A flat iron can do more than create a straight finish. With a rounded body and the right motion, it can make soft bends or curls through the lengths. The key is a small section, a comfortable rotation, and a steady glide.
Before you begin
Work on completely dry, detangled hair. Keep skin away from the hot plates and use a heat protectant according to its directions. Section your hair so you can see and control each piece. If you’re learning the motion, practice first with the tool switched off.
The Milano has a wide 2-inch plate. It can create movement in longer lengths, although a narrower iron may be more precise for very short pieces or tight, small curls.
The rotate-and-glide motion
- Take a small section and place the iron where you want the bend to start, leaving a safe distance from your scalp.
- Close the plates lightly. Rotate the iron about a half turn away from your face so the strand wraps over the rounded outside.
- Glide toward the ends in one continuous motion. Do not pause with heat in one spot.
- Release the section and let it cool before touching it. Repeat with the remaining sections.
For looser movement, glide a little faster and brush or separate the hair only after it cools. For a more defined curl, keep the section smaller and make the rotation consistent. Hair texture and technique will change the result, so expect some practice.
If your curl is not forming
The section may be too large. Try a smaller piece so the plates can hold it evenly.
The rotation may be inconsistent. Practice the movement with the iron off until you can rotate and glide without stopping.
The strand may be touched too soon. Letting it cool helps the shape settle before you brush or separate it.
Avoid solving every styling difficulty by raising the temperature. The American Academy of Dermatology cautions that excessive heat can damage hair. Start lower, use the tool on dry hair, and limit repeated passes. Our temperature guide explains the Milano’s five settings.
When you’re finished, switch the iron off, unplug it and let it cool on a heat-safe surface. A relaxed wave is often just one careful rotation away.