Don’t limit yourself: Emiliano Vitale from VS Sassoon shows us how to make the most of your straightener with his curling how-to

You watch your hairstylist use a straightener to transform your flat locks into a gorgeous curly mane. The next weekend, you try it yourself and the results are far from desirable.

Been there? Us too.

So that we can all achieve beautiful curls in a flash, we’ve enlisted the help of VS Sassoon expert Emiliano Vitale.

There are two ways to curl your hair with a straightener:

Horizontally: this will create a loopier, bouncy curl
Vertically: this will give the hair a more relaxed curl, understated curl creating a rope-like effect

How to get the look:

Horizontal Curling:

Step 1:

As with any heat styling, ensure you apply a heat or thermal protectant product to your clean hair to ensure a smoother, silkier finish.

Step 2:

Starting with the under layers of your hair, take sections that are about 2½ -3 inches wide, and clamp the irons in the hair horizontally. I recommend the VS Sassoon Academy Tools Straightener. The longer plates allow you to work with wider sections of hair, unlike other straighteners on the market.

Step 3:

Twist your wrist so the straightener turns approximately 180 degrees and lift up slowly, curving your hand ever so slightly. Work the irons through the hair and then release.

Step 4:

Your curl will fall in a loopy style that you can either leave as is or brush through to your desired style.

Vertical Curling

Step 1:

Undertake the exact same preparation as you would with Horizontal curling.

Step 2:

Starting with the under layers of your hair, take sections that are about 2½ -3 inches wide and about 1-2 finger depth, and insert your VS Sassoon Academy Tools Straightener vertically.

Step 3:

Twist the irons 180° as you are gliding them through the hair. The VS Sassoon Academy Tools Straightener has a swivel cord to ensure ease of twisting as you work through your hair. For tighter curls, twist more often, for looser curls minimise twisting.

Step 4:

When you release your curl simply let it fall into place and leave as is, or loosen them by combing your fingers through your hair.

PRO TIP:

For fuller faces, curl the first section away from the face – this will help to lift and pull your facial features up.
For smaller faces, allow the curls to drop straight down around the face to accentuate your features.
If you have a heavier set jaw ensure the real emphasis of the curl is not resting or hitting around the jaw line.