How to Create S-Waves with a Flat Iron

S-waves are created by alternating the direction you curl sections of hair around your flat iron, creating a serpentine wave pattern.

1. Prep your hair. Start with dry hair and apply heat protectant from mid-length to ends. Section your hair horizontally, starting from the bottom layer. Keep sections about one inch wide for defined waves.
2. Create the first curve. Clamp the flat iron at your roots and rotate it away from your face, then slowly glide down about two inches. This creates the first bend of your S-wave.
3. Reverse the direction. Without releasing the hair, rotate the flat iron toward your face and glide down another two inches. You've now created the S-curve that gives this technique its name.
4. Continue the pattern. Keep alternating directions every two inches down the hair shaft until you reach the ends. The key is smooth, continuous movement while changing direction consistently.
5. Set and separate. Let each section cool completely before moving to the next. Once all sections are done, gently run your fingers through to soften and blend the waves.