It’s summertime, and we all are craving effortless waves that seem created by the saltwater and warm wind on a beach. Hair doesn’t like to cooperate, though, so learning how to wave hair with a flat iron is a process for most of us.
Let’s have a look at the most simple way to get wavy hair with a flat iron.
Why Use A Flat Iron?
Waving hair with a flat iron might seem counteractive to the whole wavy effect we want on our hair. But the flat iron is actually a versatile tool that can be used in dozens of different styling methods.
It applies an even heat around the hair, when moved and twisted the right way, the flat iron can create various waves and curls. Many people have started only using the flat iron for their styling needs.
There are different qualities in flat irons, and the higher the quality the better it is on your hair and evenly distributing the heat.
Plate Sizes and Types
Make sure you’ve got a flat iron that will give you the best results.
Size
The size that is recommended for styling and curling is 1″-1.25″ in width. These flat irons need smaller sections and give you a lot more control over the shape you’re trying to achieve.
A wider flat iron would work for one of these techniques, but if your hair is shorter, a more narrow iron would be best.
Ceramic Plates
Ceramic plates are the best to use if you have thin or delicate hair. The slow, even heat allows for more moisture to be locked into the strands and give it an effortless shine.
Titanium Plates
Titanium plates grow very hot, very quickly, and tend to work better on thick or coarse hair because of the more intense heat.
How to Get the Waves
Alright, let’s have a look at three of the methods you can use to wave hair with a flat iron with minimal effort and an all day effect.
Prep Your Hair
You are going to be using heat on your hair, which means you need to make sure you’ve got a heat protectant on so it reduces any damage.
Another important aspect of getting the messy waves look is adding texture to your hair. Whether this is through dry shampoo, texturizer, or sea salt spray, this will help your hair grip shape and hold. Especially if you have thinner or smooth hair that won’t keep curls.
Prepping your hair is vital if you want the curls to hold and keep a playful, messy appearance.
Option #1
The first way to get waves using a flat iron is to curl it away from your face by twisting in one fluid motion. This method is the most popular, and works very well for longer hair in particular.
Step 1:
Heat up your Flat Iron to no more than 310 degrees fahrenheit. If you have fine, thin hair, you might want an even lower temperature.
Prep your hair with a heat protectant and texturizer.
You can section out your hair into more manageable sizes if that’s what works for you.
Step 2:
Section one inch sections of hair. Start closer to your scalp and pull away from your face, turning your wrist and letting the hair go over the outside of the iron.
You don’t want the hair to go under, only over. The smaller the section, the more intense the curl will be.
Start by the nape of your neck and work your way up to the hairline.
Step 3:
Let the curls set and lose all heat then spritz with your choice of hair spray, or simply let them fall naturally.
Option #2
By dropping a bit of hair between the iron and clamping down in an S shape, this method gives you gentle waves. It is more subtle and messy, but also simple since there is no need to twist a certain way.
Step 1:
Heat up your iron and prep your hair like before. This method works best if done in sections.
Step 2:
Take a section of hair and clamp it between the iron in the shape of an S. By doing this on the bend, you make the hair keep that S shape and fall into a gentle wave.
Step 3:
Let the hair cool down and spritz with hairspray to keep the hold.
Option #3
If your hair is long enough, this option can save you a ton of time.
Step 1:
Prep your hair with a heat protectant and then add texture.
Braid the hair into a simple three-strand braid.
Step 2:
Take a flat iron and gently run it over the braid a few times. You can also clamp down starting from top to bottom.
Step 3:
Gently take the braid out once cooled and fluff the curls and spray them with hair spray to keep the hold all day.
Watch the following tutorial to learn how to wave hair with braids and a flat iron.
To get a wavy beachy hair look with a hair straightener is easier than you think! Follow our easy steps, and see which method gives you your ideal waves!
