Barrel curls can be done with a curling iron or roller.
Curly hair is a popular beauty trend. Barrel curls are large, loose curls, or spirals, that can be achieved with a curling iron or hair rollers. Often worn by various celebrities, this hairstyle can help add an effect of casual glamor and volume to hair.
Barrel curls are one of the most common styling effects created with curling irons. Unlike permed curly hair, this type of style allows the wearer to define specific curls around the head rather than achieving a full curl effect. This type of curl is ideal for medium to long hair, although it can be achieved with some shorter hairstyles.
Hairspray is needed to make short curls.
To get short curls, the hair must first be shampooed and rinsed. A leave-in conditioner and treatment or heat protecting serum can be used to help prevent heat damage to styling tools. Hair should be completely dry, usually with a blow dryer, and free of tangles before proceeding with curling.
The hair can be wrapped around a set of rollers to get these loose curls. For a faster method, a curling iron can be used. Part your hair into sections aligned with the center part. The sections should be slightly thinner than the diameter of the barrel of the curling iron. Pin each part, starting with the hair that frames the face in front of the ear.
Create the curls by starting with a single panel of hair. Comb your hair to make sure it doesn’t get tangled. Lightly spray the parting with hairspray and secure the hair inside the curling iron at the bottom of the parting. Be sure to slide the wand down as far as it will go to cover all ends of the hair.
Rotate the iron to gently curl the hair. Stop rolling before it touches the scalp. Hold in place for five to ten seconds or until hair is completely heated. Slowly unroll the flat iron, twisting your wrist to release the hair from the clip once the section is completely unrolled. Repeat the process with the next section and continue until all desired sections have barrel curls.
For looser, rounded curls, slide the flat iron through the hair in a faster motion. Firmer curls can be achieved with a slower release. Once the process is complete and the hair has cooled, it can be styled to your preference. The user can comb or brush the curls to lengthen them even more.
Before curling the hair, a styling test should be carried out. Moisten a tissue and secure it with the iron. If smoke comes out of the tool, the iron is too hot to use on your hair. Discoloration and burning are also indicators of the need to adjust the temperature. If left this hot, the flat iron can burn and damage your hair.