Skip to main content

Brush out a curl set into soft waves

Use this only after a roller, iron or heatless set is fully cool and free of fasteners when you want less-separated curl groups.

Supporting a dry curl section while a wide-tooth comb opens the ends into a soft wave.

Step by step

  1. Holding one fully cool released curl away from the rest to check that it is dry and free of fasteners.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Check the set is ready

    • Remove every roller, pin or ribbon using that set’s own method. Wait until hair is fully dry and cool.
    • Separate one hidden curl with fingers first. Stop if it snags or if the set is still damp inside.
  2. Supporting a dry curl section while a wide-tooth comb opens the ends into a soft wave.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Open curls from the ends

    • Start with fingers for the lightest change. For more separation, use a wide-tooth comb or soft brush from the ends upward.
    • Support each section above the tool and make one gentle pass before checking the shape.
  3. Using both open hands to blend separated dry waves after the comb has been set down.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Join the sections

    • Lower the tool and use clean hands to join visible gaps between sections.
    • Stop when the curls read as connected waves; extra brushing can keep changing the set. Clean loose hair from the tool.

About 3–8 min hands-on for taking down a simple curl set, gently opening curls and joining them into waves. Add any remaining drying or cooling before brushing.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. A few large curls are quick; many small rollers or pins and long hair can take longer.

You’re done when…

The fully dry, cool set reads as connected soft waves, and the hair and tool move without snagging.