Promotional graphic showing KEEO Smart Glide Straightener with bold stats: 92% of users improved their hair health and 89% prefer KEEO over their current straightener, with tagline “Healthier hair is just a glide away.”

How to Curl with a Straightener (Beginner’s Guide)

WRITTEN BY:

ALFREDO DE BENEDICTIS FOUNDER | HAIRSTYLIST

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Alfredo De Benedictis is an Italian-British hair stylist and salon owner with over 40 years of experience. Since 1989, his passion for innovation has led him to create groundbreaking hair tools that minimize stress on the hair while delivering flawless results. From the iconic Rootpermer and Wellformer of the ’90s to the global hit Babyliss Curl Secret, Alfredo’s mission remains the same—developing tools that protect hair health without compromising style.

Key takeaways from the post:
  • A straightener can double as a styling tool when used with proper technique.
  • Adjust the heat according to your hair type and always use protective products.
  • Sectioning, consistent motion, and cooling are essential for smooth, lasting curls.
  • Defined curls start in the shower - don’t weigh them down with too much product.
  • Styling variations can prolong the life of your curls and keep things interesting.

It’s 2025, and we want a styling tool that can do it all. Where once we wouldn’t have trusted a hair straightener to produce beautiful waves or curls, today, there are clever devices that can curl, wave, or smooth and straighten as required - triple-threats, if you will.

One such is the KEEO Genius Pro+. We created the product we wanted to use, and now we’re sharing our wisdom on all things hair.

In this blog, we’ll explain the importance of choosing the right straightener, take you through some curling techniques step-by-step, and offer some expert tips to keep your hair curls looking fresh and defined for longer.

Why Curl with a Straightener?

Not only is it convenient and cost-effective to have one tool instead of three, but modern designs such as the KEEO Genius Pro+ have been created to cater to your every hair whim.

Want curls one day and glass-smooth chic the next? No problem. Best of all, our intelligent design protects your hair as you style it, using gentle heat and patented technology to achieve your ultimate hair goals.

Choose the Right Straightener & Heat Setting

We’re biased, but we truly believe our hair straightener is the best on the market.

Not only does it have patented smart-glide contoured plates for no drag, but the protective air gap reduces tension by up to 70%.

The only criticism of our original model was its single heat setting, the optimal 190°C.

We listened and developed the PRO+, the first tool to offer custom heat, custom tension, and total control. The adjustable temperature setting starts at 190°C, but can be increased to 200°C or 210°C for naturally thick, coarser hair that may require a higher temperature.

  • If your hair is fine or damaged, stick to 190°C.
  • You can use our handy guide to determine your hair type and texture.
  • Remember to ensure your hair is fully dry and use a heat protectant, particularly at higher temperatures.
Step‑by‑Step Curling Techniques
Basic “C‑curl” method

The c curl is created using a hair straightener with the curls straightened inwards in a ‘c’ shape for a natural-looking style that mimics a blowout. The upper portion of the hair is left straight.

  1. Tie your hair into four pigtails
  2. Straightener inwards to form the C shape
  3. Bounce the ends to retain the shape
  4. Repeat
  5. Untie the pigtails and loosen curls slightly with fingers
@joywin.colour.can Getting the C Curl can’t be easier than this😁#JoywinColour #balayage #ombre #airtouch #hair #hairstyles #haircolor #behindthechair #hairsalon #asianhair #torontosalon #montrealsalon #珠光染 #多伦多 #蒙特利尔 #温哥华 #highlight ♬ 原聲 - joywin_colour_jw1.0
S‑waves technique

Also known as the S-bend technique, this is a more defined S-shaped wave which looks fantastic on all hair lengths. This one requires a bit more practice, but is well worth the effort.

  1. Prep your hair with a heat protectant
  2. Take a small section (around an inch) of hair and iron downwards.
  3. Starting at the root, feed your hair through the straightener in the shape of an ‘S’ and keep ‘clamping’ to set the shape
  4. Wait to cool and use fingertips to slightly separate the waves
  5. Finish with a setting spray
@sarahbrawleyhair SLOWED DOWN ‘S’ WAVE TUTORIAL #learnontiktok #flatironcurls #flatironwaves #flatirontutorial ♬ SUN GOES DOWN - Andreas Roehrig
Sectioning Strategies for Even Curls

Uneven curls can occur if your hair isn’t sectioned properly before curling.

Your hair should be evenly wet, then apply a good quality curl cream and brush through to remove tangles and knots.

To evenly section, divide your hair into three sections - the top, middle, and base. Or just the top and base to begin, if you prefer.

Use your second fingers to push and lift hair slightly away from your temples, twist, and secure with a clip.

Style the base and middle sections, then secure with a clip at the nape of your neck to prevent snagging styled hair.

Turn your attention to the top section. Unclip and repeat the temple manoeuvre to separate into the top and middle. Secure the new, smaller top section and style the middle.

Finally, work on your crown and face-framing curls to achieve your ideal look

You can experiment with horizontal and vertical parts depending on the final style you are trying to achieve.

Cooling & Setting Tips for Longer‑lasting Curls

If you want your curls to last, you must let them cool and fully set before you start styling. Here a some quick tips for curls with serious staying power:

  • Prep your hair before curling - a thickening mousse can help hold
  • Pin each curl up to cool - allows the cuticle to close and the shape to set
  • Shake the cooled curls out of the clip, then use your fingers to break up the ringlets, but leave them slightly tighter than your desired look
  • Finish with a texturising spray or hairspray for extra hold
  • Sleep in protective hairstyles such as braids or a bun
Quick Daily Styling Variations

While curls look stunning worn down and natural, we all like a little variety in our looks, so here are a few of our favourite curly girl hairstyles:

Messy Bun

Put the focus on your best features and protect your hair.

@jazvnessa Curls & messy buns go hand in hand 🤝🏼 #messybun #curlybun #summerhairstyles #curlyhairstyles #curlyhairinspo ♬ forever by drake - rae.kk2
Braids

Great for hot days and days and festivals.

@ithinkitsbella its been way too hot to wear my hair down lately ☀️ #curlyhairstyles #summerhairstyles ♬ Gud - Monika Moni
Side Part, Half Up-Do

Looks pretty dressed up or down.

@kyramilann Part30|| side part half up half down with curl🌸 #curlyhairstyles #tutorial #easy #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound - idek
Formal twisted crown

Elevates a curly ponytail or a down-do.

@itsmikaylanicolee Formal Curly Hair Tutorial 🥂✨. Coming at you guys with holiday hair inspo 🥰. #curlyhairstyles #curlyhairtutorial #hairtransformation #holidayhairstyle ♬ gloria - Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Voluminous Ponytail

Add volume and definition to your curly ponytail.

@by.loren

No more floppy ponytails

♬ Blame It on the Rain - Milli Vanilli
Final Thoughts & Takeaway Tips

Whether your hair is super straight or naturally kinky, you can have the goddess curls you’ve always dreamed of; it's just a case of working with your hair rather than against it. A quick reminder of our top tips:

  • Know your hair type and texture, and use the appropriate heat setting
  • Sectioning is key
  • Letting your curls cool completely makes a huge difference
  • Finish with a texturising spray or hairspray for extra hold
  • Practice makes perfect - don’t be afraid to experiment with styles and products to find what suits you best

FAQs

In theory, yes. There are tips and tricks for curling your hair with a standard flat iron without succumbing to the dreaded kinks, such as turning the instrument before fully closing to avoid clamping down and ‘creasing’ the hair. However, the KEEO Genius’ patented contour plates and air gap shape, and smooth without clamping, so you don’t get the kinks that other straighteners create.

To find the correct heat for your hair type and texture, follow our guide to curl patterns and why they matter. Always start at the lowest heat and gradually increase it as needed.

The Genius Pro+ Straightener starts at 190°C, and can be increased to 200°C, 210°C, should your hair require a higher heat.

If your curls are falling flat by the end of the day, they may be weighed down with products.

Try not to wash your hair the day you are going to curl it, and skip the conditioner, or only use it sparingly on the ends of your hair..

If your hair is fine, stay away from silicone-based styling products, waxes, and oils.

Ringlets may not be your desired final look, but avoid brushing them out until your curls have cooled. Otherwise, they may relax too much and straighten out.

You should also avoid touching them too much throughout the day, as this can cause them to relax and loosen, losing their shape.