How do I get my straight fine hair to hold a wave or curl?

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I have long-ish straight hair that is very soft and fine. I don't usually do much with it but occasionally like to have it curled or waves.

I've had mixed success with overnight heatless curls, have sometimes done GHD curls although they are time-consuming and look quite artificial. I bought myself a Bio Ionic hair wand and it's rubbish, my curls fall out after about half an hour and my hair smells burnt for days afterwards.

Has anyone got any tips for either hair products that help fine hair hold a curl, or a styling product that will actually work? And not destroy my hair in the process?

Thank you 😊

Sorry but my only tip is give up! I have that kind of hair and it goes straight again within an hour whatever is done. I’ve found that a really good cut and not washing it too often gives it more shape . Also avoiding conditioner.

Don't curl it as soon as you've washed and dried it, wait at least a day. Use a styling product. Use hairspray on the curl as soon as you've made it. Wait until your hair has cooled down to comb it through whether with a comb or your fingers.

My hair is the same and nothing I have ever tried has convinced it to hold shape for more than about 20 minutes! I had an up do for my wedding and even then the hairdresser said she’d never done so much back combing or used so much hairspray in her life! 😆

Hi. I have the same problem. I solved it by dyeing my hair, but matching its original colour so it doesn't look any different but the texture has changed a little and it is much more manageable. Getting highlights also improved it, but that was more expensive.

I gave up too. I even went to the trouble of getting a perm many years ago and they fell out within about 6 weeks. I aim for the sleek and shiny now.