The Teacher Diva

How to Get Big Curls

long hair tutorial for curls

I am so excited to finally share with you guys a new hair tutorial.  There’s no question that my favorite hairstyle is big, loose curls (after all, I am from Texas). It’s also the style I wear my most often. Many of you have requested this tutorial, and while I shared a similar tutorial last year, I wanted to share an updated version and be as thorough and detailed as possible.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

the teacher diva-9

Products Used:

Pro Beauty: 1 ¼” Professional Gold Curling Iron & Ionic AC Motor Dryer

Oribe: Royal Blowout, Superfine Strong Hairspray, and Goldlust Nourishing Oil

Redken: Quick Tease 15 Backcombing Spray

top knot

top knot

Step 1: Before creating this hairstyle, I like to start with clean hair. While I don’t wash my hair everyday, this is a great way to set your look for the next couple of days.

If time permits, I like to let my hair partially air dry.  I typically throw my hair up in a bun and let it air dry about 75% through the night. I’ve found that when I let my hair partially air dry, it has extra texture and ends up holding a longer curl. When I wake up, my hair is still damp and I spray Royal Blowout throughout my hair.

To finish drying, I use the Ionic Blow Dryer. I love this dryer! It’s lightweight and gentle on my hair. When I don’t have the time to let my hair air dry, this one dries my hair much faster than most dryers while exposing my hair to less heat.

Style Tip: Use the cool shot when finished to seal the ends and add shine!

blow dryer review

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Royal Blowout

Step 2: Next, I separate my hair creating a bun on top. I used a hair clip, but you can use whatever you find easiest.  I apply another mist of  Royal Blowout to the bottom portion and brush my hair.

oribe hairspray

Step 3: Next, take a 2 inch section of hair. I start by spraying Superfine Strong Hairspray over the section before curing. My hairstylists introduced me to this hairspray a year ago and now I am addicted! It works great with my 1 ¼” Professional Curling Iron. I love the size of this iron. If you have longer hair, I highly recommend this size for voluminous curls.

Style Tip:  The ends of your hair are the most delicate; Always start curling in the middle to protect the ends and encourage a stronger hold. I like that this iron has multiple heat settings, so it works great with all hair types. If you’re looking to create that big, soft curl, start by curling away from the face and follow the same pattern until you get to the back.

how to curl your hair

curling iron tutorial

Style Tip: Let your curls cool off in your hand to create a tighter curl that will last longer. You will brush them out after you are finished, but be sure to let them stay tight as long as you can. I usually don’t brush them out until I am ready to walk out the door. I find that this really helps “set” the curls.

loose curls tutorial

Step 4: Take out the hair from the top bun and brush out any tangles. I start by taking the top part of my hair and spraying Redkin Quick Tease to give my hair a little lift. This works well in conjunction with a teasing comb however, I try to not use a teasing comb if I don’t have to. Quick Tease alone seems to get the job done for an everyday look.

Style Tip: I like to take the top part of my hair, and fold it to the opposite side while I’m curling. This lets the Quick Tease dry and set.

quick tease

Step 5:   I separate my hair into two parts, and curl away from my face. I always pay close attention to how I curl the areas framing my face. I like for the hair to follow the same pattern.

Style Tip: I frequently get asked about my haircut and wanted to share that my hairstylist cuts quite a few layers around my face. This really helps to help give my hair more texture and volume. The size of this curling iron works perfect for getting those “big, soft” curls around my face.

loose curl tutorialcurl tutorial

Step 6: After curling, I use a pump of Goldlust Nourishing Oil. This smells so amazing and I love how it makes my hair soft and shiny.

hair oil

Style Tip: Run your hands through your hair, focusing on the ends. This separates the tight curls and gives a softer look. While, the Nourishing Oil doesn’t make hair greasy, I try to apply the product strictly from my ears and down.

soft loose curls

Step 7: I like to finish by spraying a light mist of Superfine Strong Hairspray all over my hair. This helps hold those curls all day and gives a nice shine.

loose curls tutoriallong hair tutorialbalayage

POST DETAILS: monogrammed jewelry box c/o // candle jar // pave ring set // initial necklace // bar necklace (Ring style here) // watch // lipstick “corial intuitive” // nail polish “cake-pop” 

 

CLICK-TO-SHOP


images by: mary summers

this post is brought to you by pro beauty tools, a brand that I use and genuinely love



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Comments

  5. Your curls are so pretty! I have yet to figure out how to start curling from the middle rather than the end – I’m not the greatest with doing fun things with my hair, ha! 🙂 Great tutorial though, I’ll definitely have to try some of those products!

    Kacie
    RegallySoled.com

    Reply

  10. Thanks for posting this tutorial. My hair is similar to yours, but I have the hardest time getting those shorter curls around my face. I guess it has to do with my hair cut. What do you tell your lady when you go? I’m dying to get curls like you girl! Thanks! Sandy

    Reply

  14. Love this look, I am going to try it today! Also love your jewelry choices! As a merchandiser I’m probably biased, but I think you’d really love Chloe + Isabel jewelry!

    Reply

  20. I have very long hair and it becomes very difficult to manage if it gets dry. Once per week, I use the Shielo intensive Hair Mask and it has not only repaired my damage hair (which use to always tangle) but has also give them a smooth silky shine. It appears as if there has been a coating of cream on your hair which is protective layer.

    Reply

    • Hi Gerri,

      Thank you so much for your comment! I am always looking for great hair masks, especially because my hair is very dry as well and tangles very easily. I appreciate your feedback and thank you for reading.

      xx Ashley

      Reply

  21. I know I’m behind this post but i just saw it on Pinterest!! Your hair is so so beautiful! What shampoo and conditioner do you use?? I have fine hair but it is so thick and my hair is constantly in tangles even though it is very healthy! Do you have any tips??

    Reply

  23. I also live in TX and looking for a new stylist. What region are you in and can I get your stylist contact info?

    Reply

  26. I’ve been looking for a tutorial like this. Love that the curling iron is so affordable! Hope it’s still in stock or available online.Thanks for the step by step. Plan to do this look for thanksgiving!

    Reply

  27. Great post. Hot iron hair tools are awesome for hair styling.  It is very hard and stuff to get a good way to find the best hot iron for natural hair to make the hair stylist. It is also very problematic to know the way and to get the desirable way to select a brand. So Thank you for your advice.

    Reply

  32. Every time I curl my hair the curls look too broken up. I have long VERY thick hair and I want that soft curl look not messy. (Think like Connie Britton) I try to brush my hair with a pick or brushing each curl to get that soft look but it always ends up either breaking up the curl, looking frizzy or dilutes the curl by at least 50%. Any suggestions?

    Reply

    • Hi Courtney,

      Thank you for your comment! It sounds like you have beautiful hair. Here are my tips for you:

      – Use a light serum
      – Use a boar bristle brush
      – Lastly,What size curling iron are you using?

      Let me know!
      X, Ashley

      Reply

  33. Incredible post. Hot iron hair devices are wonderful for hair styling. It is exceptionally hard and stuff to get a decent method to locate the best hot iron for characteristic hair to make the beautician. It is likewise tricky to know the route and to get the alluring method to choose a brand. So Thank you for your recommendation.

    Reply

  38. Every girl likes curls on her hair but the aren’t always able to achieve that. your post helps those girls thanks for that. but i also have a one question i like straitening more how can i achieve that?

    Reply

  42. Thank you for sharing this! I am a big fan of your hair, lol! I will have to try some of these products. My curls just don’t stay at all. My hair loves being straight for some reason.

    Reply

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