How to Make Your Curls Last, According to Celebrity Stylist Jen Atkin

When your curls look perfect as you leave the house, only to fall flat by lunchtime, it can feel more than a little deflating. Celebrity stylist Jen Atkin – the force behind Ouai and the woman trusted with some of the most photographed hair in the world – recently shared her go-to tips for creating long‑lasting curls, especially for the festive party season. Using her approach as a springboard, this guide breaks down how to get curls that actually last, with practical techniques you can use at home or discuss with your stylist in the chair.

Why Curls Fall Out – and How Pros Like Jen Atkin Work Around It

Before looking at tools and tricks, it helps to understand why curls often don’t last in the first place. Hair professionals commonly point to three main reasons:

• Hair type and texture: Very straight, fine hair has a smooth cuticle that struggles to hold a new shape, while naturally wavy or coarse hair usually grips a curl more easily.
• Too much slip: Heavy conditioners, oils or silicone-laden styling products can make strands so slippery that curls simply slide out.
• Heat styling technique: Rushing the process, using the wrong temperature, or curling hair that’s not properly prepped can all reduce longevity.

Stylists like Jen Atkin tend to treat curls as a three‑stage process: prep, set, and finish. Each stage adds a bit more hold without sacrificing movement. In UK salons, this same thinking underpins everything from soft “cool girl waves” to bouncy, polished blow‑dries that need to last through long winter nights and central‑heated offices.

A practical first step at home is to strip your routine back: on your next wash day, try using a lighter conditioner, blotting hair thoroughly, and applying a dedicated heat protectant with built‑in hold before you even reach for your hot tools.

The One Hot Tool Pros Swear By for Lasting Curls

While the original article highlights one must‑have hot tool in Atkin’s kit, the broader professional consensus is clear: a good quality curling wand or tong with adjustable heat is the workhorse for long‑wear curls. Many stylists in the UK prefer tapered wands or mid‑sized barrels because they can create both tighter, longer‑lasting curls and looser waves simply by changing the size of each section and the amount of tension.

When choosing or using a hot tool, hair professionals typically recommend:

• Adjustable temperature: Around 160–185°C is usually enough for most hair; finer or fragile hair may need less. Consistent heat often matters more than sheer power.
• Quality plates or barrel coating: Ceramic or tourmaline barrels tend to distribute heat evenly, which can reduce the need for repeat passes.
• Barrel size that suits your goal: Smaller barrels (19–25mm) create tighter curls that naturally last longer and can be brushed into looser waves later.
• Safety features: Automatic shut‑off and a heat‑resistant tip or glove are genuinely helpful when you’re styling the back of your head in a hurry.

In many pro kits – including those of celebrity stylists – you’ll find a single versatile curling wand that can be used for everything from glam party curls to soft, brushed‑out bends for everyday wear. If you only add one hot tool to your line‑up, a mid‑sized wand is arguably the most flexible option.

For a realistic at‑home routine, focus on mastering just one tool and one technique at a time. Once you can reliably curl the front and sides of your hair with a wand, you can gradually refine the back sections and vary your curl pattern.

Step‑by‑Step: A Pro‑Inspired Routine for Curls That Stay Put

Borrowing from the kind of process stylists like Jen Atkin use on shoots and red carpets, here’s a UK‑friendly routine you can adapt to your own hair type and schedule.

1. Prep on the Right Day

Many stylists prefer to curl hair that’s not freshly washed – think day‑two hair – because it naturally has a bit more grip. If your roots feel oily, a light mist of dry shampoo at the crown can balance things out without weighing lengths down.

2. Create a Lightweight Foundation

On damp hair (whether it’s freshly washed or lightly re‑misted), apply:

• A heat protectant spray from mid‑lengths to ends.
• A light styling mousse or volumising spray if your hair is fine or tends to drop quickly.
• For thicker or textured hair, a light cream for frizz control, focusing on the outer layer.

Comb products through with a wide‑tooth comb or your fingers for even distribution, then rough‑dry with a hairdryer until hair is completely dry; heat tools on damp hair risk damage and can also cause curls to collapse more quickly.

3. Section Like a Stylist

Professionals almost never curl hair randomly. Instead, they create clean sections:

• Split hair horizontally: bottom, middle, and top layers.
• Clip everything except the bottom layer out of the way.
• Work in sections roughly the same width as your barrel.

This methodical approach means every curl gets the same amount of heat and time on the barrel, which contributes hugely to uniform, long‑lasting results.

4. Curl and Cool

Wrap each section around your wand, directing the curl away from your face at the front for a more open, flattering look. Hold for a few seconds – usually 5–10, depending on thickness – then release the curl gently into your hand and let it cool in a coiled shape for a moment.

Many stylists pin key curls (especially around the face and crown) in place while they cool fully. This “sets” the curl and can dramatically increase wear time, particularly on finer hair.

5. Don’t Rush the Break‑Up

One common mistake is running fingers or a brush through curls while they’re still warm. Allow curls to cool completely – ideally a few minutes while you finish makeup or get dressed – before gently shaking them out.

At this stage, pros often use:

• A wide‑tooth comb or fingers for softer, modern waves.
• A paddle brush for a vintage, brushed‑out look, then reshaping with hands.
• A small amount of lightweight oil just on the ends to add shine without flattening the shape.

6. Lock It In – Light Layers of Hold

Instead of one heavy blast of hairspray at the end, many stylists build hold in light layers. After breaking up curls, mist a flexible‑hold hairspray from an arm’s length away, lifting sections to hit the under‑layers too.

For long days or nights out, mini top‑ups through the evening – a quick spritz at the roots and underneath your lengths – usually work better than a crunchy shell of spray at the start.

If you’re getting ready for a party, try finishing your curls 20–30 minutes earlier than usual so they have time to settle. This small timing tweak, used constantly in shoots and backstage settings, can make a noticeable difference.

Making Curls Last Beyond One Night

The secret behind those seemingly effortless second‑day waves you see on social media is often clever overnight care. Hairdressers and stylists frequently recommend a few simple habits:

• Silk or satin pillowcases: These create less friction than cotton, which can help curls and waves keep their shape while you sleep.
• Loose protective styles: A high, very loose “pineapple” ponytail for curls, or a soft, low scrunchie bun for waves, can preserve movement without creating deep kinks.
• Minimal product layering: Too much product on day one often leads to limp curls on day two. Go lighter initially and refresh selectively.

In the morning, stylists rarely re‑curl everything from scratch unless absolutely necessary. Instead, they often:

• Mist hair lightly with water or a leave‑in spray.
• Re‑curl only the top layer or face‑framing pieces.
• Add a touch of dry shampoo or texturising spray at the roots for lift.

If you’re short on time, focusing on refreshing just the front section and crown can instantly revive your overall style – a trick widely used in UK salons for quick “lunchtime” styling services.

Key Takeaways

• Lasting curls rely on three stages – prep, set, and finish – rather than just the right tool alone.
• A good quality curling wand with adjustable heat is often the most versatile single hot tool for long‑wear curls.
• Sectioning hair carefully and allowing curls to cool in shape before brushing out significantly improves staying power.
• Light layers of flexible hairspray and thoughtful overnight care help curls last well into the next day.
• Small, realistic tweaks – like using slightly dirtier hair, a silk pillowcase, or refreshing only key sections – can transform how long your curls survive real life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make curls last on very straight, fine hair?

Many stylists suggest starting with a light mousse or volumising spray, using a smaller barrel for tighter curls, and pinning curls up to cool fully. Avoid heavy conditioners or oils on the day you style, as these can weigh hair down and reduce hold.

What temperature should I use on my curling wand?

For most hair types, professionals often recommend staying around 160–185°C. Finer or more fragile hair may benefit from lower temperatures, while thicker hair can usually tolerate the higher end of that range. Always prioritise a good heat protectant.

Should I curl freshly washed hair or wait a day?

Day‑two hair usually has more natural grip, which can help curls last longer. If you prefer to curl freshly washed hair, keep conditioner light and apply a styling product that adds texture and hold before drying.

Is hairspray essential for long‑lasting curls?

Not strictly essential, but a flexible‑hold hairspray used in light layers can make a noticeable difference. Many professionals avoid very stiff sprays unless they’re creating highly structured looks that must not move at all.

How do I stop my curls from going frizzy in damp UK weather?

Using a humidity‑resistant styling product and a light anti‑frizz serum on the outer layer of hair can help. Some stylists also recommend finishing with a fine mist of hairspray to create a breathable barrier against moisture in the air.

Can I refresh curls without washing my hair again?

Yes. A common pro approach is to apply a small amount of leave‑in spray or water to revive shape, add dry shampoo at the roots if needed, and then re‑curl only the top and front sections for a quick reset.

Will using a curling wand regularly damage my hair?

Frequent heat styling can contribute to dryness over time, which is why many stylists and dermatologists emphasise consistent heat protection, moderate temperatures, and regular trims. Balancing heat‑free days with styled days can also support overall hair condition.