How to Make Curls Actually Last All Day

The question is: How do I make my curls last longer than 5 minutes?

Here at Hyde Salon, we get this question a lot. Here is what our team has learned and what we recommend for getting the best results.

Curls that last all day require 3 key steps:

1. Letting each curl cool completely before touching it
2. Using sections no larger than one inch for even heat distribution
3. Finishing with a flexible-hold hairspray that won't weigh the hair down

The most common mistake in curling the hair is brushing out the curls too quickly, breaking the curl pattern before it really has time to set.

We hear this frustration constantly. It's defeating to spend all that time with a curling iron or wand, only to have your waves fall flat before you even get to your dinner reservation at Private Property or 518 Smokehouse.

We can guide you! Last summer, one of our guests came in panicking because her fine hair never holds curl. She had tried everything for her engagement photos at Sesquicentennial State Park with Ashleigh Donahue, and the curls fell out within 30 minutes. So, for her wedding, she came to us desperate for help! We prepped with Oribe's Imperial Blowout, used smaller sections than what she had been using at home, pinned every. single. curl. to her scalp to cool, and finished with Oribe's Superfine Hairspray! Her waves lasted through her entire wedding day from start to finish. She showed us a photo that she took while still at the venue (Wavering Place) at midnight, and her hair still looked bouncy and perfect!

You're not doing anything wrong, we promise! You just might be missing a few key pieces of the puzzle that hair stylists see every day. It's not about magic; it's about understanding your hair's unique personality and using the right techniques. So, let's talk about how to get that beautiful, lasting texture at home!

The Tools of the Trade: Creating Your Look with Heat

You only need a couple of good hot tools to create nearly any look you want, and we're here to give you all the tips on what the best heat styling techniques are!

Curling Irons & Wands for Classic Curls & Waves

The most popular tools are classic curling irons, and for good reason. They give you great control! That being said, curling wands are great, too! The key is picking the right barrel size for your goal. A 1.25" barrel is our go-to for creating those soft, modern waves.

Step 1: Wrap a one-inch section of hair around the barrel, leaving the last inch or two out for a more modern look.

Step 2: Hold for about 5 to 8 seconds. Don't overdo it! Most professional tools are effective without extreme heat. We rarely go over 375°F, as that is when you risk damaging the hair's structure.

Step 3: As you release the hair, catch the warm curl in the palm of your hand and let it sit there for a few seconds. For maximum hold, you can even pin it to your scalp with a clip until it's completely cool.

This routine will allow the hair's cuticle to set in its new shape, giving you a style that lasts for hours, not just minutes.

The Flat Iron for Effortless Smoothing

A flat iron isn't only for straightening. It's also our favorite tool for creating those perfectly imperfect "S-waves" that are really popular right now!

To achieve this look, you just take a section of hair and gently bend it back and forth in an 'S' pattern, tapping the iron over each bend. It creates a soft, undone texture that looks amazing, especially on a layered cut!

No matter what tool you use, a quality heat protectant is non-negotiable. Think of it as sunscreen for your hair!

The Heatless Revolution: Beautiful Hair While You Sleep

Heatless curling is more than just a social media trend! It's also a fantastic way to protect your hair's health while getting incredible results. For those guests with high porosity hair that's prone to damage, this is the method that we recommend most!

The satin headband curler is definitely the most popular option right now for heatless styling!

Step 1: Start with hair that is about 80 to 90% dry. A little dampness is needed to help the hair set. Place the satin rod over your head like a headband and clip it in place at the top.

Step 2: On one side, take a small section of hair from the front and wrap it away from your face, over and around the rod. Before you wrap again, pick up a new section of hair and add it to the first one, like you're doing a French braid.

Step 3: Continue until all the hair on that side is wrapped, then secure the end with a scrunchie and repeat on the other side!

Step 4: Now that everything is secured in place, remove the clip. Sleep like this, and in the morning you'll have beautiful, bouncy curls without any heat damage!

This technique is especially great for holding a style through the Columbia and Chapin humidity, because you're not introducing that heat that interacts with the moisture in the air. We LOVE this styling option!

Your Curl Styling Questions Answered:

Here is what you need to know.

How can I fight frizz in humid weather?

Frizz happens when dry, porous hair tries to pull moisture from the air. The key is to give your hair the moisture it needs before you step outside. Start with an in-salon treatment like a Kérastase Fusio-Dose ($42), which is customized just for you! At home, use a leave-in conditioner and/or a smoothing serum, and finish your style with a lightweight anti-humidity spray.

What is the best way to get curls to hold in fine, straight hair?

Prep is everything! Use a mousse or a texturizing spray on damp hair before you blow-dry to create some grit and memory!

Do heatless curls last as long as heat-styled curls?

Actually, they often last longer because you're not introducing that heat that can interact with the humidity. Heatless curls can easily last 2 to 3 days with proper sleeping technique (loose bun or braid on a silk pillowcase). Heat-styled curls typically last 1 to 2 days depending on your hair type and the humidity level!

Book Your Styling Session

Mastering curls at home is all about practice and understanding what your hair needs. It's about combining the right technique with the right products. Start by identifying your hair type and porosity, and don't be afraid to experiment with both heat and heatless methods.

If you're ready for a personalized plan, we are here for you!

We can't wait to see you!

Hyde Chapin: 803-723-2410

Hyde Vista: 803-667-9606

Check out our take on Making Curls Last here!

Book your appointment here!