this! Your hair is so dreamy looking! xx
Meron Dymphana says
You have such a beautiful hair!!! The curling wand works like a charm! I wonder if it would work on African hair though….
http://www.fashionstylemogul.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Your hair always looks PERFECT, and I’ve been wondering how you get those beautiful curls, so thank you thank you for sharing! I will definitely be coming back to this post any time I try to style my extensions!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Jo says
Lily, you know I love your hair since I met you on IG. You have most beautiful hair, and those curls are gorgeous. I am going to try this step by step as you instructed. Wish me luck girl 🙂
xo,
Jo
http://www.glamfashionbook.com
Ev says
Beautiful!
http://www.evdaily.blogsot.com
Christine Kong says
You have gorgeous hair first of all, and this T3 curling wand is amazing! I have the straightener but now I need this wand. I love the extra large barrel and the waves it makes are perfect! Love these photos and tutorial! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Gina Diaz says
Amazing post sweetie! the pictures and you hair are very beautiful!
Xx, Gina
Candace says
That wand curls your hair to perfection. Your hair is so gorgeous with those curls 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
Miki (@mikialamode) says
Wow. I love your hair and this tutorial is perfect. I don’t have a curling iron anymore. I curl with a thin straight iron, but I was thinking of getting a curler again. I think they make the curls look so much nicer. Thanks for sharing!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Jennsemble says
I love your step by step tutorial of the whole process!! The curls came out amazing and you look so great and effortless! Thanks for sharing babe!!
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
Jo says
Your hair looks absolutely gorgeous! Really awesome tutorial and photos!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Maryam says
Your hair is so pretty! Looks so silky!!
xo, Maryam
http://www.glamandposh.com
snappedbygracie says
Your hair is gorgeous ! I have never used a wand, only a curling iron, so I am going to have to give it a try ! Great step by step review, loved it !
XX, GRACIE
Caprice bianca says
I need this !!! I only use a regular curling iron but it’s not as versatile as the wand. I tried the wand once and it was difficult to use because I’m so used to the old fashioned iron but I’m ready to make the transition. Your hair looks fabulous!!!
linh dao says
Love this wand! Your hair looks amazing babe! I love the loose curls!
Linh
http://xcapewithlinh.com/are-you-financially-independent/
justatinabit says
I am always so envious of your hair! I’ve never tried a curling wand before but you’ve convinced me to use it now!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
lydia webb says
You have the most gorgeous hair!! Great tutorial too!
xo, Lydia
http://www.JettingJewels.com
Aldora Muses says
Oh wow I ADORE your well-coiffured tresses Lily! That curling wand looks handy too 🙂
Andreea Birsan says
Lily your hair looks so beautiful! Loved this step by step tutorial, and the result looks just perfect. I love seeing curls on everyone. My hair is really soft, more like baby hair so curls won’t last. Have a lovely week! <3
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Lady Goldapple says
Your curls look very lovely. Love the curl-iron it’s so stylish too
X Charissa
http://www.ladygoldapple.com
Tania says
Your hair looks so beautiful! I love the way you style it. The wand looks really cool too!
queenhorsfallphotography says
OMG I need to try it! I stopped curling my hair lately!wanted to give a break time
http://www.queenhorsfall.com/
samira radmehr says
love T3 and their products! thanks for sharing this!
xo, samira
http://www.leathertolunch.com
katelyn chef says
your hair always looks so beautiful and effortless-I need the patience to try this myself.
Cheers,
Katelyn
http://www.theyellowspectacles.com
thenewgirldar says
OOhhh badly need that curling iron! It so pretty and produce beautiful curls
http://www.thenewgirl.me
Sharon Wu says
Your hair looks incredible babe! I wish I could get my hair to grow that long haha I always seem to not be able to get it past the “awkward length” lol. That curling iron looks amazing too — your hair looks so bouncy and healthy <3 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/shopbop-surprise-sale/
aharonhadas says
I always try to tdo this but never get it quit right 🙁
The Fashion Matters- Travel & Fashion blog | Instagram: TheFashionMatters
Melbourneyum.com says
You’re so pretty
after you finished doing your hair you look like a princess
I wish you could do mine !!
Richa Kamal says
Your hair is amazing. Love the way you always style it.
For someone who has never used curling iron, this is such a great post!
Love all your tips and specially the products you linked.
Richa | Fancier’s World
Warren says
Really great tutorial! you’ve done it really well thanks for sharing 🙂
Fe Samaia says
I usually use my straightener to curl my hair but maybe i should buy a curling iron and give it a try! Your hair always look so perfect babe thank you for the tutorial
xoxo
Fe
http://www.fesamaia.com/10-basic-things-la-girls-do-during-fallwinter/
jenellewitty says
You have such incredible hair! I am not this skilled with my curling wand. I think I better practice!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com/
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