What is the proper curling iron technique for lasting curls?
To achieve longer-lasting and more even curls, ensure that the hair sitting on the curling iron barrel is not wrapped on top of itself. The technique involves twisting the hair while curling, using the thumb rest to open and close the iron. This method creates a "candy cane effect" where all hair is exposed to the barrel, leading to more consistent and durable curls.
Overview
When using a curling iron, a common issue is curls that don't last or appear uneven. The key to fixing this lies in how the hair is wrapped around the barrel. The recommended technique involves twisting the hair as it's curled, simultaneously using the thumb rest to open and close the iron. This specific motion prevents hair from overlapping on the barrel, ensuring that each strand gets direct and even heat exposure. The goal is to create a "candy cane effect," where all hair is spread out across the barrel rather than being stacked. This direct and even exposure to the heat helps the curls set more effectively, resulting in more consistent and longer-lasting results.
Key takeaways
- Twist the hair as you curl it.
- Use your thumb to feather the thumb rest, opening and closing the iron as you curl.
- Ensure hair on the barrel is not wrapped on top of itself.
- Aim for a "candy cane effect" where all hair is exposed to the barrel.
- Proper technique leads to more even curls that last longer.
Full transcript
As you're curling, you're twisting the hair, using your thumb to feather the thumb rest so that it opens and closes as you're curling the hair. Once it's curled, you can see how all the hair sitting on the barrel is not being wrapped on top of each other. You almost want that candy cane effect where all the hair is being exposed to the barrel. Therefore, you'll get more even curls that last longer.
Common questions
›Why do my curls fall flat quickly?
Answered on another Mint Pro Tools knowledge page: Why aren't most curling irons effective for long, thick hair?
Source: Mint Pro Tools knowledge page
›What is the "candy cane effect" in curling?
The "candy cane effect" refers to a curling technique where the hair is wrapped around the barrel without layers sitting on top of each other. This ensures all the hair is exposed to the barrel, leading to more even and longer-lasting curls.
Source: video above
›How does heat exposure affect curl longevity?
Even heat exposure from the barrel helps curls last longer. The transcript states that when all the hair is exposed to the barrel, without layers sitting on top of each other, it leads to more even and longer-lasting curls.
Source: video above
›Are there specific curling iron features that help with technique?
Yes, the transcript mentions a thumb rest on the curling iron. This feature allows the user to use their thumb to feather it, which opens and closes the iron as they curl the hair.
Source: video above
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