Styling Hack: How to Use a Flat Iron to Create Waves

Here at All Things Hair, we love a good hair hack. Why? For one, it makes styling easier and quicker on everything from tackling morning hair to special occasions. Two, if we don’t have the specific styling tool or product for a particular style but still can achieve it with what we’ve got, that’s a major bonus! One of our favorite styling tricks is to create waves with a flat iron, but right now, we’re not creating just any kind of wave—we’re favoring something more natural-looking. No doubt you’re going to love this look for your next party or night out for drinks. Read on to see how you can get stunning, natural-looking waves at home with the use of your handy dandy flat iron using two different techniques. If you don’t know how to use a flat iron, no worries as these tutorials are fairly simple to master. We promise!

How to Use a Flat Iron to Achieve Waves

Whether you have short or long hair, you have enough to work with to get in on either of  these simple hair hacks. We suggest starting off with clean hair, and if you want bouncy results, wash and condition hair with a hair care system like TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Collection for a voluminous lift and touchable softness to your waves.

Flat Iron Waves Starting Off With Braids

Step 1: On clean hair, apply TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Touchable Bounce Mousse and plait hair into four or more single braids depending on your hair texture. On coarse hair, opt for about eight braids all around, the placements of which are up to you. Smaller braids yield in a ’80s crimp-like style. Try bigger braids if you want a modern touch and if you’re aiming for a natural, not forced-looking finish.

Step 2: Spray hair with a heat protectant to prevent any damage from your flat iron. We are loving the TRESemmé Platinum Strength Heat Spray these days since it protects hair from the harmful effects of heat styling.

Step 3: Using smooth and steady strokes, pass your flat iron down each braid. The heat from the flat iron will set the hair so it holds a wave.

Step 4: Once you’re done with the flat iron process, allow your braids to cool for about 5 minutes to ensure your waves have formed in place. Undo each braid, then work your fingers through your hair to gently separate. If you used the hair care system we suggested, now is the time to apply TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Flexible Finish Hairspray to set.

Flat Iron Waves Starting on Straight Hair

Step 1: On clean, dry hair, apply a heat protectant to shield from heat damage. As mentioned in our  previous tutorial, we suggest using TRESemmé Platinum Strength Heat Spray. Part hair into four workable sections and clip them to secure in place.

Step 2: Starting from the bottom of your hair, take a subsection of your hair from the first back area. Instead of flat ironing in an unbending motion which results in a straight look, you’re going to glide the flat iron down the section in a curved motion as if you’re creating spirals, but leave out the ends. If you twist the flat iron too much and include the ends of your hair, you’ll end up with a curlier hairstyle. Leave the ends straight for a wavy illusion.

Step 3: To finish, apply TRESemmé Beauty-Full Volume Hairspray for a flexible finish. Unclump your waves by tousling your hair with your hands or give your hair a shake to blend your waves in for a natural-looking finish.

Now you know how to use a flat iron to create waves. Will you try it out?