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Hair straighteners: it sounds like the name says it all about what they do, but many people don’t know that they can be used to give hair curls and volume. If you get tired of your straight, sleek hair and want to try something new, there’s the option of curls, and they’re easy to get, just by using ordinary hair straighteners a little differently. Find out more about how to get a new look.

Blown away

After you’ve washed and conditioned your hair, blow-dry it with a round brush. You’re aiming to keep the hair smooth and sleek by closing the cuticle, but that’s not as complicated as it sounds: just follow the brush’s direction with the nozzle of the hair dryer. If you’re worried about your hair being damaged by all the heat, apply a thermal protection product – but make sure it’s not oily, so that it doesn’t weigh your hair down.

Off the straight and narrow

Photo: dee_gee / Flickr

Divide your hair into two centimetre sections and place the curling iron as close to the scalp as possible. It’s time to begin the curling process: all you need to do is move the straightener from the root to the tip of the hair, using your wrist to turn the straightener as you move downwards. Repeat this for each section, working from the back to the front of the scalp. Separate the curls out with your fingers once you’re done, and use a good hairspray to keep your style in place.

Getting intense

There are ways to control how tight your curls are. First of all, consider your hair type: thinner hair will curl more easily, and the style is likely to last longer. With this in mind, divide your hair into smaller sections for a longer-lasting curl. Remember that the slower you move the straightener over your hair, the more heat will be applied to the style and the longer it’ll last. The great news is that if you don’t get it right the first time, you can just keep trying. Take your time, and enjoy the results.

Tags: curly hair, hair care, hairspray