3 Tips for a Perfect Curl Set

A curl set is the foundation for most updos and volume intensive styles, but it doesn’t have to include massive amounts of teasing and spray. Sam Villa ArTeam Member, Anna Peters, demonstrates how to create a modern version to support today’s looks.  

“This technique creates volume at the base without all that teasing, which tends to add frizz and disrupt the curls.  The end result is a chic silhouette with a modern finish,” Peters says. She shares her tips here: 

1. Create volume at the base: Before setting, spray each section with Redken iron shape 11 to prep and protect hair, and use a Sam Villa Signature Series Textur Professional Texturizing Iron to compress the first inch to two inches of hair at the base of the crown and sides to build volume. This eliminates the need to go back and backcomb, which loosens and disrupts all that beautiful curl.
2. Create sections that don’t have hard visible lines: The idea is to plan out strategic sections that will blend nicely.  Above the round of the head use diagonal sections to eliminate hard part lines, and in the back crown area, instead of using the traditional vertical section that divides curls, use diagonal sections so curls sit on top of each other in a soft, natural way.
3. Use different size irons to create an organic type of curl pattern: Use multiple sizes of irons to create curls, the Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Curling Iron and Wand comes in both 1” and 1.5” to create believable organic texture.  When wrapping, leave the ends out and use Sam Villa Dry Sectioning Clips to pin and cool the set for more longevity and staying power.  They have a cult following due to the fact that they grip dry hair without leaving a mark.

Make sure to wrap hair on base to maximize volume and leave the ends out to highlight the variation in curl size.   Peters also touches on the ideal brushes to use when breaking up curls and polishing the surface.