Video: Hair curling tutorial (+ how to get more volume!)

balayage highlights on dark brown black asian hair | Hair Curling Tutorial

Leith tank dress (reviewed here) on sale!, Chanel wallet on chain

I’ve gotten so many questions on hair curling lately, I figured it’s about time for a new YouTube video! Since it takes me a long time to curl my hair, I usually only do this about once a week, and try to extend the hairstyle as much as possible using starch on my roots (read about it in this post) and texturizing spray (read more below)!

HAIR CURLING TUTORIAL Tools & Products
  • Blow Dryer Brush ToolUpdate: I started using this genius tool sold at Amazon or at Target, so you don’t need a barrel brush in addition to a blow dryer. I use this on the low heat setting (FYI, the high heat gets very hot) and then cool to set. I blow dry smaller sections of hair by lifting each section upwards at the root while drying it, then flipping each section over.
  • Curling ironUpdateI’ve switched over to this Revlon 1.25″ curling iron sold at Ulta or at Target, and use it pretty much the same way as shown in the video just with the clip. The curler shown in the video is my older clipless wand, 1 to 1.5″ size, but lately I’ve preferred using a curler with a clip again. I used to heat this up to over 400 degrees to save time, but just do 375 now to be a little gentler on my hair.
  • Hair clips: no-slip grip jaw clips. These are great for volume tip #1 below, and also to securely clip up sections of hair while curling. Make sure you get the regular size and not the mini.
  • Hair oil and or Heat Protectant. I alternate between the products below, and usually just use 1 each time after toweling-dry hair:
    Moroccanoil 
    (also sold here) – Makes my coarse hair feel softer and easier to detangle.
    Caviar CC 10-in-1 Cream (also sold here) – I use this about once a week to treat my hair that’s fried from years of repeat highlighting aka bleaching. I like that it also contains heat protectant.
  • Texturizing spray. Used in lieu of hairspray, this helps provide lift, absorbs excess hair oils, and adds grip to each strand. It extends my day 1 curls to sexy bedhead waves on days 2 and 3. I alternate between these two below (both have free shipping & returns, but are unfortunately pricey):
    • Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray (also sold here) – All the hairstylists I’ve worked with on shoots love this, and layer it on for volume and texture both before and after curling.
    • Shu Uemura “Texture Wave” Finishing Spray   This one is harder to find in-stores so I usually get it at a salon, but works really well for my hair in terms of adding beachy “grit”! (Update: Good news, the 2020 updated version of this texture finishing spray is now sold at Sephora, and it has better hold than before!) Compared to regular hairsprays, it has a more gentle hold, but doesn’t weigh my hair down at all or make curls feel crispy or stiff.
Tutorial Video on YouTube

Press play for my hair curling tutorial (or here’s the direct link to the video):

YouTube video

In video: Gibson twist front top xxsp (petite runs short), Leith dress (more photos)
HAIR CURLING TUTORIAL Pump up the volume Tips

Volumizing tips, as shown in the hair curling tutorial video:

  1. Dry in a poof. After washing my hair and toweling it dry, I always, ALWAYS clip up the hair at the top of my head (I go bonkers I’m traveling and forget my grip clips)! I then either air or blow dry it while clipped, to let it set with a little lift at the roots. This makes a noticeable difference for me, but everyone’s hair texture is different. If you have fine or slippery hair, it might help to work some heat-activated sculpting product into your damp hair, before clipping it up and blow drying.
  2. Texturize before curling. Spray texturizer in before curling your hair, making sure to lift up pieces of hair and spray from the underside. If you’re starting with freshly-washed hair, this will also help the strands grip onto curled styles better.
  3. Curl in bottom-to-top layers. The biggest mistake in how I used to curl my hair was that I sectioned my hair from side to side. It makes much more sense to section from top to bottom, since the curls will fall down in a cascade of layers and build volume upon itself.
  4. Don’t flatten while you sleep: After going through all that effort to style and curl your hair, the last thing you want to do is smoosh it down overnight! When in bed, I sweep my hair up above my head. I also make sure to do this if I have to sleep with damp hair after showering, otherwise I’d wake up to hair that dried flat and misshapen!
SET WHILE COOLING…

…even if it’s just for a few seconds, or just with the top layer of hair!

I think most of us know that letting our curls “set” in place (usually with clips) while cooling allows for more defined and long-lasting curls. However, few of us have the patience. Letting a curl slide slowly off of the curling iron into my palm (keeping the curl coil intact) to cool takes just a few extra seconds, but makes the end result look more defined and springy. To save more time, I usually just do this on the outermost layer of curls since that’s what is most visible!

Looking for the best curls? The perfect hair curling tutorial video with tips to get more volume from Boston style blogger, Extra Petite.
Let me know any other hair questions you might have, and I’ll try to answer in a future post! xx

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32 Comments

  1. AliciA wrote:

    Thank you so much for sharing these hair tips! I took your advice and purchased the blow dryer brush. It is amazing!!! My hair is very thick and I am impressed how well it was able to smooth my hair out. It’s awesome!!

    Posted 10.24.20 Reply
  2. Anonymous wrote:

    希望博主回归微博

    Posted 4.30.20 Reply
  3. Kathy wrote:

    Jean,
    Sorry if I missed this, but how would you describe your hair, you mentioned coarse, do you have a lot of hair also?
    Btw, your bun tutorial worked well for me. The spin pins are game changer

    Posted 4.25.20 Reply
  4. Lillie wrote:

    Thank you! Finally a curling video I can actually follow! I’d love a tutorial on how to store/pack hair and makeup tools! Thanks Jean!

    Posted 3.20.18 Reply
  5. Ilze wrote:

    Love love love ALL of your posts! Especially your tips and outfits for petite women.

    Posted 2.27.18 Reply
  6. Selina Mo wrote:

    Hi thanks for the video.
    I love the colour of your hair. Can you tell me what colour and any specifics about dyeing it?
    Thanks in advance

    Posted 2.17.18 Reply
  7. Kristen wrote:

    Hair envy!! Thank you for posting this video, I love to hear tips and techniques on hair styling. Like you, I fall into the coarse hair category, along with frizzy/dryness. What products in and after the shower are your favorites?
    Thank you!

    Posted 10.26.17 Reply
  8. Anna wrote:

    Beautiful hair, I see no courseness! Just thick luscious hair!

    Posted 10.22.17 Reply
  9. Fabtwinsmom wrote:

    Thanks for the video! I only recently started to follow your blog and often admired your hair. I have thick and long hair too. I wear it similar to yours. I was curling it side to side and always found it didn’t curl as nicely as yours. The tips about curling in layers top to bottom, letting it cool in the palm and spraying with texturizing spray really helpful. I tried it yesterday and love how much more volume I was getting. 🙂 I’m heading to Thailand this weekend, any tips you may have for super humid destination?

    Posted 10.19.17 Reply
  10. Linna wrote:

    Gorgeous hairstyling and also love the whole video. Thanks for sharing with us your top tips!!

    Posted 10.19.17 Reply
  11. Mizeats wrote:

    Thank you for creating this updated styling video! You have gorgeous hair!!

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  12. Mizeats wrote:

    I really love this look! You have such beautiful hair! Thanks so much for creating this updated styling video!!

    Posted 10.18.17 Reply
  13. Sara McFarland wrote:

    Jean, this is perfect!!! Thanks for awesome tutorial. Would love you to do a similar one with your makeup- it always looks just as flawless as your hair!

    xx
    Sara

    Posted 10.16.17 Reply
  14. Martine wrote:

    Any tips on growing your hair even though you lighten it? I lighten my hair and I feel as though it’s stunted now! I wish I could get to you length! 🙂

    Posted 10.14.17 Reply
  15. Izzy- Jewelers in New Windsor wrote:

    The very was very inspiring, and helpful. I love the curls! Thanks for sharing!

    Posted 10.14.17 Reply
  16. Khloe wrote:

    Your hair is goals! Love it

    Xoxo,Khloe

    Posted 10.14.17 Reply
  17. The pink pineapple wrote:

    Your hair is amazing

    Posted 10.14.17 Reply
  18. Dolce Petite wrote:

    Loved your video! I wear my hair very similarly, but I create my curls with a hair straightener from GHD and it works beautifully as well.

    xx,
    Jasmin
    http://www.dolcepetite.com

    Posted 10.14.17 Reply
  19. April wrote:

    Such a helpful post! I curl my hair very similarly to you, but I don’t use a texturizing spray. I’ll have to try that!

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  20. Selene wrote:

    Hi Jean, I’m so always so inspired by you! How long does your method usually take? I’m very much a beginner at curling and the last essay took at least an hour and a half.

    Thank you for your posts every week! I look forward to them!

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  21. Rach wrote:

    Which shampoo and conditioner do you use? Your hair looks amazing and healthy.

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  22. Kate wrote:

    Thanks for this, Jean! Love seeing your product recommendations. Your hair always looks perfect!

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  23. Safoora wrote:

    Thanks for that great video!! Quick question: how do you refresh your curls/hair the days you don’t wash and style? Would love tips on how to manage hair on days 2/3. Thanks!

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  24. Mrs. Goldilocks wrote:

    Hi Jean, I was looking forward for your tutorial since you mentioned it last time in your nordstrom post. How long does it take you to finish curling your hair? Of course, you will be a lot faster than a beginner. Great post!! thanks!!

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  25. Desislava wrote:

    Amazing hair! This tutorial is very helpful! Thank you!

    Desislava
    http://truedreamcatcher.blogspot.bg/

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  26. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog wrote:

    Thank you so much for this. I adore your hair in pretty much every post – I think I even asked for a hair tutorial before! 🙂

    Charmaine Ng
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  27. Jessica | PetiteStyleScript wrote:

    Great post Jean! I love curling my hair with a flat iron and finishing with Aveda hair care products! Love the video format too!
    ~Jessica

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  28. Polly wrote:

    Your hair looks so pretty! I like using those clips when I curl my hair too. 🙂

    Polly
    http://gemsandjoy.com

    Posted 10.13.17 Reply
  29. Sincerely Ophelia wrote:

    How awesome! You’re on youtube! I’m looking to launch in April! Fancy girl! Love the tutorial! Can’t wait to see more from you!

    XOXO //
    SINCERELY OPHELIA

    Posted 10.12.17 Reply
  30. Elizabeth wrote:

    Your hair looks perfect! Thank you so much for sharing this great video and all of the tips, Jean <3 🙂 You're the best!

    XO, Elizabeth
    http://clothestoyouuu.com/

    Posted 10.12.17 Reply
  31. Megan Elliott wrote:

    Omg you are stunning!! Your hair looks incredible!

    Posted 10.12.17 Reply
  32. Diana wrote:

    Oh your curls are so perfect!!

    || The Neon Factor, by Diana ||
    http://www.TheNeonFactor.com

    Posted 10.12.17 Reply

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