Curls look good on hair of all types, colors and lengths, but the heat from the blow dryer and curling iron can ruin it, making it frizzy, coarse and dull. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get curls without the use of expensive and harmful tools. Learn to create ringlets, vintage curls and natural, voluminous waves with simple techniques at no cost.
Steps
Method 1 of 8: Weave Them To Obtain Natural Waves
Step 1. Use the shampoo and conditioner as usual
Gently comb through to untangle the knots. Pat your hair dry with a towel. Let them dry until they are moist.
Step 2. Collect them by making two braids
Divide them in the center and create two tight braids, then secure the ends with a hair elastic or tie.
- If you want a more natural look, part the braids with your fingers, gently spreading them apart.
- If you want softer waves, instead of dividing your hair into two braids, make a single braid that falls down the back.
- If you want tighter curls, part your hair into three or four strands and braid them. If you have very thick hair, you may want to divide it into more than four sections.
Step 3. Let them air dry
Wait a few hours or go to sleep with your hair braided so that the waves take shape.
Step 4. Untie them
When they are dry, untie them by removing the rubber bands. Swipe your fingers gently so that the waves take on a more natural look.
Method 2 of 8: Create Curls with Curlers
Step 1. Get some curlers
You can buy them in perfumery or in shops for 1 euro. Depending on the length of the hair, with large curlers you will get wide and long curls, while with smaller ones you will create short and tighter curls.
Step 2. Dry your hair
After washing them with shampoo and conditioner, use a towel to dry them. Blot them without rubbing. Wait until they are damp before styling them.
Step 3. Comb them
Do it carefully. Check for knots before starting.
Step 4. Take a small strand
Roll it around a curler. Stop it with a nozzle or attach the curler following the product instructions.
Step 5. Continue wrapping the locks
Keep parting your hair and rolling the strands until you've filled your entire head with curlers.
Step 6. Wait for the hair to take a turn
Keep the curlers for at least four hours, even better for a whole night.
Step 7. Remove the curlers
Unroll them carefully when the hair is completely dry. You should get some amazing and well-held curls.
Method 3 of 8: Use a T-Shirt to Create Tight Curls
Step 1. Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner as usual
Gently comb them to untangle the knots, then pat them dry with a soft towel. Do not apply ampoules or creams without rinsing.
Step 2. Cut a shirt out of long bands
Start from the neck and with a pair of scissors cut the shirt lengthwise to the edge. Continue until you have as many strips as possible. Throw away the sleeves as they are too short to make long enough bands.
- The width of the bands depends on the size of the ringlets. If you want them to be narrow, they must be 3 cm wide. For larger or longer curls, 6-7cm will do.
- If you don't have an old t-shirt, you can use long socks, tea towels or other clothing, even paper bags. Just remember that the strips must be at least 5 cm longer than the hair.
Step 3. Roll up your hair
With a comb, take out a small lock of hair. Align the end of a strip to that of your hair. Roll up to the root and hold the fabric in place. When you are done and the band is close to your head, tie the ends together to stop the "curler".
- If you want to curl only the tip of your hair, stop mid-section and tie the strip where you want the curl to stop.
- Roll the locks inwards and not the other way around, so that the curls are pointing towards the neck rather than going outwards.
- Secure them with a clothespin or spout.
Step 4. Let them dry
Wait a few hours or go to sleep with this fold. When your hair is completely dry, untie the strips to free the strands. Go gently if you want the curls to stay firmer. If, on the other hand, you want softer and more yielding curls, run a wide-toothed comb through your hair to create sinuous waves.
Method 4 of 8: Using a Sock to Create Voluminous Waves
Step 1. Prepare the sock
Take any one (make sure it's long enough). Cut the closed end (about 4 cm) to obtain a tubular shape. Roll it into a donut shape.
Step 2. Pull your hair well
For this method you have to start with dry hair. Make a ponytail on top of your head and tie it with a rubber band. Sprinkle it with some water so that the waves are more defined.
Step 3. Adjust the sock
Holding the tip of the tail, pull it through the hole in the sock. Wrap some strands of hair around the bun, securing them well underneath. Continue to roll the ponytail towards the head, securing the hair under the bun. The bun should stay in place once you're done wrapping your hair,.
Step 4. Keep the bun on all night
Remove the sock and untie your hair after 6-8 hours. Gently run your fingers through your hair to arrange the waves.
Step 5. Admire the result
At this point you will have got some nice curvy waves. If you prefer, spray some hairspray to set the styling.
Method 5 of 8: Using a Headband to Create Vintage Curls
Step 1. Wash your hair and apply conditioner as usual
If you have recently washed them, you can just get them wet. Blot with a towel and let them air dry. Make sure they are completely dry before you begin.
Step 2. Brush them
Brush or comb your hair well. Make sure there are no knots.
Step 3. Wrap them around a band
Choose one that is supple and soft, like the ones you use to keep your hair away from your face. Working in sections, wrap them around the headband and use bobby pins to hold the tips in place as you go. Continue until the hair is completely rolled up.
You can also wrap them around the bottom of the headband only
Step 4. Let the hair dry
Go to sleep wearing the headband so your hair has time to dry completely. To speed up the process, use a hair dryer set on cold air.
Step 5. Remove the headband and rock the curls
Remove the hairpins by letting all the strands fall. Continue until you have melted all of your hair. Keep your vintage curls tidy by applying a dab of foam and some hairspray.
Method 6 of 8: Create Curls with Two Side Buns
Step 1. Moisten your hair with water
You don't have to wash them unless they're dirty.
Step 2. Brush them thoroughly
Step 3. Separate them into two strands
Twist them tightly.
Step 4. Fold them to make two side buns
Step 5. Keep them all night
Let them dry while you sleep.
Step 6. Let your hair down the next morning
You will have some great waves!
Method 7 of 8: Create Waves with Twists
Step 1. Start with dry hair
If you have just washed your hair, pat it dry with a towel and let it dry.
Step 2. Comb and separate them
Divide them on the sides.
Step 3. Twist the first half tightly
Use a small clip to secure it on top of your head. If you don't have hair clips, hair ties are fine too. Repeat the same operation on the other side.
You can also secure the two buns by wrapping them in a cloth band
Step 4. Wait for them to dry
It will take 4-6 hours, or even all night.
Step 5. Untie them
Remove the clips or headband and shake your hair. Admire your slightly messy spiral shaped waves.
Method 8 of 8: Create Curls with Clothespins
Step 1. Wash your hair or take a shower
Then let them air dry. However, they need to be moist if you want the curls to hold.
Step 2. Brush them
Do this thoroughly once they are almost dry. In fact, they will have to be perfectly brushed or combed if you want to get homogeneous curls.
Step 3. Divide them into two sections
You should make a larger one at the top and a smaller one at the bottom. You can do this with your fingers or with the help of a comb.
Step 4. Use your finger to create the curls
Create the first one by taking a strand and wrapping it around your finger. Then secure it on your head with a hair clip or clothespin.
Do this until your head is full of coiled strands
Step 5. Leave the clips until the hair is dry
You can use the hair dryer to speed up the process or wait for them to air dry. Then remove the clips or pegs and unroll the curls.
- You can also swipe your fingers to fluff up the hairstyle, but don't brush yourself.
- If you prefer, fix the styling with a little hairspray.
Advice
- Avoid brushing your hair after curling it, otherwise the curls will separate and look tangled and frizzy. Instead, run your hands gently for a perfectly messy look.
- If they are frizzy, apply an anti-frizz serum before curling them.