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I’ll be honest when I first heard you could curl your hair with a straightener, I didn’t believe it. Like… how does something designed to flatten your hair magically create curls? After way too many trial runs (some more tragic than others), I finally figured out that not only can it work, it might actually be one of the best tools to get those effortless, undone curls that don’t feel too “done.” So today I’m going to walk you through it.
Yes, you can curl hair with a straightener
Yes, you can curl your hair with a straightener, and I know that sounds like something your friend swears by but you’ve never actually seen work in real life. I used to think the same thing. I mean, a straightener is called a straightener for a reason, right? But once I figured out how to twist and glide just right, it honestly felt like discovering a hidden superpower in a tool I already had.
How to curl hair with a straightener
1. Before anything, make sure your hair is totally dry like, zero damp spots. I usually wash and rough-dry mine with a good hair dryer (I love one that smooths and adds shine, hint hint), then let it cool down for a few minutes before styling. The key is to have a clean canvas. If there’s leftover product or moisture, the curls won’t hold the same way.
2. Set your straightener to a temp that’s hot enough to shape but not scorch. Somewhere around 300–350°F works for most hair types. I used to crank it all the way up thinking “more heat = better curls,” but nope.
3. Clip your hair into sections. I usually go for top, middle, and bottom layers. It feels super extra at first, but once you get going, you’ll realize it helps so much. You’re not missing pieces or going over the same chunk five times.
4. Clamp your straightener near the root, twist it away from your face (like you’re turning a key), and slowly glide it down the length of your hair. The slower you go, the tighter the curl. Your first curl might be a little wonky.
5. I know the urge to rake your fingers through them immediately. I get it. But let the curls sit for a few minutes so they can set properly. Once they’ve cooled, shake them out with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb for that undone, lived-in feel.
Alternative ways to curl your hair
Here are 3 alternative ways to curl your hair when you're not reaching for the straightener.
1. Diffuse your way to natural waves (feat. Laifen magic)
So this method has been my go-to when I want curls but don’t want to deal with heat tools clamping down on my strands all day. After I wash my hair, I scrunch it up with a bit of curl cream or mousse (depends on the vibe I’m going for), then grab my Laifen Swift Special with the diffuser attachment. The airflow is strong but gentle, and it gives my waves more shape without that crunchy, over-dried look
2. The robe tie trick (Yes, it actually works)
Okay, I was so skeptical of this trend when I first saw it like wrapping your hair around a bathrobe belt? Really? But one night I gave it a shot, and now it’s part of my lazy-girl hair routine. You split your hair in half, place the robe tie on top of your head like a headband, and wrap each section around it like you’re twisting ribbon on a gift.
3. Braids that do the work while you chill
If I know I have a low-key day ahead or I’m just hanging around the house, I’ll braid my hair when it’s slightly damp and let the braids set for a few hours (or overnight if I’m feeling committed). When I take them out, I get these loose, crimped waves that feel very 90s in the best possible way.
Pro tips for long-lasting curls
I used to curl a piece, immediately run my fingers through it, and then wonder why everything fell flat by lunchtime. Turns out, letting each curl cool completely before touching it is a total game changer. After I curl a section, I cup it in my hand or clip it up to cool in that curled shape, it kind of “locks in” the memory of the curl.
Okay, this sounds dramatic, but on days I really want my curls to hold (like for an event or when I know I won’t have time to restyle), I actually skip conditioner in the shower. I know. Wild.
Why the tools you use matter
Once I finally upgraded my straightener and got a blow dryer that didn’t sound like a jet engine (shoutout to the Laifen Swift Special), everything changed. My hair started looking smoother, my curls lasted longer, and I wasn’t battling frizz every time I stepped outside. The right tools actually protect your hair while helping it look better. It’s one of those “you don’t know what you’re missing until you try it” kind of things.
Final thoughts
Curling your hair with a straightener might feel a little intimidating at first (I’ve definitely had my fair share of awkward flicks and crispy ends), but once you get the hang of it, it’s honestly one of the most versatile styling tricks to have in your back pocket. You don’t need a drawer full of fancy tools to get that effortlessly styled look, just a solid straightener and a bit of practice.
