Easy Curly Hair: Tongs Technique For Beginners

Curling your hair with tongs can be intimidating, especially for beginners. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve beautiful curls or waves. The first step is to choose the right curling tongs for your desired style, whether you want loose waves or tight ringlets. Different materials, such as ceramic, tourmaline, gold, titanium, or chrome, offer varied heat conduction and frizz control. The design of the tongs is also important, with options including spring, clipless, and Marcel curling tongs, each providing different levels of control and flexibility. Once you've selected the appropriate tongs, preparing your hair with the right products and techniques is key to achieving the desired curl.

Choosing the right curling tongs

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right curling tongs for you. Firstly, the material of the tongs is important. Curling tongs with ceramic plates are best as they cause less damage to the hair and heat it up less than other materials.

Next, you'll want to consider the temperature of the tongs. It's important to go for tongs with variable heat settings, rather than a constant temperature, to avoid heat damage. The ideal temperature range is between 160 and 230 degrees, with 160 being enough for finer hair and 230 being suitable for thick hair.

The size of the tongs will depend on the result you're after. Smaller and thinner tongs will give you tighter curls, while wider tongs are better for creating waves. If you have short hair, a smaller barrel size is best, while those with long hair can choose any barrel size they like.

Finally, it's worth bearing in mind that curling tongs with a clamp are better for creating sleek, Hollywood-style curls, while curling wands (with a conical barrel) are more versatile and can be used to create loose beachy waves, tight ringlets, or anything in between.

Preparing your hair

The first step to curling your hair with tongs is to prepare your hair. The best way to do this will depend on your hair type.

If your hair is damaged, oily, or limp, you should wash and condition it with a product designed to create volume. If your hair is thick or not particularly oily, skip the wash and apply a dry shampoo to your roots instead. If your hair usually has trouble holding a curl, it's best to skip washing for a day or two before curling, as this will make your hair more malleable. You can also try using less conditioner or none at all.

Next, apply a hair product. If your hair is damaged, oily, or limp, spray it with a heat protectant from root to tip while it is still damp. Then, apply a strong-hold mousse liberally—either at the roots for a fuller look or from the mid-shaft to the ends for a looser look. Blow-dry your hair upside down until it is completely dry.

If your hair is thick or not very oily, spray it from roots to ends with heat protectant and work a liberal amount of strong-hold mousse through your whole head.

Don't worry if you don't have all the products suggested. While they will help your hair keep its curl and protect it from heat damage, you can still achieve beautiful curls without them. However, it is highly recommended that you use, at a minimum, hair spray and a product to help protect your hair from heat, especially if you plan on curling it regularly.

Applying product

The products you apply to your hair will depend on your hair type. If your hair is damaged, oily, or limp, spray your hair with a heat protectant from root to end while it is still damp. Then, apply a strong-hold mousse liberally—you can apply this at the roots for a fuller look, or from the mid-shaft to the ends for a looser look. If your hair is thick or not particularly oily, spray it from roots to ends with heat protectant and work a liberal amount of strong-hold mousse through your whole head.

If you don't have access to all the products suggested, don't worry. While they will help your hair keep its curl and protect it from heat damage, you can still achieve beautiful curls without them. However, it is highly recommended that you use, at a minimum, hair spray and something to help protect your hair from heat, especially if you plan on curling it regularly. There are many shampoos available that can help with heat protection, in addition to all the heat protectant sprays on the market.

Using the tongs

Now that you've chosen your curling tongs, it's time to start curling! The first step is to plug in your curling tongs and select the right heat setting for your hair type. Fine or damaged hair should use a setting under 200 degrees, medium hair can go up to 300 degrees, and curly or thick hair can handle up to 400 degrees. Remember, you can always adjust the temperature as you go.

Next, you'll want to start with the top layer of hair at the back of your head. Separate a section about 1 to 2 inches wide and 1 to 1.5 centimetres deep. Comb this section of hair and mist it lightly with hairspray. Hold the section by the tip, keeping it taut.

The way you apply the tongs depends on the type of tongs you're using and the style of curls you want. If you're using spring curling tongs and want bouncy curls, start by clipping the tongs close to your roots and gently sliding them down to the tip, holding them horizontally. Then, roll your hair up until it's wrapped around the barrel. For loose waves, clip the tongs an inch or two above the ends of your hair and hold them vertically. Be sure to vary the direction in which you curl for a more natural look.

If you're using clipless tongs, start at the roots and hold the tongs vertically. Wrap your hair around the tongs in a spiral from base to tip. This style of tongs gives you more flexibility in creating different styles of curls.

Hold the curl for 10 to 20 seconds, depending on your hair thickness, the temperature of the tongs, and the desired definition of your curls. Remember, it's better to start with a lower temperature and less time to avoid burning your hair.

Gently unwind your hair from the tongs and use a bobby pin to clip the curl onto your head. This will keep it out of the way and help it hold its shape. Repeat this process until all your hair is curled, then carefully unpin your curls.

Finally, take a look at your handiwork! If your curls look too perfect, gently finger-comb your hair to break up any unwanted ringlets. For a slightly mussed look, flip your hair forward and then back.

Finishing your curls

Once you've curled your whole head of hair, carefully unpin each curl and see how it looks. If your curls look too perfect and defined, gently run your fingers through your hair to break up the ringlets and create a more natural look. If you want a slightly messier, beachy style, flip your hair forward and then back. If you have thick hair or applied too much product, you may need to do this a few times.

If you want to enhance the shape of your curls, try using hairspray to hold the style in place. You can also use styling creams or pomades to define and separate the curls. For a more textured look, gently backcomb the roots of your hair with a teasing brush or comb.

To add shine and smooth down any flyaways, apply a small amount of serum or hair oil to your palms and gently run your hands over your curls. Be careful not to use too much product, as it can weigh down your curls and make them look greasy.

Finally, if you want to add volume to your curls, gently lift the roots with your fingers or a comb. You can also use a curling wand or tong to touch up any curls that may have dropped.

Frequently asked questions