From barely-there to beachy to Hollywood glam, waves are one of the most versatile hairstyles out there. And just as they come in all shapes and sizes, each has its very own technique.
What better way to achieve this versatile style than with a tool that possesses equally impressive multitasking powers? A flat iron is just as capable of creating that enviable tousled texture as it is capable of smoothing your strands pin-straight. If you’ve got one on hand, here’s how to wave hair with a flat iron to get salon-quality waves.
The Preface: Apply the Right Products and Use the Right Tools
Heat protectant – Heat protectant sprays are useful for any heat styling, waves or not, as it softens the impact of heat on the hair. Always apply heat protectant before styling with heated tools, and be sure you’re using the best temperature for straightening hair based on your hair type and texture to limit heat exposure and damage.
Texture spray – With a few ingredients, texture sprays can add volume, definition, and longevity to post-heat-styled waves. They coat your hair strands and provide hold without weighing them down, resulting in a high-volume, high-impact finish. For fine or naturally straight hair, texture spray can even replace the need to hair spray your strands after styling.
Mousse – While mousse isn’t the most essential product here, it’ll be your best friend if you’re looking to create some big volume. If you’re wondering how to add volume to straight hair, we recommend adding mousse to the roots of your hair while it’s still damp, then rough drying prior to creating your flat iron waves.
T3 Smooth ID – Featuring first-of-its-kind heat personalization, T3 Smooth ID shields your hair from excess heat exposure—without compromising results. Powered by T3 HeatID technology, a smart algorithm adjusts heat to your unique profile based on your hair texture, length, and color treatments. The result? A smooth, shiny finish with less damage.
Waves are one of the most popular straightener hairstyles, and an easy one at that. Creating Bubble Waves is an easy flat-ironed wave method that can be dressed up (think 1920s-finger-waves-inspired) or dressed down (tousled, woke-up-like-this texture).
To begin, insert a small section of hair into the iron. Gently clamp the iron and curve the hair under. Release, move the iron down about an inch, then clamp and curve upward. Continue rocking the iron over and under as you move down the hair section, alternating directions until you reach the ends.
Method #2 - Flat Iron Bend
Another flawless method for creating waves with a flat iron is the “flat iron bend.” Depending on your pace with the iron, this hair styling process is highly customizable, since it’s up to you to decide how bouncy or relaxed you want your waves to be.
To begin, hold your flat iron vertically and clamp a smaller section of hair near the root. Twist your wrist away from your face to “bend” the hair backward, curling it around the iron, and pull down until you reach the ends. Then, move on to the next section.
If you want slightly looser, more undone waves, you can alternate the direction of your curls, too. Simply twist some of those strands toward your face, rather than away from your face. After your curls have cooled, run your fingers through them for a more tousled texture.
Method #3 - Pull-Down Curl
You don't need a curling iron to create these tighter waves. The “pull-down curl” method is a classic way to wave or curl hair with a flat iron. The immediate result might look more like a curl fresh off the flat iron, but with some light finger-brushing and a little help from gravity, it’ll relax into beachy waves that’d make the Pacific envious.
To begin making your first pull-down curl, hold your flat iron horizontally and clamp it on a small section of hair, starting a few inches below your roots. Rotate the iron under about 180 degrees, pulling the rest of the section around and over the top. Then, glide your flat iron straight down until you reach the end of the strand.
As you pull your flat iron down, remember not to squeeze the iron too firmly around your hair. Gentle and repeated clamping motions along the length of your wave section ensure a light and voluminous result.
You can apply texture spray to better set the bounce of the curl, or you can let the curlier waves loosen over time for a natural look.
Wave Hello to Your New Favorite Style
Whether you’re aiming for bouncy, retro-inspired bubble waves or beachy pull-down curls, remember that it can take some trial and error to perfect your technique. Soon enough, however, we’re sure you’ll be achieving your ideal waves with a twist of the wrist.
After all, that’s the whole point of learning these techniques—so that you’ll have another effortless hairstyling approach in your arsenal of looks. And with the right tips and tools, they’re sure to turn heads just as easily as they make waves.
