Here's How to Curl Straight Hair, Once and For All

Celeb stylists break it down in this step-by-step guide.

It's important to celebrate the uniqueness of every hair type, but every once in a while it's fun to switch things up. Those with curly hair may want to try a blowout, while those with straight may long for voluminous curls. However, a pretty universal problem for people with pin-straight hair is that their hair won't actually hold the style—despite the use of a curling wand and hairspray.

But thankfully, there's a way around it. And it's not quite as difficult as you might presume. First, let's make sure we all begin with the same definition to set expectations and lay the groundwork. "Type 1A hair is very straight and fine, with no hint of wave or curl. As it is so straight, when the natural oils travel to the ends, it tends to cause it to look like oily hair," explains Jennifer Korab, a celebrity hairstylist.

Here, we asked Korab and fellow hair experts to break down why pin-straight hair can be difficult to style, along with tips on how to curl your hair so your look holds. Keep reading to get their step-by-step guide.

Use a Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner

Bouncy hair starts in the shower, so instead of opting for a moisturizing formula, use a shampoo that gives your hair volume. "The heavier the hair strand is, the less likely it is to hold a curl," explains  Michelle Cleveland, a New Jersey-based hairstylist. Then, use a tiny bit amount of volumizing conditioner.

Tips

If your hair is extra-fine, skip the volumizing conditioner. This will prevent hair from getting weighed down.

Apply a Volumizing Mousse

Jessica Page, a hairstylist and founder of Blondies & Co., says styling hair with mousse will give curls extra hold. Note that you'll need to apply the mousse when your hair is damp. We can't get enough of the René Furterer Volumea Volumizing Foam, which offers a long-lasting lift for all hair types.

Add a Heat Protectant

Damaged and brittle hair will not help your curls in the long run. Whether you're curling your hair, blow drying it, or straightening it, a heat protectant is non-negotiable. One of our favorite heat protectants is In Common Magic Mist Universal Elixer. It's a four-in-one product that serves as a leave-in conditioner, detangler, soothing balm, and heat protectant.

Blow-Dry Your Hair Completely

Use a good hair dryer to dry your hair, ensuring there are no damp spots. "This seems obvious, but a lot of people fall short of a completely dry head of hair and jump into a curl set while there's still moisture in the hair—this will definitely cause your curls to fall," Cleveland tells us.

Spritz a Lightweight Hairspray

Give each section of hair a light misting of hairspray before using the curling iron. Cleveland claims that this is the magic trick: "It will create a proper foundation for the curls to hold at least five to 10 hours." As far as lightweight hairsprays go, Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 adds volume without weighing down your hair.

Curl Your Hair According to Length

Using the right curling iron makes a difference in your style's success. "For shoulder-length hair and shorter, use a one-inch iron," says Alli Webb, founder of Drybar. "For longer hair, go to a 1.25-inch barrel." In our opinion, the T3 Curl Wrap Automatic Rotating Curling Iron is one of the best tools for curling your hair. Hold the curling iron on your hair for about five to eight seconds to ensure the heat has time to work. After removing the curling iron, hold the curled section in your hand for a second until it cools.

Tips

According to Korab, pinning your curls while they're still hot will help set them as they cool.

Finish With Hairspray

Regardless of whether or not you pin your curls, Korab recommends spritzing your freshly done coils with humidity-resistant hairspray to freeze them in place. Once hair has cooled down, take out pins and use your fingers to lightly tousle hair for a more natural-looking curl.

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