How To Curl Long Hair With a Flat Iron: Easy Hair Tutorial | Tiktok
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Are you someone who loves getting the most out of your flat iron: sleek and straight one day, soft waves the next?
Or perhaps you’ve hit your limit with curling irons that leave your arms aching before you’ve even made it halfway through. Sound familiar? I’ve been there too!
That’s why I’ve put together this post to help you learn everything about curling long hair with a flat iron.
From choosing the perfect tool for your hair type to prepping your strands for long-lasting curls, I’ll walk you through every step. You’ll also get my pro tips to avoid common mistakes, make the process easier, and achieve stunning results.
By the end, you’ll have all the confidence and know-how you need to create gorgeous curls effortlessly at home.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Flat Iron for Curling Long Hair
Before we dive into the fun part of curling, let’s get real for a second—using the wrong flat iron can seriously ruin the curling experience.
A poor-quality flat iron can lead to uneven heat, frizz, or, even worse, damaged hair. Nobody wants to put in all that effort just to end up with fried strands or curls that fall flat within minutes.
The right flat iron is your foundation—it makes all the difference when it comes to achieving smooth, shiny, and long-lasting curls.
So, let me break down what you need to look for to get the best flat iron curls:
Features to Look For:
1. Rounded Edges:
I always recommend a flat iron with rounded edges, especially if you’re just starting out. Because those curved edges help you nail the curling motion without creating harsh bends in the hair.
While it’s not a dealbreaker if your flat iron has straight edges, rounded ones can make learning the technique much easier and give you smoother results.
2. 1-Inch Plates:
For long hair, I love using a flat iron with 1-inch plates. It’s that perfect sweet spot—not too small to make the process slow, but not so wide that you lose control over the curl.
If you’re new to curling with a flat iron, the narrower plates make it easier to maneuver and create those defined, consistent waves.
3. The Right Plate Material for Your Hair Type:
Not all flat irons are created equal, and the plate material matters more than you think. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:
Ceramic Plates: Perfect for fine or delicate hair. They provide even heat without being too harsh.
Tourmaline Plates: Great for taming frizz and adding shine—ideal for wavy or slightly textured hair.
Titanium Plates: My personal favorite for thick or coarse hair. They heat up quickly and evenly, making the process so much smoother and faster.
If you’re still unsure, check out my post on the 3 Best Professional Hair Straighteners for All Hair Types. I dive deeper into which plates suit different hair types and why they matter.
My Favorite Flat Iron for Curls
After years of trying out different tools, I always come back to one of my absolute favorites: the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Straightening Iron.
This flat iron is a game-changer. With its titanium plates, it heats up quickly and evenly—perfect for achieving those smooth, shiny beach waves.
It’s incredibly versatile, too, working beautifully on all hair types and lengths. Whether you have thick, coarse hair or fine, delicate strands, this flat iron delivers consistent results every time.
What I personally love most about it is its durability. I’ve travelled extensively with this flat iron, putting it through more than the average wear and tear, and it still performs at 100%. It’s like having a professional-grade tool in your hands at home.
Pros & Cons of BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heats up quickly and evenly, perfect for thick and long hair. | Lacks an auto shut-off feature, so you’ll need to double-check before heading out. |
| Adjustable heat settings for all hair types. | |
| Durable and long-lasting—even with frequent use. | |
| Can handle both straight and curly styles effortlessly. | |
| Leaves hair shiny and frizz-free. |
So if you don’t already have a flat iron and are looking for a tool that delivers professional results and stands the test of time, the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium is worth every penny.
How to Prep Your Hair for Flat Iron Curls
Before you even pick up that flat iron, let’s talk about the key to flawless, long-lasting curls: prepping your hair.
Trust me, a little effort upfront goes a long way in protecting your hair from heat damage and ensuring your curls look smooth, shiny, and full of life.
Here’s how I like to prep my hair before curling:
Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair
Clean hair is the foundation of great curls. Oils and product buildup can weigh your hair down and make it harder for your curls to hold.
I always recommend washing your hair the day before or the morning of curling.
Make sure it’s completely dry—flat irons and wet hair do not mix!
Step 2: Apply a Heat Protectant
If there’s one rule I never skip, it’s using a good heat protectant. Heat styling can zap the moisture out of your hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
I always concentrate the product on the mid-lengths and ends, where the damage tends to happen the most.
Avoid spraying your roots if you tend to have an oily scalp—it’ll keep your hair looking fresh for longer.
Step 3: Detangle and Section
Ever try curling a knot? It’s a nightmare. Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or a brush to ensure smooth, even curls.
Then, section your hair into 4–6 parts depending on how thick it is. Smaller sections give you better control and ensure every strand gets curled.
Personally, I always work in 1-inch subsections when curling—it’s my secret for defined, even curls.
Step 4: Choose the Right Products for Your Hair Type
Not all hair prep is one-size-fits-all. If your hair tends to fall flat, use a volumizing mousse before drying to give it some extra oomph.
For frizz-prone hair, a light smoothing serum will help tame flyaways. And for fine hair? A little texturizing spray can work wonders for creating body and hold.
With these steps, you’re already halfway to those flawless flat iron curls. Now let’s move on to the fun part: the curling technique!
How to Curl Long Hair with a Flat Iron: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Getting those dreamy waves or defined curls doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve broken it down into simple steps to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Prepping Your Hair
If you followed the earlier prep section, your hair is already protected and sectioned—great start!
If not, take a moment to spritz on a heat protectant, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends, and section your hair for better control. These steps are key to creating smooth, long-lasting curls.
Step 2: Master the Curling Technique
Here’s where the transformation begins.
Hold your flat iron at a slight downward angle.
Place a 1-inch section of hair between the plates, twist the iron halfway, and slide it down the section at a steady speed. Go slower for tighter curls and faster for looser waves. It’s all about controlling the speed.
Repeat this technique for each section, ensuring even curls throughout.
Don’t worry if your technique feels awkward at first—it gets easier with practice and you’ll be nailing it in no time!
Step 3: Frame Your Face
When curling the front sections, always curl away from your face for a soft, flattering frame. Start the curl a few inches down from the roots for a natural, effortless vibe. This little detail can make a huge difference!
Step 4: Set and Style
After curling, let your hair cool completely before touching it—this step is crucial!
Cooling locks in the shape of the curl, helping it last longer. Once your curls have set:
Gently brush through the curls with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers for a relaxed, beachy finish.
Spritz a texture spray throughout for a tousled, voluminous look.
Apply a few drops of hair oil to smooth frizz and give your curls a healthy shine.
And that’s it! Once you get the hang of it, curling long hair with a flat iron is easier than you think.
Just take your time, experiment a little, and soon you’ll find the technique that works best for you!
Tips for Long-Lasting Flat Iron Curls
So, you’ve nailed the curling technique—amazing!
Now let’s take your flat iron curls to the next level with some tried-and-true tricks. These are my go-to tips for getting your curls just right, whether you’re aiming for tight spirals or loose beachy waves.
Prevent Creases with the Right Technique
A common struggle with flat iron curls is those annoying creases that can ruin your look.
To avoid this, start by running the flat iron from roots to mids first to gently heat up the section. Once the hair is warm and pliable, go back in and curl. This technique ensures a smoother glide and helps prevent unwanted dents.
Adjust Your Speed for Curl Type
One of the easiest ways to control your curls is by adjusting the speed of your flat iron.
For tighter curls: Go slow. The slower you glide the flat iron down the hair, the more defined and bouncy your curls will be.
For looser waves: Speed it up. A quicker glide creates softer, more relaxed waves that are perfect for an effortless vibe.
Focus on the Ends for Beachy Waves
If a carefree, beachy look is your goal, keep the ends of your hair straight. Simply stop curling an inch or two before you reach the tips, leaving them sleek and natural. This trick adds that casual, undone finish we all love.
Cool for Bouncy Curls
Want big, bouncy curls that last? Pin each curl in place after curling and let it cool completely before letting it down. This locks in the shape and gives your curls extra bounce and staying power. It takes a little more time, but the results are so worth it!
Use a Flat Iron with Even Heat
Uneven heat can lead to curls that are inconsistent or even frizzy. If your current flat iron isn’t delivering smooth, shiny curls, it might be time for an upgrade. (Check out my recommended flat iron earlier in this post if you need a suggestion!)
These tips might seem simple, but trust me—they can make a huge difference in your final look.
It’s all about finding what works best for you and having fun experimenting with different styles. After all, the best part of hair styling is the creativity!
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Flat Iron Curls
Even with the best tools and technique, a few common missteps can throw off your curling game. Here are the pitfalls I see most often (and how to fix them), so you can nail those flat iron curls every time.
Dragging the Flat Iron Too Quickly
This is a big one! If you’re rushing the glide, your curls won’t hold their shape, and you’ll end up with barely-there waves. Think of your flat iron like a paintbrush—you want steady, controlled movements to “paint” those curls into place. If in doubt, slow it down.
Taking Sections That Are Too Big or Too Small
Larger sections result in loose waves, while smaller sections give you tighter, more defined curls. But if your sections are too big, the heat won’t distribute evenly, leaving you with half-curled hair.
On the flip side, sections that are too small can make your curls look overly tight or frizzy. Aim for 1-inch sections for a balanced look.
Skipping Heat Protectant
I’m stressing this again: heat protectant is your hair’s best friend. Without it, you’re exposing your strands to unnecessary damage, which can lead to breakage and dullness.
Even if you’re tempted to skip it once, trust me—your hair will be better off if you don’t!
Overheating Your Hair
Cranking up the heat to max might seem like a shortcut, but it’s not worth the risk. High temperatures can fry your hair, especially if you’re repeatedly going over the same section.
Stick to the lowest effective heat setting for your hair type (around 300°F–350°F for fine hair, 375°F–450°F for thicker strands).
Uneven Curling
If your curls are turning out uneven—some too tight, others too loose—it’s likely due to inconsistent technique.
Make sure you’re twisting the flat iron at the same angle and speed for each section. And don’t forget to mirror your movements on both sides of your head for a symmetrical finish.
Overhandling Fresh Curls
This is an easy mistake to make! It’s tempting to touch or brush your curls right after curling, but this disrupts their shape before they’ve had a chance to cool.
Always let your curls cool completely before styling or brushing them out for maximum hold.
Skipping the Front Sections
The pieces that frame your face are the ones people notice most, so don’t rush or skip them.
Always curl these sections away from your face for a polished, face-framing effect. Start a little lower down for a softer, more natural look.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration (and bad hair days). It’s all about developing good habits and letting your technique shine!
FAQs About Curling Long Hair with a Flat Iron
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions about curling long hair with a flat iron. Whether you’re troubleshooting or just curious, here are the answers you need!
Why won’t my hair curl with a flat iron?
There could be a few reasons for this. First, check your flat iron—it might not be heating evenly or reaching a high enough temperature. Flat irons with poor-quality plates often struggle to create consistent curls. Another culprit could be your technique. Make sure you’re twisting the flat iron properly and moving at a steady pace. If you’re dragging it down too quickly, the curls won’t form. And don’t forget: applying heat protectant without overloading your hair is crucial for smooth, curl-ready strands.
Can I curl layered or fine hair with a flat iron?
Absolutely! In fact, layered hair can make flat iron curls look even more dynamic, as the layers naturally add dimension and movement. For fine hair, the key is to use a lower heat setting—around 300°F–350°F—and avoid overloading your hair with heavy products. Opt for smaller sections to ensure the curls hold better, and finish with a lightweight texture spray for added volume without weighing your hair down.
How long does it take to curl long hair with a flat iron?
The time it takes depends on your hair’s thickness and length, as well as your skill level. On average, curling long hair with a flat iron takes about 20–30 minutes for most people. If you’re new to the technique, it might take a little longer at first. To speed things up, section your hair before starting and make sure your flat iron is fully heated and ready to go.
Got more questions? Let me know in the comments!
Ready to Explore More Ways to Curl Your Hair?
If you’re feeling inspired and want to expand your curling skills, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of my other posts packed with tips and techniques:
How to Get Loose Curls with a Curling Iron: Learn how to achieve soft, effortless waves that are perfect for any occasion.
Hair Curling Guide: A complete guide to mastering all kinds of curls, no matter your hair length or tool preference.
How to Curl with a Wand: I’ve got perfect tips to add some bounce and texture!
