How to Curl Hair

Turn your head into a cascade of curls with these instructions.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your hair Start with hair that hasn't been washed for a day or two -- the curls hold better that way. Plug in your hot rollers.
Step 2: Roll up the top Starting with the hair on the top center of your head, closest to your forehead, wrap one-inch sections of hair around each roller, rolling it back away from the face, from ends to roots, and secure with a clip. Continue until the center strip of your scalp is done, like a Mohawk.
TIP: If your rollers come in different sizes, use the biggest ones for the top of your head, the middle ones on the side, and the smallest ones on the bottom pieces.
Step 3: Wrap the sides Wrap the hair on each side of your head, angling the rollers vertically to create spiral curls.
Step 4: Gather bottom pieces Use the remaining rollers on the bottommost layers of hair. Lightly spray your entire head with hair spray.
TIP: No hot rollers? Use Velcro rollers, and give each one a five-second blast of hot air from your dryer after you roll it into the hair to set. Leave them in for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Wait until they're cool Wait until the hot rollers are completely cool -- about 20 minutes -- before carefully removing them.
Step 6: Finger-style Gently arrange the curls with your fingertips; then freeze the desired style with hair spray. If the curls are too tight, run a wide-tooth comb through them to loosen.
FACT: In 2009, Australian medical researchers discovered the gene that influences whether people of European descent have curly or straight hair.