What do I do to make the curls last longer than 15 minutes after using my curling iron? My hair is about to the middle of my back. It will curl nicely but they fall out quickly, sometimes before I leave the house. I don't use alot of hairspray, hate the stiffness and only blow dry when I have to, not often. My hair is in good shape but could probably use a trim job.
Do I mousse it while damp? Gel???
Thanks

Use some kind of styling mousse or gel while it is wet. dry it and curl it. You can also use something like Hot Sets by Redken. You spray that on each strand right before you curl it with a curling iron. Hot Sets may give you more stiffness than you prefer but it will only be in the curls.

Thanks Lynne.. I took your advice this morning and still have curls.

Oh, this was so good to learn! Next Lynne will try to help me through "how to curl, turn under, or flip" with a flat iron. I paid so much money for it and am so disappointed, because I can't do what it "says it will". I don't want straight hair. So maybe the "styling gel" is the answer. I was thinking more in the "twist of the wrist" so to speak. I'm so GLAD we have Lynne. SUPER!

I'm willing to try out letting a hair stylist use an iron since I can't really do this myself and would probably burn my hair. I tried perms and wash and sets, but the results were not what I was expecting. Perms were too damaging and wash and sets usually dissapeared after a couple of hours (max).
Even if it is for a day or two and done sporadically, I could give this one a try.

If a wet set does not stay in your hair, it is not likely that a curling iron curl will stay in. Did you use styling product such as mousse or gel with your wet set?

No, that was not used. I will surely ask for it before I try again. Thx for the advice

Additional info requested.

I'm thinking about doing the curling with an iron myself, but I need 3 things:

1. A recommendation for a good curling iron
2. A good step by step guide to learn the ropes
3. What good products I need to prevent damage (as best as possible) or to make the curls last longer then 15 minutes...

I'll give some more info on my hair: it's fine, it's blonde, it's long (about 3-4" past the shoulders) and it's healthy, considering having had 2 perms on it, the last perm being done approx. 2 years ago.
I intend to use it about twice a week, probably in the weekend.
I usually just shampoo my hair but use conditioner in alteration (one time only shampoo, then shampoo + conditioner, the next time only shampoo, etc.)
I'll do it myself, duh... but I think it won't be easy at first. I would gladly use benders or rollers or anything else that isn't as damaging if I only had someone to roll them in for me. (yes, I can go to a salon, but after a while, this starts to become much too expensive for my budget)

I would consider perming it again if it wasn't for the skin problem and the hair breakage... I am aware that long term heat exposure due to hair dryers and/or curling irons can severely damage the hair as well...

Sry about all the questions. I hope all who has experience with curling irons can help me a bit.

I, too, have long blonde (Clairol Natural Instincts) hair. Fine texture. I shampoo, use a spray gel, work through thoroughly, let dry naturally, (if in a hurry blow dry gently), then use a curling BRUSH, not an iron. The styling brush is MUCH easier on your hair Type: Conair- 3/4 barrel, instant heat.Or if not this brand, something similar. Bought mine at K-Mart-$14.95. Hold each 2 inch section of hair for 1 full minute, (roll from ends of hair up to the scalp, you can roll either upward or under, depending on how you want your style to go, then proceed around the head until all hair is curled. When through, lightly style with small natural bristle brush, (I use a narrow wig brush) bought at Sally's Beauty Supply, then spray LIGHTLY, after styling. Unless you shampoo everyday, you should learn how to take two inch sections of hair and start at bottom, and pretend that you are making "pinwheels", every nite before you go to bed. Roll each section from bottom to scalp and secure with a bobby pin. (Roll dry hair) Sleep on these (easy cause they are flat. Next morning, simply brush "back into your favorite style" (and spray again lightly). My procedure, which I've used ever since curling brushes "were invented". Hope it works for you. I have been a hair stylist for 35 years. However tries this, please let me know if it works for you. I would be happy for you!

I forgot to mention this: If you are doing "pin curls" with bobby pins, you might want to use smaller sections than two inches (perhaps one inch), AND BE SURE the ends of your hair are wrapped smoothly and securely IN from bottom up (your pinwheel style) until you get to scalp and then pin with one or two bobby pins to sleep on. You can even wear a terry cloth "turbin" to bed if you want to cover them. Also sold at Sally's or SaveMart. In the morning you are all reading to start out with simply "brushing back into style". I highly recommend a "curling brush" and I highly recommend a "narrow natural bristle wig brush" for EASY style. A large brush tends to "pull out" the "set" that you've created. Luck to you!

Hi Beverly,

A full minute? I couldn't do that with any of my irons. They are too hot and would be hard on the hair even with thermal protectant.

ISA
There are some pointers here about curling irons and how to use them.
Curling Irons

Use a thermal protectant, I like Bliss by Nioxin but there are lots of others.
For your fine hair, I would use a good mousse like Nioxin Foam or Nioxin spray gel

Rolling your hair on benders might be easier than using a curling iron. It just takes practice. It doesn't have to be neat - just grab a hunk of hair and roll it up. Just make sure you use mousse or gel so that your curls stay in.

I can only say that I use no "thermal protector" (maybe I should), I use absolutely no conditioner of any kind on my hair, and I do keep a clock with a minute hand on my dressing table so that I can check the length of time (1 min) for each curl. I don't believe I would attempt to try this with a "culing iron), as they come in direct contact with the the hair, nor would I with a flat iron, but it has worked for many many years for me with the "curling BRUSH". Never any damage, nor breakage, and I do color my hair about every 6-8 wks, and trim one inch off the bottom about every 8 wks. Sometimes when I cut it, I will add a couple of layers, sometimes not. I only do a re-touch, and then for the last 5-10 minutes of required time, I make a soap cap out of the left over color and shampoo, apply this, and shampoo off when time is up.

I have been a master barber for over 20 years now and have found that "Wired" by Rusk is by far the best product for keeping in curls. Just a little dab will do ya. It's a cream, not sticky nor does it make your hair hard. Believe me when I tell you it will last for days. I put a little in while my hair is damp...blow it dry, or let it dry naturally. You just put a dime size into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and run your fingers through your hair shaping your hair as you go along. It is a great product!

Hi Michelle,
I haven't used Rusk in years. Wired sounds interesting. I'll have to give it a try.

Thx for the advice. I tried it a couple of times already and I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. The first time, I didn't get very far, but now I can do half of my head. The trouble starts when I have to do the back side of my head and the side where I need to use my left hand a lot... I'm right handed and still have some trouble with coordinating my hands. LOL

Other then that, it works fine. The real trouble is like you mentioned it... the curls don't stay in long.
Well, it was worth a try and I can still use it with styling mousse or spray to leave it in for a while.

It's better then perming... that's for sure.

I think using benders is going to give the same effect... once they are out, they will fall out fast.