Hair iron waves: a guide for beginners

If you have ever dreamt of having gentle, natural waves in your hair without having to go to the hairdresser's, this article is for you. It is true that making waves in your hair with a hair iron could seem hard at first sight, but with the right tips and a bit of practice anyone can achieve a professional-looking result. In this article we are going to give you a beginner's step-by-step guide on how to make waves in your hair with a hair iron and how to make them last all day. 

Preparing your hair before using a hair iron

Did you know that the key to perfect waves in your hair is getting your hair ready beforehand? The first thing to do is to brush your hair well to get rid of any knots or tangles. Apply some heat protector to protect your hair from the heat, and if you want some extra texture and volume, a little specific spray on the roots can make all the difference.

Clean, tidy, protected hair will make sure that your waves look natural and last longer. Also remember that hydrating and nourishing your hair directly affects how waves can be shaped and maintained.

How to achieve loose or tight waves, step-by-step

Making waves in your hair using a hair iron is not something that only professionals can do. With this guide, even those who wonder how waves can be done using a hair iron for beginners can achieve surprising results:

1. Divide and conquer!

Leave the waves to cool a little before touching your hair. Using your fingers, open up the loops to achieve a “carefully tousled look”.

5. Set to make them last 

Apply some hairspray from the top down, and at a distance so that your waves stay in place for longer, even in damp conditions or where there is coastal humidity.

With practice you will learn how to make waves in your hair using a hair iron, that will last for several hours without them losing their volume or shape.

Tips to make your waves last longer

If there is just one key tip to learn how to make long-lasting waves in your hair with a hair iron, it is the one we have just mentioned: you will need hairspray. Without a product to hold the waves in place, they quickly droop, particularly if you have fine, straight hair. Therefore:

• Don’t skimp on the hairspray. Although natural looking hair is the trend today, it is true that without hairspray your waves are not likely to last more than a few hours. The key is to choose a light hairspray and apply it properly: spray from the top down at a prudent distance and let the product fall on your hair without soaking it. That way you will achieve a good hold without it being too rigid.
• Let your hair cool before you touch it. Touching your waves when they are still warm will make them loose their shape. Waiting a few seconds will make a big difference to how long your style lasts.
• Start waves as high up as you can, not just at the ends. The closer to the roots you start (without reaching your scalp), the better your waves will be and they will last longer.
• Change direction and size of locks. In addition to a more natural-looking finish, this will help to confer more body and your waves will last longer.

Most common mistakes when making waves with a hair iron

Although making waves in your hair with a hair iron is fairly simple, there are some very common mistakes that can spoil the end result. Identifying them in time is the key to achieving a natural look, with flowing hair and avoiding the “over-the-top” effect.

• Making waves only at the end of your hair. We mentioned it earlier: for your hair texture to be similar and to avoid artificial looking waves, we recommend starting near the roots or slightly lower, rather than making waves in your hair only at the ends. The higher up you start making waves in your hair, the more natural looking the end result will be.
• Leaving the hair iron on too long. If you want ringlets in your hair, leaving your hair for longer in the hair iron will make the wave tighter. But if you want a more natural look, you will only need to leave it for a short time in the hair iron.
• Making all the waves in your hair on the same side. If you are not going to change the direction of the hair iron, the result will be more artificial and your waves will not look natural. You do not need to change direction with each lock of hair, but you do need to vary it for a more casual look.
• Making all your locks the same size. It is best to work with locks of hair of different sizes for a more natural finish. If we always take the same sized locks of hair, the finish will look too mathematical and very artificial.

With these tips and a little practice, you will be able to use this technique effectively to make waves in your hair with a hair iron, and achieve a natural result with plenty of volume that will last all day. The key to it is preparation, changing direction and setting your hair at the end. Wave goodbye to artificial looking waves and bring on a flowing hairstyle with personality!