How to Get Soft Curls with a Flat Iron

If you’re looking for soft, bouncy curls without using a curling iron, your flat iron can be your best friend! It’s a versatile tool that can create beautiful, soft curls with minimal effort. Follow this simple guide to achieve soft curls with a flat iron for a sleek, stylish look that lasts all day.

What You’ll Need:

• Flat iron (with rounded edges)

• Heat protectant spray

• Hair clip (optional for sectioning)

• Hairspray (optional for hold)

• Hairbrush or comb

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair to prevent heat damage and ensure a smooth finish. If your hair is freshly washed, ensure it’s completely dry before starting, as flat irons should not be used on damp hair.

Why it works: Heat protectant helps shield your hair from damage, while brushing ensures an even application of the heat.

Step 2: Section Your Hair

For more control and evenly curled sections, divide your hair into sections using clips. You can start with the bottom layer of your hair, leaving the top layers clipped away.

Why it works: Sectioning your hair allows for more precision, ensuring you curl each strand for a consistent, uniform look.

Step 3: Position the Flat Iron

Take a small section of hair (about 1-2 inches wide) and place the flat iron at the root of the hair. Hold the flat iron horizontally with the plates facing down.

Why it works: Starting at the root gives your curls more volume and ensures the curls hold longer. The flat iron should be positioned correctly to create soft curls rather than straightening.

Step 4: Curl the Hair

To curl, clamp the flat iron on the section of hair, then twist the flat iron 180 degrees (half-turn) away from your face. Slowly pull the flat iron down through the section, allowing the hair to wrap around the plates. Keep the motion slow and steady to achieve defined yet soft curls.

Why it works: Twisting the flat iron helps create curls while pulling it down gently ensures the curls are smooth and soft, not tight or frizzy.

Step 5: Loosen the Curls

After you’ve curled a section, use your fingers to gently separate and loosen the curls for a more natural, bouncy look. If you want softer curls, avoid using too much hairspray, and let the curls settle naturally.

Why it works: Loosening the curls makes them look more effortless and soft. Finger-combing adds volume and prevents the curls from looking too structured.

Step 6: Repeat the Process

Continue the process with the rest of your hair, curling each section in the same manner. Remember to alternate the direction you curl each section (some away from the face, some towards the face) to make the curls look more natural and voluminous.

Why it works: Alternating the curl direction helps create a more organic, fuller look. It avoids a uniform curl pattern that can look too “done.”

Step 7: Set the Curls (Optional)

If you want your curls to last longer, finish with a light mist of hairspray. Make sure to hold the hairspray a few inches away from your hair to avoid making the curls stiff or crunchy.

Why it works: A light hairspray finish helps hold the curls in place without weighing them down, leaving them soft and touchable.

Final Thoughts: Soft, Beautiful Curls in Minutes

Using a flat iron to create soft curls is a quick and easy way to get a gorgeous, bouncy hairstyle without needing multiple tools. With these simple steps, you can achieve natural-looking curls that are full of volume, movement, and shine. Whether you’re going for a casual day look or something more glamorous, these soft curls will complete any outfit!