To get my hair in big loose curls, I wrap about a medium sized strand AROUND a 2" or 1.5" barrel curling iron. I don't put it in the clip because that makes it into a spiral. Wrapping it around makes it more wavy and uneven, which separates each strand! (For the front I use large strands to go around my face, and make them flow back so they don't get in my face)