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How to curl hair with a straightener

Learning how to curl your hair with a straightener is easier than it looks, especially with the ghd Sculpt hair straightener and styler.

These step-by-step tutorials show you how to create two distinct looks - simple curls for effortless, everyday wear, and sculptural curls for a more polished, defined finish. Follow along and find the one that works for you

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SIMPLE CURLS

Beautiful straightener curls don't have to be complicated. This step-by-step technique makes curling hair with a straightener effortless, whether you're new to the method or just want a quicker route to natural, healthy-looking results.

The ghd sculpt delivers perfect styling with zero damage*, so you can curl hair with a straightener and still leave the house with hair that looks and feels incredible. Follow the steps below to get the most from your tool.

WATCH HOW TO CREATE SIMPLE CURLS

STEP-BY-STEPS

Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_1_anzSTEP 1.

START

Start with dry hair.
Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_2_anz_v1STEP 2.

PREP

Mist your hair with ghd curly ever after - curl hold spray.
Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_3_anzSTEP 3.

SECTION

Section hair and turn on ghd sculpt, ghd's first interactive hair styler
Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_4_anzSTEP 4.

ANGLE

Place ghd sculpt hair straightener into the hair and angle down.
Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_5_anzSTEP 5.

TWIST

Twist one full turn and glide the styler down the hair.
Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_6_anzSTEP 6.

REPEAT

On your second pass, angle the styler in the opposite direction.
Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_7_anzSTEP 7.

CONTINUE

Continue curling throughout the hair, alternating as you go.
Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_8_anzSTEP 8.

FINISH

Spray ghd final fix hairspray onto ghd the detangling comb wide tooth comb and comb out those curls.
Sculpt26_Simple_Curls_SBS_Step_9_anzSTEP 9.

FINAL LOOK

Perfect styling and zero damage*.
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SCULPTURAL CURLS

For strong, defined straightener curls that make a real impact, this is the technique to master. By curling hair with a straightener, you get precise, sculpted definition that a curling iron simply can't replicate, giving you full control over the shape and structure of every curl.

Once styled, simply brush them out to transform that definition into deep, flowing waves. Two finishes, one tool. Follow the steps below to create this versatile, sculpted look with ease.

WATCH HOW TO CREATE SCULPTURAL CURLS

STEP-BY-STEPS

Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_1_anzSTEP 1.

START

Start with dry hair.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_2_anzSTEP 2.

PREP

Mist your hair with ghd curly ever after - curl hold spray.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_3_anzSTEP 3.

SECTION

Section hair and turn on ghd sculpt, ghd's first interactive hair styler.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_4_anzSTEP 4.

ANGLE

Place ghd sculpt hair straightener close to the root and angle down. Take one full turn and glide down your hair.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_5_anzSTEP 5.

REPEAT

Repeat this on the next section of hair.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_6_anzSTEP 6.

CONTINUE

Continue styling throughout your hair with ghd sculpt hair straightener.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_7_anzSTEP 7.

COMPLETE

Complete curling through your hair.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_8_anzSTEP 8.

FINISH

Spray ghd final fix hairspray onto ghd the all rounder paddle brush.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_9_anzSTEP 9.

BRUSH OUT

Brush through your hair.
Sculpt26_Sculptural_Curls_SBS_Step_10_anzSTEP 10.

FINAL LOOK

Perfect styling and zero damage*.

COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS

Q: What are simple curls?

Simple curls are soft, everyday curls with a natural bend rather than tight ringlets. They suit any hair length and are best worn loose for an effortless finish.

Q: How do you keep simple curls soft rather than tight?

Use wider sections and a single turn of the styler so the curl stays open. Once the hair has cooled, brush through to relax the shape into soft, natural curls.

Q: How long do curls from ghd sculpt last?

A full day on most hair types. Let each curl cool before touching it. ghd Sculpt maintains a personalised temperature so the curl sets cleanly with zero damage*.

Q: Do simple curls work on fine hair?

Yes. Fine hair takes a curl quickly, so use a shorter hold time and opt for a light spray for grip rather than heavy product, which can cause curls to drop.

Q: What products help simple curls hold?

Apply a heat protectant before styling and finish with a light-hold spray. Keep products minimal so the curls stay soft and flexible instead of stiff.

Q: What are sculptural curls?

Sculptural curls are defined, structured curls with a strong shape. When brushed out, they relax into full, sculpted waves, giving you two looks from one styling technique.

Q: How do you turn sculptural curls into waves?

Set firm curls first and allow them to cool completely, then brush through with a paddle brush. The curls open into soft waves that keep their definition and shape.

Q: How are sculptural curls different from simple curls?

Sculptural curls are tighter and designed to be brushed into waves, while simple curls stay soft and loose. With ghd sculpt, you can create both by adjusting the section size and the turn of the styler.

Q: Why won't my waves hold their shape?

The curls were likely brushed before they had cooled. Let each curl set fully before brushing, and add a light texturising spray to fine hair so the wave has grip.

Q: Can you create sculptural curls on long hair?

Yes. Longer hair gives more drop through the wave once brushed out. Work in smaller sections so each curl is well defined before you loosen it.

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* Zero damage to the natural structure of your hair, find out more.
¹ Vs naturally dried medium brown hair
² Vs Naturally dried frizzy hair