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How to get Defined Curls if you Have Straight Hair

July 20, 2016 |

When you have straight hair, it may seem next-to-impossible to get bouncy, defined curls. My hair is stick straight, so I understand the struggle. Today I'm going to share a few tips that have helped me, and hopefully they'll help you, too! Read on to learn how to get defined curls in a few simple steps.

This is a great tutorial if you have straight hair and want to learn how to get defined curls. #definedcurls #straighthair | sandsunandmessybuns.com

If you find my curl tutorial helpful, please share this image on Pinterest!

Want to learn the secret to getting bouncy, well-defined curls? Step-by-step instructions here... #hairtutorial Share on X

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Step Up Your Selfies! Learn how to easily improve your selfies with these simple makeup hacks.

How to get Defined Curls:

When I graduated last month, I knew I wanted to wear my hair in curls under my graduation cap. I thought it would look better than wearing it straight, because I was worried I might get a line from the cap that would show up more with straight hair than it would with curls. (Yes, I actually think of things like that. lol)

    1. Start with clean, dry hair. My current favorite shampoos and conditioners are Redken's All Soft in the liter size, because they last a really long time — even with my longer hair.
    1. Use a comb to separate a center section of hair from your forehead to the base of your neck, like you're creating a mohawk. Clip the sides or put them in a ponytail while you're working on the top.
    1. Begin adding curlers to the mohawk section. I start at my bangs and roll the first three rollers forward, towards my face. Once I hit the crown (the upper back portion) of my head, I roll those sections backwards and under (towards the base of my neck) to create lift at my roots. For the sides of my head, I also roll the curlers under (towards my neck) to create lift.
    1. Let the hot rollers set until they've cooled completely, then take them out. After you've removed them, wait a minute or two before doing anything else so the curls can completely cool and set.
    1. Spray mousse in your hands, then flip your head upside down and scrunch fingers through the roots of your hair…like you would if you were rubbing shampoo into your hair. The mousse I use is Frederic Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip.
  1. Flip your head/hair back upright again and style it with your fingers. Your roots should have a lot of lift! You can individually twist each curl to shape it. I recommend not brushing because it takes away the curls (this tutorial is all about getting defined curls, after all). You can spray with a light hairspray if you want extra hold, but mine usually stays put pretty well.

The End Result:

I've included my best tips for getting defined curls and lots of volume when you have straight hair, like I do.

I've included my best tips for getting defined curls and lots of volume when you have straight hair, like I do.

I recently had blonde balayage added to my hair for the summer, so my hair is lighter than usual around my face and towards the ends.

TIP: Check out my Tips for Long, Loose Curls and 10 Tips to Avoid Split Ends posts if you're looking for more hair advice. Don't forget that healthy hair begins with what you eat, so stick to a healthy diet.

How to get defined curls: I've included my best tips for getting defined curls and lots of volume when you have straight hair, like I do.

My Pop Pop came to TX for my graduation, so I convinced him to take a few pics with me. He's such a cutie! He kept making me laugh while we were taking pictures.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. -Nelson Mandela Share on X

TIP: A good haircut can work wonders for your curls. Ask your stylist to incorporate long layers to add extra bounce.

I've included my best tips for getting defined curls and lots of volume when you have straight hair, like I do.

Pop Pop and I look sharp all dressed up for my graduation ceremony, don't we? 🙂

How to get defined curls: I've included my best tips for getting defined curls and lots of volume when you have straight hair, like I do.

I kept my makeup simple and classic for graduation. This classic Audrey Hepburn look would be great if you want to recreate something similar.

Similar Kendra Scott Jewelry:

My necklace and earrings are the Kendra Scott ‘Danielle' Drop Earrings in Gold/Turquoise and the Kendra Scott ‘Rayne' Stone Tassel Pendant Necklace in Gold/Turquoise. Here are a few classic turquoise styles similar to the ones I picked.

TIP: Graduation isn't the best time to experiment with crazy looks; save that for senior parties or something else. Classic hair and makeup is something you'll never regret for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Do you have any tips about how to get defined curls? If so, please share in the comments below! I love hearing what works well for other people.

Pin It for Later: How to Get Defined Curls if You Have Straight Hair

XOXO, DAISY

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Filed Under: BEAUTY, HAIR |

About DAISY

Hi! I'm Daisy, and I'm in my sophomore year of college where I'm studying fashion marketing and design. I'm addicted to playing with makeup and trying new hairstyles. I've styled my friends hair and makeup for homecoming and prom for years, so now I'm posting online tutorials since people always ask "How did you do that?!" Read more about me here! Follow me on YouTube.

Comments

  1. Megan says

    January 2, 2018 at 1:26 PM

    What brand of hot curlers did you use?

  2. Jennifer L says

    November 13, 2016 at 1:16 AM

    Wow thank you for this! I have friends with straight hair and it’s hard for them to keep a curl, so I definitely want to pick up the Frederic Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip. Thanks for the great guide!

  3. My Shopping Diet says

    November 11, 2016 at 4:43 PM

    You look absolutely gorgeous with those curls! I have crazy frizzy wavy hair, and the only thing that helps me is the Conair Infinity curl secret. The best iron ever! Congrats on your Graduation!

  4. Savannah (@HowHesRaised) says

    September 18, 2016 at 6:36 AM

    Omg, congratulations on your graduation, I know you must’ve been so proud! I can honestly NEVER get my curls to sit right, but these are absolutely perfect! I’m totally going to give your technique a try-thanks so much for sharing! <3

  5. kage2015 says

    September 17, 2016 at 3:11 PM

    I have stick straight hair, will have to tr your technique.

  6. Brittany says

    September 17, 2016 at 1:51 PM

    I have wavy hair so most of the time when I want curls, I try to scrunch them up or plop. I really need to try curlers though, I think I’d like it a lot more. Thanks for the tips!

  7. Sumer says

    September 17, 2016 at 1:29 PM

    Adorable!! And great tips! I need to give these a try! Congrats on your graduation as well!

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