Common Hair Curling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
We've all been there: you've spent twenty minutes curling your hair, achieved what looks like beautiful results in the mirror, only to watch your curls fall flat within hours—or immediately. The frustration is real, but the good news is that most curling problems stem from a handful of common mistakes that are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
This guide identifies the most frequent curling errors and provides practical solutions to help you achieve better, longer-lasting results.
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Temperature
Temperature mishaps go both ways: too low, and curls won't form properly or hold; too high, and you risk damage without better results.
The Problem
Many people either crank their curling iron to maximum "just to be safe" or use such low heat that curls barely form. Both extremes lead to disappointing results.
The Fix
Match your temperature to your hair type: fine hair needs 120-150°C, normal hair works well at 150-180°C, and thick/coarse hair may need 180-200°C. Start lower and increase gradually if curls aren't holding. Remember, excessive heat doesn't create better curls—it just causes more damage.
Test your temperature on a hidden section first. If you hear sizzling or see steam, the heat is too high or your hair is too damp. If the curl falls out immediately when released, try increasing the temperature by 10°C.
Mistake #2: Sections That Are Too Large
This is perhaps the most common mistake, especially among beginners eager to finish quickly.
The Problem
Large sections of hair can't heat evenly all the way through. The outer layers get hot while the inner layers barely warm. This results in curls that are loose and undefined, fall quickly, or have straight pieces mixed in.
The Fix
Take sections no wider than 2-3cm and no thicker than 1cm. Yes, this takes more time, but the results are dramatically better. If you're short on time, it's better to curl fewer, smaller sections well than to rush through larger sections poorly.
Mistake #3: Not Letting Curls Cool
This mistake immediately undoes all your hard work.
The Problem
Hair is moldable when hot and sets its shape as it cools. If you touch, brush, or shake out your curls while they're still warm, you're disrupting the bonds before they've had a chance to form in the new curled position.
The Fix
Leave curls completely alone until they're cool to the touch. For maximum hold, pin each curl to your head as you release it and leave all pins in until you've finished curling your entire head. This technique is called "setting" and is what professional stylists use for long-lasting styles.
Before touching any curl, gently hover your hand near it. If you feel warmth radiating, wait longer. Curls should be completely room temperature before brushing through or styling.
Mistake #4: Curling Damp Hair
This mistake doesn't just ruin your style—it damages your hair.
The Problem
When you apply high heat to damp hair, the water inside the hair shaft flash-heats into steam. This steam expands and can literally burst the hair cuticle from the inside, causing severe, irreversible damage. Signs include a crackling sound, visible steam, and hair that feels rough and straw-like afterward.
The Fix
Always ensure hair is 100% dry before curling. If you've just washed your hair, blow-dry it completely first. Even air-dried hair can retain moisture—run your fingers through to check for any cool or damp sections.
Mistake #5: Skipping Heat Protectant
Many people skip this step because they don't see immediate consequences.
The Problem
Without heat protectant, each styling session chips away at your hair's protective cuticle. The damage is cumulative—you won't notice it right away, but over weeks and months, hair becomes progressively drier, duller, and more prone to breakage.
The Fix
Apply heat protectant before every single styling session, no exceptions. Distribute it evenly through all the hair you'll be curling, and make sure it's dried or absorbed before applying heat.
Mistake #6: Curling in the Wrong Direction
Direction matters more than most people realize.
The Problem
Curling all sections in the same direction creates a dated, uniform look where curls tend to merge together into one solid wave. It can also make hair look less voluminous.
The Fix
Alternate the direction you curl—some sections toward your face, others away. For face-framing pieces, generally curl away from the face to open up your features. The variation creates more natural-looking, modern curls with better movement and texture.
If you're unsure, try this pattern: front pieces away from face, the section behind them toward face, then alternate randomly through the rest. Don't stress about perfect alternation—some randomness actually looks more natural.
Mistake #7: Holding the Iron Too Long or Not Long Enough
The Problem
Hold time directly affects curl tightness and longevity. Too brief, and the hair doesn't heat enough to reshape. Too long, and you're causing unnecessary damage without better results.
The Fix
For most hair types, 8-10 seconds is the sweet spot. Fine hair may only need 5-6 seconds. Very thick hair might need up to 12 seconds. If curls aren't holding, increase temperature slightly rather than holding longer—prolonged heat exposure causes more damage than brief exposure at a slightly higher temperature.
Mistake #8: Forgetting the Ends
The Problem
Leaving the last few centimetres of hair straight while curling the rest creates an unfinished look. On the other hand, curling ends too tightly can make them look crimped or kinked.
The Fix
For classic curls, make sure ends are wrapped smoothly around the barrel without folding or creasing. For beachy waves, deliberately leave ends out for an undone aesthetic. The key is consistency—either all ends in or all ends out, based on your desired look.
Mistake #9: Washing Hair Right Before Curling
The Problem
Freshly washed hair is often too clean, soft, and slippery to hold curls well. Natural oils and light texture actually help curls grip and stay in place.
The Fix
Ideally, curl hair that's a day or two old. If you must wash before styling, use a texturising spray or dry shampoo to add grip. Setting products like mousse applied before blow-drying can also help.
Mistake #10: Using the Wrong Size Barrel
The Problem
A barrel that's too large for your hair length won't create enough wraps for definition. A barrel that's too small creates tighter curls than you may want, which can look dated or take too long.
The Fix
Match your barrel size to your hair length and desired style. Short hair generally needs smaller barrels (19-25mm). Medium to long hair has more flexibility (25-38mm). Remember, you can always loosen tight curls by brushing through, but you can't tighten loose waves.
For a complete guide to barrel sizes, see our barrel size selection guide.
Mistake #11: Expecting Overnight Miracles
The Problem
Many people give up on curling after a few unsuccessful attempts, assuming their hair "just can't hold curls."
The Fix
Curling is a skill that improves with practice. Your first attempts won't be perfect, and that's okay. Give yourself at least 5-10 practice sessions before concluding anything about your hair's curl-holding ability. Practice on days when you don't need to look perfect, and gradually refine your technique.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
- Curls fall flat immediately: Temperature too low, sections too large, or hair too clean/slippery
- Curls look frizzy: Hair was damp, temperature too high, or no heat protectant
- Curls look uneven: Inconsistent section sizes or hold times
- Curls disappear by lunchtime: Didn't let curls cool, no setting products, or hair is very fine/straight and needs pin curling
- Curls look stiff and unnatural: Too much product or hairspray applied too heavily
Identifying which mistake you're making is the first step to fixing it. Often, correcting just one or two habits can transform your curling results dramatically.