5 Secrets for Getting Curls That Last ALL Day

With both pin-straight, super-sleek hair and bouncy, 3D curls trending this year, there are so many ways to wear your hair. Transforming straight locks into beautiful, full-bodied curls is no easy feat however, especially when they start to fall flat soon after styling.

Don’t let all your hard work in front of the mirror go to waste. Here are our favourite tips and tricks to help you get your dream curls and make them last all day.

1. Avoid curling on a wash day

Ideally, you should aim to curl your hair on the second or third day after shampooing and conditioning – that natural gritty texture and build-up of oils are essential for long-lasting curls. If you simply cannot go without washing your hair for a day or two, make sure to drop the conditioner out of your wash routine as it'll make your hair too soft and light to hold any curls.

And don't forget to use a dry shampoo to extend the time between wash days!

2. Combine mousse and a blow-dryer

If you’re starting on wet, freshly-washed hair – minus the conditioner, of course – then you’ll want to try and get some natural waves and volume by using hair mousse and a blow-dryer. An easy way to boost your hair's volume is to blow-dry with your head upside down whilst finger combing.

You can also use a diffuser attachment on your blow-dryer, which spreads the heat over a wider surface for intense but natural-looking volume. Just twist sections of hair and lay them on the up-turned diffuser, pressing up against your scalp until about 80% dry.

3. Products will be your saving grace

Getting the right texture in your hair is key for lasting curls.

Incorporate a texturising spray into your routine, targeting the roots to give your hair more volume. You don’t want flat roots with big, bouncy curls!

If you choose to use a heat styler, which we’ll get onto next, make sure to prepare by having a heat protector on standby. A spray that also gives volume is your best bet. Don't be too heavy-handed if you're using a heat-protecting hair serum or anything with an oily consistency as this will add unwanted weight to your hair, making your curls drop more quickly.

You’ll also want a hairspray or finishing spray at the end of your curl routine.

4. Get curling

Once all your products are worked into your hair you can finally start curling!

Choose a barrel size for your curling wand or curved-edge straightener to suit the type of curl you want—the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl, while a large barrel will give more of a wave. See some of our recommendations below.

Keep your device between 150°C and 200°C, depending on the thickness of your hair, as higher heat will give you the best curls. (Just remember to pop on a heat protectant spray.) If you need more help, find out how to use a hair curling wand with our handy guide.

If you want a heat-free alternative, you’ll want to start the night before using rollers, the sock bun method or heatless hair curlers. This is a slower method that you need to plan ahead for, but if your hair is too damaged from heat styling, this is a great option!

5. Pin your hair and leave it there!

After creating a curl with your curling wand or curved-edge straightener, fix it back in a cluster and pin it down to your head. Repeat this for all your curls. Once all your pinned hair has completely cooled, gently take it down. This method will truly allow you to retain curly hair, saving fresh, warm curls from dropping and falling flat.

Another great method is to cup the curls right after creating them, bouncing them in your hand to let them cool.

To keep your gorgeous new curls popping all day long, mist hairspray onto your hair before heading out. Be careful to hold the can at a distance – you want a flawless hold for your curls, not an uncomfortable, weighed-down, crunchy feel. We love a hairspray that also adds shine because you definitely want your curls looking healthy and vibrant.

More haircare tips to help you keep your locks looking luscious

So there you have it: five fabulous tips to give you lustrous, long-lasting curls! And don’t worry if they're tighter than you’d like – you can gently run your fingers through to loosen the curls or leave them to naturally loosen throughout the day. For more styling tips, check out The Best Volumising Hair Products for Full and Bouncy Locks.