How To Do Victoria’s Secret Curls – Tongs Decoded.

o many curls, so many tools. With a plethora of curling tools and products on the market, curling your tresses isn’t as easy as waving a magic (curling) wand. The endeavour to find the perfect tool and product for your desired wave can be a most arduous task. But alas, we have twirled and whirled many a wand, powdered roof lifter near and far and sprayed and spritzed to our hearts content. From big ‘n’ bouncy to waved ‘n’ wild, we have carefully curated a curl for every head of hair. To add a layer of tonging expertise, we get the curl down from two of the finest heralds of fabulous hair, GHD Educator Michelle Halliday and Halo Hair's Head Honcho Carl Reeves. Through a haze of hairspray, we bring you the definitive guide on getting curly. Va-va-voom Victoria’s Secret-esque curls here we come.

Warning: Bend in the road ahead.

BEAUTICATE LOVES THE VICTORIA’S SECRET 2013 FASHION SHOW. PHOTO BY EVAN AGOSTINI

1. BIG ‘N’ BOUNCY

For bountiful curls that cascade from the crown of the head and bounce and flounce as you strut, look no further. Tumbling and soft, these curls are full of movement and pizzazz; head turning will most definitely ensue. Volume is obligatory; height and weight does matter, so root lifters and thickening mousses will be your best friends. Think buoyancy at its best, no floating device required. Perfect for dramatic hair flicking, or simply statement wear hair.

How To: (Carl Reeves, Halo Hair)

Begin by spraying “Redken Rootful” from roots to ends before drying the product into the hair.
Then using “The Marilyn” curler by HALO take even horizontal sections of hair and wrap these sections around the curler.
Once the hair is hot, remove The Marilyn and clip curl to the head to cool.
Continue this process over until you have completed the entire head.
Once cooled for 5-10 minutes, remove clips and brush hair out into a beautiful bouncy shape.”

Tool + Product = Result

HALO HAIR ‘THE MARILYN’ CURLER

REDKEN ROOTFUL

ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO

Hair Angel Tip: Carl Reeves, Halo Hair

“If you pre blow-dry for volume you will get a smoother, bouncier result.”

2. HOLLYWOOD ‘N’ GLAM

The glamorous curls of old Hollywood are forever in vogue, despite many a fad which may come and go, the waved styles of bygone sirens continue to permeate every Saturday night out, wedding, shopping escapade and naturally, red carpet. Curls for the classicist; perhaps those with a penchant for old world allure or one who simply enjoys a well-measured dose of elegance and élan. Evoke the romanticism of old with a classic wand and plenty of shine, capturing your own cinematic moment.

How To: (Michelle Halliday, GHD)

With clean dry hair prep by spraying curl hold spray lightly over each section. This is a thermal protectant that protects the hair from dehydrating and also contains a light hold.
Wrap hair around the classic wave wand barrel and hold for 5-8 seconds.
Let hair cool, then brush out with a paddle brush to transform soft ringlets into Hollywood waves.

Tool + Product = Result

GHD CURVE CLASSIC WAVE WAND

GHD HAIR CURL HOLD SPRAY

CANDICE SWANEPOEL

Hair Angel Tip: Carl Reeves, Halo Hair

“Using a shine spray will give you that amazing high-end finish.”

3. BEACHED ‘N’ LOOSE

Mermaid-esque mounds of hair are most desired in the current hair-scape. Scrunched and salty waves are ubiquitous; not only on the grassy knoll of North Bondi or the blue beaches of Byron Bay, but down high streets and catwalks alike. The aim is au naturale, laissez-faire locks which look to be ocean-dipped and sun-kissed. To achieve an I-just-went-to-the-beach wave, sans le plage, a certain process is in place.

How To: (Carl Reeves, HALO Hair)

Begin this look by spraying “Redken-Fashion Waves” from roots to ends before drying the product into the hair.
Using HALO’s “Jessica” curler take manageable vertical sections and wrap them around the curler.
Once hot, allow the section to drop and then continue until you have completed the entire head.
Once complete, run fingers through your hair to loosen the curls.
You can also add extra Redken Fashion Waves to break up the curl further for a messy result.

Tool + Product = Result

HALO HAIR ‘THE JESSICA’ CURLER

REDKEN FASHION WAVES SPRAY

ADRIANA LIMA

Hair Angel Tip: Carl Reeves, Halo Hair

“I like to add real salt into water and spray hair to finish – it gives it an amazing texture!”

4. CLASSIC ‘N’ CLEAN

Classic and cleanly tonged curls are a staple in the hair stratosphere. A classic curl du jour, they are a safer, well-kept hybrid between the big and bouncy and the tousled and loose, both parts glam and relaxed. A look to suit most lasses, hair can be fine or thick, short or long, such is the style’s versatility. Wield a tong with a classic temperament, creating cleanly, consistent curls, with your desired amount of volume. A nod to utter femininity, flick your way into the night or day.

How To: (Michelle Halliday, GHD)

With clean dry hair prep by spraying curl hold spray lightly over each section.
Make small sections in the hair 1cm x 2cm, wrap hair around the classic curl tong barrel and hold horizontally for 5-8 seconds to get maximum curl.
Repeat this technique throughout the hair.
When you get to the top for maximum curl and volume, wind the classic curl tong right to the roots.
Gently comb out curls with a wide tooth-detangling comb to loosen.

Tool + Product = Result

GHD CURVE CLASSIC CURL TONG

REDKEN FABRICATE

DOUTZEN KROES

Hair Angel Tip: Michelle Halliday, GHD

“For a softer result, curl hair leaving out root area of about 3cm.”

5. WAVED ‘N’ WILD

Whilst similar to its beached counterpart, the waved and wild variation is a little like her ghetto sister – part Beyonce, part Rihanna, it’s all parts wild and free. Heeding to the mantra of the higher your hair is, the closer you are to God, this particular curl has its roots planted firmly in heaven, with lift keynote to its success. With a twist of experimentation, a modern, rumpled wave is a must, textured and aptly wild, a new wave is upon us. Remember, there is always a method to madness, and messy, wild hair is no exception.

How To: (Michelle Halliday, GHD)

With clean dry hair prep by spraying curl hold spray lightly over each section.
Make small sections in the hair 1cm x 2cm, twist and wrap hair around the creative curl wand barrel and hold for 5-8 seconds.
Once completed, loosen curl with fingers brushing through the hair to create a waved and wild result.