1. Preparation
Without the right prep, split ends and frizz become more noticeable. No more hiding it with the au naturale look that provides for fly-aways. You should be giving your hair a deep conditioning treatment at least a couple times per month, if not each week. There are unlimited ways to do this from expensive salon treatments to at-home remedies like honey, olive oil, or even mayonnaise. A quick online search will point you in the right direction. Try to find something that is backed up by an expert recommendation. To prevent tangles that further damage your strands, run a wide tooth comb through your hair after you’ve applied your regular conditioner in the shower. This is going to make any style you have in mind easier to pull off.
2. The Right Stuff
As much as no one likes to admit it, without the right tools, you just can’t expect to have the exact look you’re going for. I understand that a $200 blow dryer might be out of the question, but try to acquire one with negative ion power that helps tame your hair cuticles. Same goes for your flat iron. It cannot be stressed enough that you need a good flat iron. I can say with certainty the Babyliss brand of flat iron has changed my life where other well known brands, such as Chi, failed to do so. There are a number of discount websites that sell beauty tools for less, keep your eyes peeled, look out for coupons and grab the best you can get your hands on.
3. Execution
So, it’s make or break time. And if you’ve followed my tips, you’re at a good starting point. Clip up sections of your hair, leaving the bottom section loose. On the loose section, use a fine-tooth comb to separate out even thinner, smaller sections to run through your iron. The thinner the better and sleeker the overall look will turn out to be. Repeat until all of your tresses have been flat-ironed. If you’ve got a good iron, your hair should have movement and shine. but to really up the ante, take solid wax and apply it to sections of your straightened hair, especially the ends. Finish with a shine spray and you’re done.
4. Conservation
Once your hair gets out in the real world, it’s likely to go limp, get frizzy or lose some of its lustre. Avoid that with shine spray and solid wax. Wax protects the ends of your hair, making them look polished and finished, so apply it to your tips. If you want volume at the crown, wax will do the trick to provide a quick finger touch-up. Shine spray will help preserve the gloss.
5. Recreation
If you’ve got long hair, chances are you’re not keen on washing it and blowing it dry every time you want to straighten. That’s why dry shampoo is your best friend during the fall and winter months. Most dry shampoos tend to be a fine mist powder, white in color, which works for blondes. But don’t despair, some newer versions are coming out for brunettes too. So go ahead and sleep on your hair. Wake up, spray some dry shampoo on the roots (according to instructions), quickly run the flat iron over any sections that got some of their kink back overnight, and finish again with shine spray. Voila.
Image: Elie Saab Fall 2012, IMAXtree
