Pin Curls

Pin Curls were in vogue from 40's through the 60's. They were especially popular for short hair. With this styling method, you can look either fun and whimiscal or classy and sexy. Leaving pin curls in overnight will create a tighter curl. Styling them in the morning is quick and easy so they are low maintenance.

There are two types of pin curl: flat or angled and standing up.

How to make a flat Pin Curl

Pin curls were also very popular at various times during the 40s, 50s and into the 60s. In fact, during the 40s, the pin curl set formed the foundation of most hair styles. Pin curls were used on all types, textures and lengths of hair but were especially popular and useful for the shorter styles.

In recent years, pin curls have made a comeback. You can see them on the stars at the Academy Awards and on models in fashion shows.

Pin curls have the advantage of being fairly easy to create after a little practice. They are also easier to sleep in compared to the brush or large Velcro style rollers.

Pin curls that are left in overnight create a longer and tighter set and they are good for a quick morning styling.

When it comes to pin curls, there are several options that can be exercised to create completely different looks. The end results of a pin curl set depend directly upon the size of each curl that is created, how it is looped or curled and how it is pinned.

There are basically two popular ways to clip a pin curl. You can clip them flatly to the head or you can clip them so that they are angled or standing up from the scalp. This will create two different styles of curls.

Below are precise instructions for making a flat pin curl.

1. Start by using a comb with a rat tail or if you prefer, use a fine toothed comb.

2. Using the tail of the comb create a clean, deep part in your hair.

3. Carefully section off a 1 inch section of hair for a medium curl.

4. Comb the new section until it is completely smooth.

5. Spritz the section with a spray bottle filled with water or you can experiment with a hairspray or super volumizing spray. Make sure hair is really damp.

6. Hold the section of hair flatly against your scalp with one finger.

7. Take the end of the section and wind in a clockwise position around the opposite index finger forming a complete circle. Keep in mind that for the best style, form a round curl and not an oval one.

Note: Be sure not to twist the hair as you wind it. Make sure that the ends are tucked inside of the curl, and curl is pinned right on top of it natural hair base. Do not pin the curl away from the base of the curl.

8. Holding the end of the curl with the thumb of the same hand, slip the curl off the index finger letting the end naturally fold inward.

9. Continuing to hold the curl between the thumb and forefinger, finish winding it. Place it flat against the scalp. Clip it with a hair clip or two through the middle of the curl.

Note: If you prefer, you can use more than one clip on each curl. When using more than one clip, crisscross the clips to form an X configuration.

10. Press against the curl to make sure that the ends don't escape.

Note: You may wish to work with end papers available from most large beauty supply stores.

11. Once the curl is formed according to your desire, use a single or double pronged clip and slide it carefully over the newly formed curl to hold it in place.

Do not use bobby pins because they tend to form dents in your hair.

12. Make sure that the curl is anchored tightly by the clip, especially if you plan to sleep in the set overnight.

13. Spray well with hairspray or styling spray. Sit under a hood dryer to set the style or sleep on the style overnight.

When styling, unclip one curl at a time. Use fingers to arrange the curls in the desired style.

How to created a Standup Pin Curl

Elevated Or Stand Up Pin Curls

Another popular curl is the elevated pin curl. You will follow the same steps above as you would to create a flat curl.

To create an elevated curl, anchor the finished loop with a single or double clip that is anchored on just one side so that the curl is slightly elevated from the scalp.

The elevated curls will actually stand up from the scalp in little round loops held in place by one clip.

Remember to create uniform and neat loops that are round and not oval.