We’ve all seen the Instagram and Pinterest pictures of women with gorgeous, long, curly hair that looks effortless. You spend what feels like hours in front of the mirror wrapping your hair around a hot curling iron, trying to get those dreamy, big waves. But after all that work, your hair falls flat before you even get out the door, and you’re left wondering: why won’t my hair hold curls?
So, what’s making your hair lose its shape so fast? Proper hair prep is key when curling hair. Curling wet hair can lead to frizzy hair and other bad things. Let’s get into it.
You’re Using the Wrong Tools
Long-lasting curls start with the right tools—and if you’re still using an old curling iron, it’s time to upgrade. Here’s how using the right curling tools and settings can make all the difference between curls that last all day.
Upgrade to a Good Iron
Not all curling irons are created equal. Get a high-quality iron with ceramic or tourmaline plates. These materials distribute heat evenly across the barrel so your curls are consistent from root to tip. Uneven heat can cause some curls to be too loose and others too tight, resulting in an uneven look. A good iron will give you smooth, polished, and sexy curls that last longer and help protect your hair from heat damage.
Set the Right Heat for Your Hair Type
A common myth is the hotter the iron, the better the curl—but that’s not always true. While thick or coarse hair may need more heat, most hair types don’t need temperatures above 300 degrees. Using too much heat can cause unnecessary damage and breakage. If you have fine or delicate hair, stick to lower temperatures for best results. Never set your iron above 400 degrees—going higher can burn your hair and make it more prone to frizz and breakage.
Choose the Right Barrel Size
Barrel size is key to getting the curl you want. For short hair, a thinner barrel (about 1 inch or smaller) is best. This allows you to wrap your hair around the barrel multiple times and get tight curls that will last all day. Smaller barrels also force you to work with smaller sections, which means more precision and control over each curl.
If you’re going for loose, beachy waves, many people reach for larger barrels (1.5–2 inches), but starting with a smaller barrel can often work better. Tighter curls will loosen as the day goes on and give you that undone, relaxed look without the curls falling flat too soon.
Try Other Tools
You don’t have to stick to traditional curling irons. There are many ways to curl your hair, so try other tools to get different styles. Curling wands (without a clip) will give you more natural, loose waves, while irons with clips will give you more control for structured curls. A flat iron can also be a great tool for soft, casual waves. You can get a more undone look by twisting sections of your hair and pulling them through the flat iron.
You’re Skipping Hair Prep
Hair prep is just as important as the curling process itself. Without proper prep, even the best curling iron won’t give you long-lasting curls. Proper hair prep will keep your curls defined, bouncy, and not flat all day.
Use the Right Products
One of the best ways to help your curls hold is by using the right products before you apply heat. Using a dry texture spray can enhance hair texture and give you a grip for better curls. Products with hold, like mousse, heat protectants, hair sprays, or dry texture sprays, will give your hair the grip it needs to hold its shape. For example, a mousse applied to damp hair before blow drying can add volume hold from the roots and give your curls a stronger foundation.
Dry texture spray is great because it adds grit to your hair, so it will “stick” to the curling iron rather than slide off. This grit gives you a textured, undone look that is perfect for those relaxed, beachy waves. It’s a great alternative to traditional hair spray, which can leave curls stiff or crunchy. Texture spray will keep your curls light, bouncy, and full of movement.
If you prefer hair spray, try misting your hair before curling rather than after. This will give your hair a bit of tackiness, so it will hold the curl better without feeling weighed down.
Don’t Forget Heat Protectant
While prepping your hair for curling, never forget the heat protectant. It’s essential for healthy and strong hair when using hot tools. Heat protectants shield your hair from damage caused by high temperatures and prevent breakage, frizz, and dullness. Many heat protectants also have ingredients that smooth your hair, add shine, and enhance your curls.
Consider Hair Extensions for Extra Volume and Hold
Hair extensions can make a big difference if you’re preparing for an event and want extra voluminous and long-lasting curls. Not only do extensions add length and fullness, but they also give your hair a different texture, which will help curls hold their shape better. Extensions, especially human hair extensions, will hold curls longer than your natural hair alone.
Extensions will also distribute the weight of your hair more evenly and give your curls a fuller, bouncier look. This is especially helpful if you have fine or thin hair, as the added volume will make your curls look more substantial and structured.
You’re Not Sectioning Your Hair
Sectioning your hair is key when curling, especially if you have thick or long hair. Not sectioning will give you uneven curls, flat spots, and missed pieces, and it will leave your hair looking unfinished and less voluminous. Sectioning will ensure that every part of your hair gets equal attention and will give you a fuller, more defined look.
Go Big or Go Home with Sectioning
Don’t be shy about sectioning. Divide your hair into at least three major sections: lower, middle, and top layers. Clip each section up and work one section at a time. Depending on the thickness of your hair, you may want to divide these sections even further so that you’re not missing any strands. The more intentional you are with sectioning, the better your overall result will be.
Each smaller section should be about an inch wide. Especially when using a small barrel curling iron, trying to curl larger sections of hair will prevent the heat from penetrating all the strands. As a result, your curls will be less defined, and parts of your hair may not even hold the curl. By keeping sections no larger than an inch, you will make sure each curl gets enough heat to set properly and will give you tighter, longer-lasting curls.
Benefits of Sectioning
Sectioning not only ensures you don’t miss any pieces but also gives you more volume and a rounder look. Focusing on smaller sections allows you to better control the size and shape of your curls and will give you a more structured and voluminous look.
Plus, sectioning will give you more precision with your curls, especially around your face or areas where you want tighter or looser curls. This level of control will give you a professional salon look at home.
Make Sectioning a Habit
Sectioning will take a bit more time, but the results are worth it. Your curls will be more uniform, hold better, and have the volume you’ve been wanting. With smaller, even sections, you’ll have the control to create consistent curls that look polished and last longer. Taking the time to section properly will level up your curling game and give you the desired results.
You’re Curling Your Hair Wrong
One of the biggest mistakes that can make your curls fall flat fast is to curl your hair from bottom to top. People with straight hair will have trouble holding curls and should try alternative techniques. When you wrap your hair around the iron, the ends of your hair get most of the heat and will give you tighter curls at the bottom and looser, less defined curls near the scalp. This imbalance will weigh down the curl and make it lose its shape faster, especially with long or thick hair. The key is to reverse this technique and start curling from the top of the section to have more even heat distribution and longer-lasting curls.
Why Curling from the Top is Better?
By starting your curl at the root or midsection of your hair, the area closest to the scalp gets more heat and will give you firmer, longer-lasting curls where you need the most volume and support. This is especially helpful when using a curling iron with a clamp because it will give you even heat distribution from root to tip. This will help maintain curl structure from the base of the hair and prevent the ends from getting over-curled, which will give you looser, flatter curls at the top that will fall out faster.
Starting at the top of the section will also help you avoid the common problem of flatness at the roots, as the extra heat will lift the hair and give you volume near the scalp and a fuller, bouncier style.
If You’re Using a Tapered Wand
This is even more important if you’re using a curling wand that tapers from thicker at the base to thinner at the tip. When you curl from bottom to top, the thinner part of the wand will give you tighter curls at the ends of your hair and softer waves at the roots. While this can look nice, it will make the curls fall faster because of the uneven curl pattern.
To get longer-lasting curls with a tapered wand, try a curling iron with an even barrel width or adjust your technique. Instead of wrapping the ends of your hair around the thinner part of the wand, wrap the full section of hair at the base of the wand where it’s thicker. This will give the root a more even curl, which will support the rest of the hair and prevent the ends from getting too tight. This will give you a more uniform curl that will last longer throughout the day.
You’re Not Setting Your Curls
One of the biggest reasons curls fall flat fast is that they can’t set properly. Curls need time to cool down in shape to lock in the form. If you let your curls drop as soon as you release them from the iron, the heat will make them loosen and lose their bounce. To make your curls last longer, pinning them in place while they’re still hot is key to setting them correctly.
Pinning Your Curls While They Cool
As soon as you release a curl from the curling iron, coil it back up and pin it to your scalp with bobby pins or clips. This will help your hair hold the curl shape while it cools. Once your hair is completely cool, the curls will be set in place, more durable, and less likely to fall throughout the day. Pinning it up allows the heat to dissipate while the curl is still structured, giving you more defined, longer-lasting curls.
Spray Hair Spray While Setting
If you want even more, hold your hair lightly with hair spray while the curls are pinned in place. This will add extra hold to the shape as it cools and give your curls extra strength to last the day. Make sure to use a flexible hair spray that will hold without making your hair stiff or sticky. Once your curls are cool, remove the pins and gently shake out your hair for soft, bouncy waves that will stay.
Your Hair is Too Clean
One often overlooked reason curls don’t hold is that they are too clean to curl. Freshly washed hair is too soft and slippery and lacks the grit needed for curls to stay in place. Curls hold better on second—or third-day hair because the natural oils in your hair provide extra texture and grip and make it easier for curls to hold their shape.
Add Texture with Dry Shampoo
If you want to curl clean hair or need to wash your hair for a special occasion, there’s still a way to add texture. If you prefer to curl clean hair or need to wash your hair for a special occasion, apply a dry shampoo or texturizing spray to your hair before curling. Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil, adds a little lift to the roots, and gives your hair the perfect base for curls. It creates that slightly rougher texture that will help your hair hold onto the curls better, even on freshly washed hair.
You can also use a volumizing mousse or dry texture spray on clean hair before blow drying to add body and grip and make it easier for the curls to hold. These products lift your hair, giving your curls something to hold onto.
You’re Brushing Out Your Curls
It’s easy to reach for a brush to soften and blend your curls, but doing so will actually weigh them down and cause them to fall. No one wants to walk out with tight, pageant curls, but there’s a way to loosen them without losing the bounce and volume.
Don’t Brush
A brush pulls the curls too much, flattens them, and reduces the hold. Instead, use a wide tooth comb or your fingers to separate the curls gently. This will help you maintain the shape and definition of the curls while softening them just enough to get a more natural, relaxed look. A comb or your fingers will give you control over how much you loosen the curls without pulling them out completely.
Add Volume and Texture
Try flipping your head over and shaking your curls at the roots for an effortless, messy look. This adds volume and creates those desirable pieces for undone waves. It’s an easy trick to add texture and movement to your hair and make your curls look more natural and relaxed.
Lock in Your Curls Before Styling
To ensure your curls hold their shape, always spray them with a light mist of hair spray or dry texture spray before you run your fingers or comb through them. This will add extra hold and prevent them from falling flat as you loosen them up. Dry texture spray can also help create that messy, undone texture and add grit and volume without making your hair feel stiff.
Fine Hair Notes
Fine hair is tricky when it comes to curling as it lacks the natural texture and volume of thicker hair types, but with the proper techniques and products, you can still get beautiful curls.
