From ringlets and beach curls to bouncy blowouts and crimped waves, there are endless curly hairstyles to experiment with. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, it’s important to get the basic technique down. And if, like me, you prefer to use a classic curling wand over a straightener, listen up.
Celebrity hairstylist, Jen Atkin, is no stranger to sharing a tip or two on Instagram and TikTok. Most recently, the pro, whose client list includes Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Dua Lipa, shared this super easy hack for those of us who struggle to use a curling wand. Those things aren’t easy to navigate, let me tell you.
The founder of haircare brand OUAI named the technique she uses the “twist and pull”. Sounds fancy, right? But don’t worry too much because it’s easier than it sounds. All you have to do is clamp a piece of hair into your wand and simultaneously twist the iron away from the head whilst pulling down. Then, repeat. Yep, it’s as easy as that.
Of course, Jen uses a professional wand, but she says that if yours has a spring “you can actually just lift [it] if it’s super tight on your curling iron […] so it’s not going to give you any dents or creases".
“I like to stay from mid-length to the ends from the mid-way back,” she adds.
BRB, I’m off to get in some much-needed practice.
BioIonic 3-in-1 Curler Wand and Flat Iron
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
