Bed Head Curl Styling Guide: Waves, Curls, and Volume Tips

An educational guide from the Beauty AMZ research team. No hard sell, just what you need to know.
Why Bed Head Means Big Volume
Bed Head blowout freak fans chase one thing, hair with attitude. The brand built its name on bold texture, massive body, and styles that turn heads. Its tools use tourmaline ceramic technology to deliver shine along with the volume. That combination is why the line has loyal fans. Big hair is not just about the tool, though. Technique, products, and prep all play a part. Understanding how each tool works helps you get the most from it. This guide breaks down the essentials so every styling session ends with bounce.
Diffuser Drying Basics for Curly Hair
A diffuser spreads the dryer's airflow over a wide area, which dries curls without blowing them apart. Start with soaking wet hair and a curl cream or gel. Cup a section of hair into the diffuser bowl and press it toward your scalp. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, then move to the next section. Use medium heat and low speed to avoid frizz. Flip your head upside down for extra root volume. Do not touch your curls until they are fully dry, since touching creates frizz. Once dry, scrunch gently to break any gel cast. The result is defined, bouncy curls with natural volume.
Curling Wand Techniques That Work
Clamp-free wands create curls by wrapping hair around a heated barrel. Always start with dry hair and a heat protectant. Take a one-inch section and wrap it around the barrel, leaving the ends out for a relaxed wave. Point the barrel downward so the curl falls in a natural direction. Hold for five to eight seconds, then slide the wand out and let the curl cool. Alternate the wrapping direction for a more natural, tousled look. The bubble barrel adds extra texture with its rounded shape. Let all curls cool fully before finger-combing. Finish with texture spray for that lived-in Bed Head finish.
Keeping Volume Alive All Day
Volume falls flat without the right finishing steps. Use a volumizing mousse at the roots before styling for lift that lasts. A light hairspray locks in bounce without stiffness. Avoid heavy oils near the roots, since they drag hair down. Sleep on a silk pillowcase to protect curls overnight. In the morning, flip your head over and shake at the roots to revive volume. A quick blast with the diffuser refreshes curly styles. Dry shampoo at the roots absorbs oil and adds grip. With these habits, your big bouncy style survives from morning to night.
Recommended Products
These are the products our research team rates highest in this category.

Best for: Curly and wavy hair that needs defined, frizz-free volume
Bed Head Curls-in-Check 1875 Watt Diffuser Hair Dryer for Curly Hair
- 1875 watts of drying power for fast results
- Diffuser attachment defines curls and adds volume
- Made for curly and wavy hair textures
- Tourmaline ceramic technology for shine
Pros
- Dries curls gently without blowing them apart
- Strong wattage cuts drying time
Cons
- Bulky for travel
- Diffuser only suits curly or wavy hair

Best for: Tousled waves and textured curls on straight to wavy hair
Bed Head Rock N Roller Clamp Free 2-in-1 Curling Wand | Round Barrel for Tousled Waves
- Bubble barrel creates tousled waves or defined spirals
- Tourmaline ceramic coating for shine and less frizz
- Clamp-free wrap-and-go styling with no creases
- Heats up to 400F with multiple settings
Pros
- Unique barrel gives versatile texture options
- Heat-protective glove included for safe styling
Cons
- Bubble shape takes practice to master
- No auto shut-off feature

Best for: Springy curls and massive shine on all hair types
Bed Head Curlipops Clamp-Free Curling Wand Iron | For Springy Styles and Massive Shine (1 in)
- 1-inch clamp-free barrel for springy curls
- Tourmaline ceramic for frizz-free shine
- Heats up to 430F for all hair types
- Travel-ready with worldwide dual voltage
Pros
- Simple on-off operation with ready indicator
- Lightweight and great for travel
Cons
- Single heat setting limits fine-hair control
- 1-inch barrel only makes medium curls
Ready to Choose?
See our top product picks for bed head blowout freak alternatives, or jump straight to the head-to-head comparison of the two most popular options.
Humidity-Proofing Big Volume
Humidity is the enemy of the big volume Bed Head promises, since moisture in the air collapses lifted roots. The defense starts in the shower: a volumizing shampoo plus a lightweight conditioner, never a heavy mask before styling. Rough-dry upside down for root lift, then finish with the diffuser on the Curls-in-Check dryer using low airflow, since blasting air apart the curl clumps that hold volume. A flexible-hold hairspray at the roots after drying gives the lift something to grip. For cordless touch-ups that revive flattened volume on day two, our Conair ThermaCell guide covers a portable iron built for refresh work. In humid months, accept slightly smaller volume that lasts over huge volume that falls by noon. The Rock N Roller wand's bubble barrel creates texture that survives humidity better than smooth curls, since the irregular pattern hides collapse.
Swimming and Voluminous Hair
Chlorine and salt water punish voluminous hair through dryness and mineral buildup. Before swimming, wet the hair with clean water and apply leave-in conditioner, since saturated hair absorbs less pool water. After swimming, rinse immediately and wash with a gentle shampoo, then use a chelating wash weekly during swim season to prevent the green tint and dullness that minerals cause in lighter hair. The Curlipops wand's tourmaline coating helps smooth post-swim frizz during restyling. Our 2C hair care guide covers the wash-day recovery that follows swim exposure.
Sleeping on Volume: The Pillowcase Question
Cotton pillowcases flatten volume overnight through friction, while satin lets hair slide and preserves lift. The pineapple method, piling hair loosely on top of the head, plus a satin pillowcase, is the best preservation most people will do. In the morning, shake out and spot-refresh flattened sections with the Curlipops wand rather than redoing the whole head. Dry shampoo at the roots absorbs overnight oil that drags volume down. Silk beats satin on pure friction reduction, but satin delivers most of the benefit cheaper.