Curls remain a timeless and stylish choice for any occasion, and mastering the art of creating perfect loose curls at home is entirely achievable with the right guidance. Celebrity hairdresser Hadley Yates, renowned for his work with clients like Vogue Williams, offers his expert insights to help you achieve a flawless, effortless look.
Expert Advice from Hadley Yates
Hadley Yates, owner of the Hadley Yates salon in London's Covent Garden, emphasizes that loose curls are incredibly versatile. He explains, "Loose curls can be styled casually for a bohemian vibe or used to add movement and polish without appearing overdone." The key, according to Yates, is to maintain a soft, brushed-through appearance that feels natural rather than overly styled.
Technique for Modern Waves
To achieve a modern, relaxed wave instead of traditional ringlets, Yates recommends curling sections away from the face and leaving the ends slightly straighter. Using a curling tong can instantly add volume and texture, especially for hair that tends to fall flat. He advises working with smaller sections and alternating the direction of the curls. Once the curls have cooled, gently brush them out to break up the pattern and create soft, flowing waves that look natural and easy.
Top Tips for Perfect Loose Curls
Hadley Yates provides a detailed list of essential tips to ensure your curls look their best:
- Prep with heat protection – Always apply a heat protectant like K18's HeatBounce to prevent damage and help curls hold their shape.
- Use smaller sections – Curling smaller pieces of hair results in softer, longer-lasting movement.
- Alternate curl directions – Switching directions keeps the waves looking natural rather than uniform.
- Leave the ends out – Keeping the very ends slightly straighter gives a modern, relaxed finish.
- Brush out once cool – Allow curls to cool fully before gently brushing through to transform them into soft, loose waves.
Recommended Curl Kit
To complement these techniques, Yates suggests specific products that can enhance your styling routine:
K18 Heat Bounce, £48
Spritz this multitasking product onto hair before heat styling to protect against damage. It envelops strands, locks in conditioning moisture, fends off breakage, and helps hold curls in place, all while offering a pleasant fragrance.
Hershesons The Wand, £120
Featuring a 25mm ceramic barrel, this tool is ideal for creating loose waves and curls. It allows temperature adjustment from 80 to 210 degrees, heats up quickly, and includes a 360-degree swivel cord for easy movement.
Living Proof Moisture Rescue Mask, £36
Lock in hydration with this hair mask, perfect for use before curling or using any heated tool. It works in just five minutes to restore moisture-giving lipids and prevent dullness and dryness.
Hask Repair + Argan Oil Shampoo, £8.50
Available in a 473ml bottle, this nourishing shampoo adds hydration and boosts shine while washing away impurities, creating the perfect base for curling.
For more information about Hadley Yates and his salon, visit hadleyyatessalon.com. With these expert tips and product recommendations, achieving salon-quality loose curls at home has never been easier.
