How to perfect your curly hair look with these simple and easy curling hacks.
Most of us never mastered curling hacks, some of us may have learnt of YouTube, and a lot of us are still learning as we go along. There’s so much more to bouncy, frizz-free curls than simply turning on the heat curler.
We have sourced easy to follow game-changing hair curling hacks to help you level up your styling game—plus a few insider tips you may not have heard of before.
1. Choose the Right Barrel Size
Undoubtedly, one of the most life-changing hacks you’ll come across when curling your hair is knowing what size barrel to use for your hair and the style you’re trying to achieve.
The bigger your wand’s barrel, the looser your waves will be; the tighter the barrel, the tighter the curls. So, yes, size does matter. If you’re unsure, opt for a medium barrel—it’s the most versatile.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different barrel shapes too. Oval-shaped barrels are great for natural-looking, irregular curls and you can use different sized barrels on your hair in the one style.
2. To Keep It Tight, You’ve Got to Twist
If you’ve got naturally wavy hair and want to define your curls, twist your hair before wrapping it around the barrel. This creates a spiral effect that results in tighter, more structured curls.

Pro Tip: Twist in the same direction for a consistent look or alternate directions for a more tousled, lived-in style.
3. For “Utah Curls,” Skip the Clamp
If you’re after the trending “Utah Curls”—characterised by slightly straight ends and voluminous middles—ditch the clamp and leave a few centimetres of your hair off the hair curler. This technique gives you that modern, relaxed vibe.

4. For Extra Hold, Spray Before Styling
If your hair tends to lose its curl within minutes, try spraying each section with a light mist of hairspray before styling with the curling wand. The heat from the curler activates the product, helping your curls hold their shape longer.

Pro Tip: Use a heat protectant spray with hold properties to protect your strands while styling.
5. To Get Beachy Waves, Keep It Light
For those effortless, loose, beachy waves, pull lightly on the curl while it’s still warm. This helps to relax the curl and gives it that “woke-up-like-this” vibe.

Pro Tip: Shake your hair out gently with your fingers and finish with a texture spray for a true beachy look.
6. Slow and Sectioned Gives Curls That Last
If you’ve ever wondered why your hairstyle doesn’t last as long as others, it might be because you’re curling too much hair at once. Focus on small sections—2.5cm to 5cm max—and work slowly for longer-lasting results.

Pro Tip: Use sectioning clips to keep uncurled hair out of the way for a more precise finish.
7. The Closer to the Root, the Longer It Will Last
For curls that can last all day (or even overnight), start curling as close to the root as possible. This creates volume and ensures the style has staying power.
Pro Tip: If you have fine hair, start with a volumising mousse at the roots before curling.
8. How You Hold Affects the Curl
The angle at which you hold your curling wand dramatically impacts the result. Holding your wand vertically gives you loose, natural waves, while holding it horizontally creates tighter, more uniform curls.

Pro Tip: For extra volume, hold your wand diagonally and curl away from your face.
9. Try Pinning Them Up
For curls that need to survive a long day or night, pin them up as soon as they come off the barrel. This trick locks the curl into place as it cools, ensuring maximum hold and bounce.
Pro Tip: Use metal or no-crease clips to avoid denting your curls.
10. Speed Up by Curling Your Ponytail
When you’re pressed for time, pull your hair into a high ponytail and curl it in sections. Once you’re done, let it down and shake it out for quick and easy waves.


Pro Tip: Use a scrunchie or soft hair tie to avoid creating a crease in your hair.
11. Add Shine with a Silk Scarf (Bonus Hack!)
After curling, wrap your hair loosely in a silk scarf while it cools. This reduces frizz and adds a polished shine to your curls.
12. Don’t Forget the Cool Shot (Bonus Hack!)
If you’re using a hairdryer or styling tool with a cool shot feature, use it on each curl before releasing it from the barrel. The cool air locks the shape and gives a smoother finish.