How to Create Blown-Out Voluminous Curls

Work in sections with a large barrel curling iron, curl away from your face, then brush out with a paddle brush while the curls are still warm.

1. Prep your hair. Start with clean, towel-dried hair and apply a heat protectant from mid-length to ends. Add a volumizing mousse to your roots, focusing on areas that tend to fall flat. Blow dry completely with a round brush, lifting at the roots for maximum volume.
2. Section strategically. Divide your hair into three horizontal layers: bottom, middle, and top. Clip the upper sections away and start with the bottom layer. Work in 2-inch wide sections—any larger and the curls won't hold, any smaller and you'll lose the blown-out effect.
3. Curl with intention. Using a 1.5-2 inch barrel curling iron, wrap each section away from your face, leaving the ends out for a modern finish. Hold for 8-10 seconds, then release the curl into your palm and let it cool completely before moving to the next section.
4. Break it down. Once all sections are curled and cooled, flip your head upside down and gently shake out the roots. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to separate the curls, then lightly brush through with a paddle brush to create that blown-out, voluminous texture.