Curling Long Hair

Guest Author - Lynne Chapman

Question: My hair is very long - past my shoulder blades - and heavy. It always just lays straight. When I set it on hot rollers, it takes two sets of rollers and a lot of time. When it’s done, it is too full and curly. I usually don't curl it because I don't want to spend the time. What can I do to get a nice look?

Answer: Beautiful long hair often takes a lot of your time to achieve just the right look. Try this method to save time and get just the right amount of curl.

    Preheat your hot rollers – one set will do.

    Shampoo and condition with products formulated for your hair texture.

    Apply styling foam or glaze to give holding power to your curl.

    Blow dry your hair quickly. Turning your head upside-down is a tried and true method for getting it dry fast and giving it some body.

    Take a large section at the front hairline.Spray it with a dry setting lotion such as "Hot Sets." Pull it straight up and roll it on a large hot roller. Clamp it with a large jaw clip.

    Continue rolling large sections of hair and spraying each one with the setting lotion. Pull each straight up to the top of your head. Using smaller rollers will give a smaller curl on the ends of your hair. Using more rollers will give you more curl.

    Clip each roller with a large jaw clip.

    The hair in back will be pulled all the way to the top of your head to meet the other rollers. You will end up with a cluster of rollers at the top – front of your head. Let the hot rollers cool completely.

    Carefully unwind each roller without tugging on the hair.

    Flip your head upside down again and loosen the curls with your fingers.

    Back in an upright position, finish styling your hair with your fingers.

    Arrange your curls. Backcomb the crown if it splits and spray lightly with hair spray.