How To Use A Curling Iron

Get loose waves with a curling iron

Don't know how to use a curling iron? True, it can look like a medieval torture device (along with heated eyelash curlers) to the average beauty novice. Add these curling iron tips to your beauty arsenal and try on wavy hairstyles in our virtual makeover studio.

"Even your grandma knows tight pin curls are out and loose, sexy waves are here to stay."

How to use a curling iron for maximum effect: Dampen the ends of your hair to prevent heat damage and be sure to style sections of the hair evenly. Always keep the curling iron three inches from the scalp to achieve sexy, relaxed waves.

Start by taking a section of hair from behind the ear and curl away from the face. Pick up other sections on the same side of the head at random, then switch to the other side, also beginning from behind the ear.

Finish by styling the top of your head, holding the curling iron straight up and curling downward in the direction of the scalp.

Do not finger or brush through your curls. Instead, “scrunch” them in hand at the top of your head, and then put your hands underneath the hair at the nape of the neck to gently jostle the curls a bit and add volume. Finish with hairspray. --Stephanie Simons

TRY ON WAVY HAIRSTYLES BY UPLOADING A PHOTO TO TAAZ