How to Do Pin Curls
This Pin-Curls Hair Tutorial Will Give You Bouncy Waves Without a Curling Iron
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While curling irons may be deemed essential styling tools by some, there is something to be said for being able to travel light. Plus, hot tool in general aren't always the most user-friendly. For many, successfully executing a curly hairstyle isn't always worth the extra effort (or heat damage, for that matter). That's why pin curls are such a great styling technique to learn.
This overnight curls hack may seem intimidating, but all you need to pull it off is a bit of hair balm or blow-dry cream for hold, bobby pins, and a blowdryer — though, air-drying can work just as good, as long as you have enough time.
Depending on your hair type, you can use some variation on bobby pins, which are perfect for thin, short hair, or alligator hair clips, which work great if you have thick, long hair because they're a little more heavy duty. If you're wondering whether pin curls for Black hair are any different than thinner, more fine hair, the answers depends on the state that your hair is in. If your hair is straight, then the method remains the same but if your hair is natural and is also coily (think 3 to 4c hair types), then it may be easier to achieve the look using bantu knots instead of the pin-up curl technique.
Depending on what size pinwheel curls you're hoping to achieve, you can adjust them by changing how many fingers you use to roll your curls into place. The more fingers you use, the bigger the curl. Professional hairstylist Gina Schiappacasse of Hairstory, a NYC-based salon, broke down a step-by-step tutorial for overnight pin curls ahead. The result: those effortless, bouncy, loose curls you crave sans a curling iron.
How to Do Pin Curls — Step 1: Start With Damp Hair
How to Do Pin Curls — Step 2: Apply Product
Apply some product, like a blow-dry cream, onto the ends of your hair to help add hold and smooth out frizz. We like the Flawless by Gabrielle Union Smoothing Blow Dry Hair Cream ($10). Focus it from mid-shaft to ends and apply less on the top of your hair at the hairline.
How to Do Pin Curls — Step 3: Section Your Hair
How to Do Pin Curls — Step 4: Begin to Roll Your Hair
Working one section at a time, roll the hair up by wrapping sections around your fingers from end to root. To achieve a looser, bigger curl, use two to three fingers to wrap your hair around. To achieve a smaller curl, use only one finger. Once you have a pinwheel formed, secure it with a bobby pin (or alligator clip, if you have thicker hair) or two.
How to Do Pin Curls — Step 5: Roll From the Front Back
How to Do Pin Curls — Step 6: Roll the Hair at the Top of Your Head
How to Do Pin Curls — Step 7: Dry Your Hair
Continue this process until all of your hair is pinned up. Once you're finished, air-dry or diffuse your hair with a blowdryer until it feels done. If you'd like, you can wrap your hair in a silk scarf and sleep on it overnight to ensure that it's completely dry and the curls set.
