How to Curl Your Hair with a Straightener: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Want soft waves or defined curls without switching to a curling iron? You can curl your hair with a straightener using a simple twist-and-glide technique. The key is to work with completely dry hair, use a suitable temperature and let each curl cool before touching it.
Follow this step-by-step guide for natural-looking curls, relaxed beach waves and a finish that lasts.
What you’ll need
A straightener with smooth plates and rounded edges that can rotate comfortably.
Heat protectant suitable for your hair type.
A brush or wide-tooth comb and sectioning clips.
Optional: a light finishing spray or hairspray.
Step 1: Prepare your hair
Brush through your hair to remove tangles, then apply a heat protectant according to its directions. Allow the product to dry before styling. Divide your hair into manageable sections and clip the upper layers out of the way. Smaller sections usually create more defined curls, while larger sections create softer waves.
Always begin with completely dry hair. Never use a traditional straightener on damp hair, and follow the instructions supplied with your styling tool.
Step 2: Choose a suitable temperature
The best temperature depends on your hair’s thickness, condition and texture. As a general starting guide, fine or fragile hair may need approximately 120–160°C, normal hair 160–185°C, and thick or coarse hair 180–200°C. These are guidelines rather than guarantees of damage-free styling. Chemically treated, bleached or damaged hair may need lower heat.
Use the lowest effective setting and avoid repeated passes over the same section.
For more detail, read our hair straightener temperature guide before styling.
Step 3: Curl your hair with a straightener
Take a small section of dry hair.
Clamp the straightener around the section a short distance away from your scalp.
Rotate the straightener approximately half a turn away from your face.
Slowly glide the tool towards the ends while maintaining a controlled rotation.
Release the hair and allow the curl to cool before touching it.
Repeat, alternating directions where you want a relaxed, natural-looking finish.
Keep the tool moving smoothly. Avoid holding the straightener in one place, clamping too tightly or repeatedly passing over the same section.
Step 4: Create loose beach waves
For relaxed beach waves, work with slightly larger sections and use a gentle rotation rather than a tight twist. Alternate the direction of your curls, leaving the ends a little straighter if you prefer a modern, undone finish. Once your hair has cooled, gently separate the waves with your fingers.
Step 5: Create more defined curls
For a more defined look, use smaller sections and maintain a consistent rotation as you glide down the hair. Let each curl cool completely before brushing or separating it. Brushing too soon can loosen the curls before they have set.
Step 6: Help your curls last longer
Start with completely dry hair and avoid heavy products that weigh it down.
Use consistent, manageable sections.
Allow each curl to cool fully before touching or brushing it.
Finish with a light hairspray if suitable for your hair.
Avoid repeatedly running your hands through your hair throughout the day.
Humidity, hair texture, product choice and hair condition can all affect how long a style lasts.
Choosing a straightener for curls
A straightener with smooth plates and an easy-to-rotate shape can make the twist-and-glide technique easier. Choose a tool that feels comfortable in your hand and offers temperature control, so you can use a setting suited to your hair.
Explore the SAS Pro+ Hair Straightener for everyday styling, or the
SAS Pro+ Wide Plate Hair Straightener if you prefer wider plates for working through larger sections. For curls, take smaller sections even when using a wide-plate model.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to curl hair with a straightener or a curling iron?
Neither is universally better. A straightener is useful for creating both smooth hair and waves, while a curling iron is designed specifically for curling. Your choice depends on the look you want and the tool you find easiest to use.
Should I curl my hair inwards or outwards?
For curls framing your face, directing the front sections away from your face often creates an open, flattering shape. You can alternate directions through the rest of your hair for a more relaxed finish.
Why do my curls fall out?
Possible reasons include sections that are too large, curls being disturbed before they cool, heavy styling products or hair that naturally struggles to hold a curl. Try smaller sections and allow each curl to cool fully before styling further.
Can I curl my hair every day?
Frequent heat styling can contribute to dryness and breakage. Limit unnecessary heat exposure, use heat protectant and choose the lowest effective temperature for your hair.
Do I need a special straightener to create curls?
Not necessarily. A straightener with smooth plates and an easy-to-rotate shape can help. Technique matters too, so practise with a low, suitable temperature before trying more elaborate styles.
Final thoughts
Learning to curl your hair with a straightener takes a little practice. Start with small sections, keep the tool moving, use a suitable temperature and let each curl cool before styling further.
Explore the full SAS Hair straightener range to find a styling tool that suits your routine.
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