Articles > Secrets To Perfect Flat Iron Waves
Last updated: December 30, 2021

Secrets To Perfect Flat Iron Waves

flat-iron-waves-tips-article
close formula
Photo via Instagram @mickeycolonjr

Tips To Perfect Your Flat Iron Waves Technique

Are you confident with a curling iron, but still struggling with the PERFECT flat iron wave? Mastering this “undone wave” technique can set you apart when clients leave your chair! Get the tips to nail flat iron waves every time!

 

Kink-Free Waves

The key difference to a “flat iron wave” versus a “curling iron curl” is the perfect yet simple wave shape. Curls from a barrel iron are typically cylinder in shape and the same size from root to end. Flat iron waves have a visible pattern change and curve that creates the beautifully undone look with layered dimension.

 

To create smooth waves, choose flat irons without harsh or squared edges that can create unwanted kinks and bends in the waves! 

 

Hair extensions expert Amanda Diedrich (@blohaute) says, “I prefer the CHI Lava Hairstyling Iron 2.0 when creating beach waves because of how smooth the iron moves through the hair. It makes it much easier to create a perfect wave with no kinks.” 

 

Watch How To Create Different Types Of Waves With The CHI Lava Hairstyling Iron 2.0!

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Blohaute (@blohaute)

 

Get A FREE CHI Bond + Lightening System Trial Kit with the purchase of the CHI Lava 2.0 Hairstyling Iron!

 

Work Smarter Not Harder

Although you may be used to your own barrel technique, a full head of waves is faster and easier to achieve than it may seem! Flat iron waves can be done quickly without having to constantly feed the hair through a clasp and allow stylists to maneuver through different hair lengths and textures easier—a time (& hair) saver! 

 

Blonding specialist Kathy Nunez (@kathynunezhair) shares her best tip to create flat iron waves, “Less is more! Don’t over do it. Just give it a little bend, twist the section with your fingers and let it cool before touching.” 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Tri Cities Blonde Specialist (@kathynunezhair)

 

Pro Tip: Just one curl! Beginning the curl in the mid-shaft of the hair creates the body of the wave while leaving the ends straight makes the effortless look. Owner of On-Site Studio in Orlando, Mickey Colon Jr. (@mickeycolorjr) makes it look almost too easy!

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Balayage/ #handtouchbalayage (@mickeycolonjr)

 

Avoid High Heat Settings

You may be sensing a theme here…simplicity is key with flat iron waves! Because you are pulling the hair through two plates instead of wrapping around a barrel, high heat settings can be knocked down a bit for this technique. The CHI Lava Hairstyling Iron 2.0 is the best of both worlds as it features the best heat conductor in the world—lava! 

 

“I love that I can achieve quick, beautiful beach waves without having the heat turned up too high. My clients and I have noticed how smooth the hair looks right away!” said @kathynunezhair.

 

But really, can we take a moment for these waves on Kathy’s client?!

 

kathy-nunez-client-flat-iron-waves

 

Products Used

More from
Farouk Systems, Inc.