Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
How To Get Big Bouncy Curls With and Without Heat
Curls are in! Actually, I don’t think they were ever out of style and I don’t think they will ever go out of style. If you love curly hair like myself, but don’t have it naturally, I’ve experimented with two tried and true at home hair curling methods that work. With these two curling methods, you can wear your hair in this style daily or save it for special occasions. If you're looking to achieve big bouncy curls, there are two ways to do it: with and without heat. Read on to learn how.
I love my Conair big barrel curling iron
Heat Method
If you alternate between NO HEAT hairstyle days and HEAT hairstyle days like I do, you will save your hair a lot of stress. The first method of achieving big curls can be used on your HEAT hairstyle days.
To achieve luscious curls with heat, start by applying a heat protectant spray to your hair. I have been using Bumble and Bumble Heat Shield for years and love it. Then using a large barrel curling iron (I have had my Conair 1 ½ inch barrel version for years), take small sections of hair and wrap them around the barrel, holding for anywhere to a few to 30 seconds before releasing. I like to curl away from my face, but you can curl in any direction that you like. Continue this process until all of your hair is curled. To set the curls, lightly spray with a flexible hold hairspray.
Finish curls with pomade for lasting results
Depending on the size curling iron or curling wand you use, you will get big or small curls. If you have a smaller wand and don’t want to buy another one, you could simply wrap a thicker section of hair around it to achieve a bigger curl look. The reason why I love my Conair curling irons is because they last forever, are value priced and most have a convenient mini stand attached to prop it up on my counter without burning it. You don’t realize how important this is until you buy a curling iron without one. When that happened to me recently with a different brand, I sent it back.
Hair curled with large barrel curling iron
No Heat Method
On my NO HEAT hair style days, my hair will usually contain some of the curl from the day before, which helps my no-heat curls last a little longer. I have wavy, normal thickness hair, so this day after curling style works great for me. If you have fine or straight hair, your hair may not hold any curl from the previous day, but the next method will still work for you. Your curls may not last quite as long as they do in my hair. If your hair is curly, this curling method should last a long time for you.
Watch my quick big bouncy curls tutorial below or via my YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
If you prefer to avoid heat or just need your hair lifted at the roots a bit with a bit of curl, opt for a no-heat curling method with self-grip (AKA “velcro” rollers). I love my Conair Voluminous Curls Self Grip Roller set because it has a variety of sizes of rollers. Self-grip hair rollers have become a popular choice for those seeking an easy and efficient way to achieve bouncy and voluminous curls without heat.
Get voluminous hair with self grip rollers
The magic of these innovative rollers lies in their unique design – covered in tiny hooks, they adhere effortlessly to the hair without the need for pins or clips. Not only are they convenient to use, but they also offer added benefits, such as reduced heat damage compared to traditional curling irons.
Long loose curls are good for every day styles
The soft texture of the self-grip surface not only provides comfortable wear but also helps to create long-lasting curls that hold their shape throughout the day. Whether you are a professional stylist or a DIY enthusiast, self-grip hair rollers are a must-have tool for achieving beautiful curls with minimal effort. If you have squeaky clean hair, they should still grip to your hair. If not, spray a little hairspray or dry shampoo in your hair prior to rolling to give it more grip.
I love to play around with hair and fashion
To roll my long hair, I use the largest curlers. I have tried the smaller self-grip rollers on long hair and they seem to get a little tangled up, which pulls my hair. Try to use the largest sizes if you have long hair and use smaller sizes if you have short hair. I like variety packs of self-grip rollers so I can use them no matter what length my hair is. You can also buy them according to the specific curl size you want.
I used a large curling iron and faux rainbow hair clip-ins for this style
Using small sections of hair works best with self-grip rollers so the hair can attach. I will use a comb to gather a small section of hair and then roll the curler from tip to root away from my head. If you used the right size section of hair, the curler will automatically stay in your hair. If not, you can use a metal alligator clip to hold them in, but be aware, the clip may leave a dent. If this happens, try using a piece of hair curl paper or tissue paper to help prevent future hair dents.
Loose curls and my DIY sprinkle sunglasses
Because self-grip curlers use no heat, you may need to leave them in a while to get your hair to curl. I will roll my hair before putting on my makeup and leave them in for about an hour. Next, I gently release the big curls and run my fingers through your hair to loosen up the curls for a bouncy, natural-looking result.
Wavy hair is easily achieved with or without heat
In my experience, very clean and dry hair will produce more defined curls than day-after shampoo days. My clean hair curls tend to last longer too. You may notice the same with your hair type, but you may not as everyone’s hair reacts differently to different big curl styling methods. Finish your style by spritzing with a light-hold hairspray to ensure the curls hold throughout the day.
I created these curls with a Dyson Airwrap, which works great too!
If you love this article, we know you’ll love this one too: How To Create Heat Free Wavy Hair or Mermaid Curls
Carolyn J. (C.J.) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.