In this article
There are numerous ways to transform your hair from straight to curly, and your chosen method will depend on what style you’re hoping to achieve.
Most curling methods require heat styling, so you need to lock in moisture with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner combo before curling your hair.
Alternatively, you can go for a no-heat method like overnight braids or a more permanent option such as a perm if you don’t want to style your hair daily.
Join us as we introduce ways to curl your straight hair at home or with the help of a professional stylist.
How to make straight hair to curly hair?
There are numerous products and tools available to you that can transform your straight hair into curls, and you can try the following four methods at home without visiting a hairstylist:
1. Choose the best shampoo and conditioner
As most curling methods involve heat styling, you need to strengthen and hydrate your hair with a high-quality shampoo and conditioner combination.
You can buy products that have been specifically produced for curly or wavy hair, and make sure you buy products that don’t contain parabens or sulfates.
2. Use a hair dryer with a diffuser
The Laifen Swift Special is an ionic hair dryer with a diffuser attachment included. A diffuser is a great way to blow dry your hair evenly, and it’s easy for achieving curls.
Then, when drying your hair, use a wide-tooth comb to brush your curls. The Special comprises adjustable heat settings, meaning you can dry your hair on low or medium heat to prevent it from drying out.
3. Style your hair with a curling iron
If you have stubbornly straight hair and haven’t had much joy with a diffuser, you will then need to use a curling iron.
Do not forget to apply a heat protectant before use to prevent your hair from drying out.
Then, methodically curl your hair using a heat tool with the ideal barrel size to suit your curling preferences.
4. Add volume with sea salt spray
After curling your hair, apply a sea salt spray to your locks for an instant boost in both volume and depth.
Sea salt spray is also great for removing toxins from your hair, and will help your curls to flow and bounce naturally.
How to make straight hair curly without heat?
Undoubtedly the easiest way to curl your hair is with heat, either via a blow dryer with a diffuser or a curling iron. When you use the Special, you can blow dry your hair on low heat, reducing the risk of your hair drying out. Still, if you want a heat-free method, you can try a simple no-heat curling method.
There are lots of ways to try this, from pin curling to braiding. One of the easiest methods is overnight curls, which you can achieve by braiding your hair in a fishtail braid.
Wrap your hair before bed, and in the morning, you will have loose curls that you can style in any way you choose.
Another option is to visit your stylist to request no-heat curling. Your stylist will use curlers to help your hair achieve shape and volume, though you will need to be patient and spend up to half a day in the chair!
How to make straight hair naturally curly forever?
Unfortunately, you can’t change the fundamentals of your hair permanently, as your hair type is built into your DNA.
So, if you have straight hair that you regularly curl, it will eventually revert to type when you stop using products or curls to achieve your desired style.
That being said, you can go for a perm, a semi-permanent way to achieve curls.
A perm uses chemicals to modify the structure of your hair, which is great if you want curls without having to use a curling iron or hair dryer diffuser every day.
You will need to visit a stylist for a perm, and you must decide on the type of curls you would like before going for the treatment.
Making straight hair curly after care
After turning straight hair curly, proper aftercare is essential. Newly formed curls are more fragile and need targeted care to stay long-lasting. A good routine helps prevent frizz and loss of curl shape.
1. Avoid washing too soon
After making your hair curly, especially with a perm or chemical process, avoid washing for at least 48 hours. This allows the curls to fully set and hold their shape.
Washing too early can loosen the curl pattern and reduce longevity. When you do wash, use lukewarm water instead of hot, as heat can weaken newly formed curls.
Being patient in the first few days makes a noticeable difference in how well your curls last and how defined they appear.
2. Switch to curl-friendly products
Straight-hair products are often too harsh or lightweight for curls. Switch to sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners designed for curly hair.
These products help retain moisture and support curl structure. Incorporating a leave-in conditioner or curl cream can further enhance definition.
3. Keep it moisturized
Curly hair loses moisture faster than straight hair, which makes hydration essential.
Apply a leave-in conditioner after every wash and refresh curls between washes with water or a curl spray. Focus on mid-lengths and ends, where dryness is most common.
Well-moisturized hair maintains elasticity and helps curls keep their shape longer.
4. Use smooth drying methods
Avoid rough towel-drying, which can disrupt curls and cause frizz. Instead, scrunch excess water out with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt.
If using a hair dryer, always attach a diffuser and use low heat. Good drying preserves curl definition and minimizes damage.
The way you dry your hair plays a major role in how smooth and defined your curls look afterward.
5. Protect curls daily and at night
Daily habits matter for curl longevity. Avoid brushing dry curls, as this breaks up the pattern.
At night, sleep on a satin pillowcase or use a silk bonnet to reduce friction. This prevents frizz and flattening while you sleep.
Small protective steps help maintain curl shape and shine, extending the life of your curly style with minimal effort.
The verdict
How to make curly hair from straight is down to personal preference, as there are numerous methods to choose from. We recommend using an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special with a diffuser attachment.
Then, if you want to accentuate your curls further, use a curling iron after applying a heat protectant, particularly on stubbornly straight ends. Learn the guides to take care of your curly hair.
An alternative is to go for a no-heat curling approach, which you can achieve with overnight braids or other styling methods like pin curling. Though results can be mixed, this approach is a viable option if you have dry or brittle hair and don’t want to apply heat to curl your locks.
