Start with clean, dry, or slightly damp hair (dry hair for tighter curls; damp hair for looser curls)
Apply heat protectant to all hair
Comb through to remove tangles
Divide hair into sections (top, middle, bottom)
Choose a curling tool size (smaller barrel for tighter curls; larger barrel for looser waves)
Preheat the curling iron or wand
Take a thin strand of hair (about 1/2 to 1 inch wide)
Clamp-and-twist method: place the strand in the clamp, wrap the hair around the barrel toward the ends, and hold briefly
Wand method: wrap the strand around the barrel without the clamp, holding the ends briefly
Hold each curl for about 5–12 seconds, depending on hair thickness and heat setting
Release the curl and let it cool in your hand for a few seconds (or pin it up)
Continue curling section by section, alternating direction for natural volume or keeping one direction for uniform curls
For consistent results, keep tension steady and avoid overlapping too much
Let curls cool fully before touching
Remove any pins and gently separate curls with fingers or a wide-tooth comb
Set with hairspray (light mist for natural hold; stronger hold for longer-lasting curls)
Optional: finish with a small amount of hair oil or serum on the ends only