*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
What I have learnt from the experts.
I feel pretty qualified to share tips on how to curl hair without damaging ends because, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of heat styling, and also having my hair styled by professionals, it’s that the ends of your hair don’t forgive easily. Even with the best tools, the wrong curling technique can leave them dry, frizzy, and looking a little fried.
After a lot of trial and error (and more heat damage than I care to admit), I discovered a simple adjustment that made all the difference. If you’re wondering how to curl hair without damaging the ends, here’s exactly what I do, and why it works.
Why Your Ends Get Frazzled When You Curl
It took me a while to realise that I was making a common mistake: starting the curl from the bottom, wrapping the ends tightly around the hottest part of the tong, and holding for too long. Sound familiar?
The ends of your hair are the oldest, most fragile part of the strand. They don’t need, and can’t handle, the same level of heat as the mid-lengths or roots. So if you’re regularly clamping them down and holding heat there, you’re unintentionally causing breakage, dullness, and split ends.
The Curling Technique That Saved My Hair
Here’s the method I use now. It’s gentle, effective, and keeps my ends smooth and healthy:
- I always start with a good heat protectant spray. It’s non-negotiable.
- Instead of curling from the bottom, I start from the mid-lengths.
- I wrap upwards toward the root, leaving the ends out.
- I squeeze the lever and keep turning the tong to wrap more hair around the barrel
- As soon as the ends get to the heat, I release the curl
- To ensure the curl lasts as long as possible, I sometimes cup it in my hand for a few seconds to help it cool and set the shape
The difference in how my ends look and feel is honestly night and day.
See It in Action
If you want to see this technique in real time, I shared it in this Instagram Reel:
Extra Tips for Heat Styling Without Damage
I’ve picked up a few habits that help keep my hair healthier between heat styling:
Choose a Gentle Tool
I always go for a ceramic barrel, which distributes heat more evenly and helps reduce hotspots. My favourite curling tong is the ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong*.
You can buy it online via the following links:
Sneak Peek
If you are interested in extra gentle styling, you might like to read First Look: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x – 2x the Power, Smarter Styling, & a Major Hair Tech Upgrade.
Style Less, Finish Better
Instead of re-curling sections, I’ve learned to let the hair cool fully before touching the hair before it is set. If you start messing with it before it’s cooland use my fingers to shape. Less heat, better hold.
End with Nourishment
A tiny bit of hair oil or serum through the ends brings back softness and adds shine. I love the Kerastase Elixir Ultime* or the Hair Rituel by Sisley Precious Hair Care Oil*.
Get a Trim
Now this is where I become a bit of a hypocrite because I definitely don’t get my hair trimmed as often as I should. Even with the best styling habits, you should still aim to trim your ends every 8–10 weeks. It’s a simple way to keep them looking fresh and stop damage from creeping up the hair shaft. I need to listen to my own advice!!
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Ends is Worth It
When I changed the way I curled my hair, I saw an instant improvement in texture and shine. It’s such a small tweak, but the result is longer-lasting curls, softer ends, and hair that actually looks healthier after styling, not worse.
If you’ve been struggling with heat damage or split ends, give this a try. And if you have any favourite tools or styling tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/michellemonaghanblondesocial-5d3334c5e9ab476e8ea2ca336b30ce2e.png?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Michelle Monaghan on Her “Buttercrème Hazel Blonde” Hair Tra…")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/summerhairtrendssocial-6c33addef3ac4766b5b1d221a05f555a.png?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "11 Summer 2025 Hair Trends to Try, From Cowgirl Braids to In…")
