How To Use a Curling Wand In 5 Easy Steps | Video & Step-by-Step Guide

You Will Need

The great thing about curling wands is that you can create a multitude of hairstyles with just one styling tool, simply by using different techniques. To the uninitiated, it can be hard to get your head around the technique but once you know how to use a curling wand, you’ll realise it’s actually pretty simple.

Whether you’re a fan of tight ringlets, polished bouncy curls or cool-girl loose waves, there are plenty of styling options just waiting to be explored. But before you start playing around with all the different types of wand curls, you first need to know the basics of how to use a curling wand. And to help you get ready, we’ve enlisted the help of model Jordana.

Prep hair.

Before you get started, safeguard your tresses from any heat damage by generously spritzing the TRESemmé Biotin + Repair 7 Primer Spray all over your hair. This protectant will help prep and protect your strands against heat damage.

woman spraying heat protectant into her hair

Section your hair.

Using a comb, divide your hair into individual sections, gathering as much or as little hair as you need, depending on your desired curl size.

Switch on your curling iron and get it to the right temperature. This may be a case of trial and error, but start on a lower heat setting and work your way up if needed.

woman with sectioned off dark brown hair ready to be curled

Begin curling your hair.

Depending on the look you’re going for, wrap your tresses around your wand from either the root or the mid-section. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat the process around your head, working on one section at a time.

woman with sectioned hair curling her hair

Style your curls.

When you’ve completely curled your tresses, allow your hair to cool for a few minutes before styling to give your curls time to set.

To turn your curls into chic waves, gently run your fingers through your strands to loosen them.

woman using a curling wand to curl her hair

Set your curls.

For the finishing touch, spritz your look with the VO5 Flexible Hold Hairspray. With its ultra-fine, touchable formula, this hairspray will give your freshly curled ‘do all-day hold.

woman with with dark curly hair spraying hairspray into her hair

4 Cool Hairstyles You Can Get With a Curling Wand

Now you’ve mastered the essentials of how to curl your hair with a wand, why not try creating some of these other amazing hairstyles with your curling wand?

How to use a curling wand: Brunette model on the runway with tight retro waves with a hair clip, wearing a one shoulder yellow top and patterned trousers

The smaller the barrel, the tighter curls you’ll get. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Use: A wand with a small barrel, as generally the smaller it is, the tighter the curl. Work with 1-2 inch sections of hair if you want lots of tight, little coils.

Apply: The VO5 Curl Defining Mousse to damp hair before using a hairdryer, as this will help to hold the shape of your curls, as well as add volume.

Tip: For spiralled, tight curls, simply twist your hair before wrapping it around the curling wand.

How to use a curling wand: Redhead model with sleek wavy hair, wearing red lipstick

Get smooth, ultra long, loose waves. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Use: A hair curling wand with a large barrel. Wrap 2-3 inches of hair around the heated tool to help create the effect of natural, loose curls.

Apply: The VO5 Volume Foam to create air-light volume. Work 2-5 pumps (2 for very fine or short hair) through damp tresses and blowdry.

Tip: To help frame your face, hold the curling wand vertically and twirl away from your face. Remember, to get those effortless waves, don’t curl your hair from the root, but from midway down each section.

How to use a curling wand: Close-up of a redhead model with voluminous curls

Add immense volume to your curly hair by adding layers. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Use: A medium-sized curling wand and a teasing brush to fluff up your curls at the root, for masses of added volume.

Apply: The TIGI Bed Head Superstar Queen For A Day Thickening Spray onto damp or dry hair, for maximum lift and drama.

Tip: Before you start teasing, tilt your head upside down and lightly shake your hair to help separate the curls.

How to use a curling wand: Blonde model with mid-length, softly waved hair, wearing a lace-up top

Subtle each waves are the perfect undone look to create using a curling wand.

Use: A medium-sized curling iron, starting a few inches away from the root.

Apply: The VO5 Dry Texturising Spray to your finished look, for effortless, undone hair, which gives a tousled effect to layers and waves. It can also be used as a pick me up to rework your style.

Tip: Drag the iron out slowly so that it slightly straightens the tip, making for a softer look.

Different Curling Wand Types to Know About

Currently on the market for a new curling wand? Or never owned one before but looking to invest? Curling irons are specially designed to create all kinds of wand curls and can be used on all hair types – but picking the right one for you is key.

Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, finding the perfect tool can be pretty confusing with so much choice out there! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Cone-Shaped Curling Wand

Recognisable by their thin upper end and a thicker lower end, a cone-shape wand is amazing for creating curls of various shapes and sizes. The larger side can be used to create fuller, larger coils, while the smaller end is perfect for tight ringlets.

Straight Curling Wand

A straight wand creates curls that are equal in shape and size throughout your hair, allowing you to achieve a more uniform look. This type of curling iron is ideal for those with naturally straight hair who want that beach waves look, as it can be used to curl inwards or outwards.

How to use a curling wand: Brunette model with long curly hair, worn to one side

Medium waves look great on short to long hair.

Slim Wands

These tools – usually sized between 13mm and 19mm – are great for producing tighter curls and twists. So, if you’re looking to create ’80s-inspired corkscrew curls, they’re perfect.

While smaller curling tools are great for producing a permed look on longer manes, they’re also ideal for shorter hairstyles as they can help add texture and shape.

Medium-Sized Wands

If you want curls that are a little softer, then definitely try out a medium-sized curling wand with a barrel approximately 25mm in width. Amazingly versatile, these wands are fantastic for creating natural-looking waves and curls, working brilliantly for various hair lengths and types, too.

How to use a curling wand: Blonde model with long glamorous curly hair with a side parting

The ultimate princess waves.

With a much larger barrel size, these curlers can give you a looser and more romantic style. Usually around 32mm in width, bigger curlers are perfect for adding beautiful waves to super-long hair, for a more natural and polished look.

How to use a curling wand: Blonde model with curly ends, wearing a white lace top

Find the tight curling wand for your fine hair.

When considering how to use a curling wand, it is important to think about your hair type.

For those with thin or fine hair, the best curling wand for you is one that has an adjustable temperature setting so that you can control how much heat is being applied to your delicate strands. You may need to experiment with different temperatures if you find that your fine hair doesn’t hold curls well, but that’s all part of the process.

How to use a curling wand: Woman with long glossy brunette curls, wearing a black top and looking over her shoulder

Thick hair with cascading loose waves.

It can take a while to curl thick or coarse hair, especially when you have a lot of it! Because of this, you’ll need a curling wand that can reach high temperatures and that’s lightweight. After all, we don’t want an arm workout every time we curl our manes!