Why hello there! This would appear to be my first hair styling tip for my blog. It is a simple process, but one many fail miserably at. Many people believe they are doing it correctly with basic tools and products, but your not!! Your results are so much better with quality products. So to start, you will need the following:
- A flat iron hair straightener. If possible get one that includes ion’s and ceramic floating plates. Avoid Remington at all costs. I recommend the GHD Styler (valued at approximately $349).
- Ionic hair dryer. Ensure the dryer is ionic, this helps prevent frizz and damage. If possible look for a salon style Parlux hair dryer.
- Ionic hair brush.
- A comb.
- Nutrition enriched or anti-breakage shampoo and conditioner (I recommend the Kerastase range).
- Deep conditioning treatment. (I recommend the Kerastase or Schwartzkopf Professional range from salons).
- Thermal protectant spray or cream.
- Finishing serum.
Right so on with how to do all this.
1. Ensure hair is washed. Believe me, without this crucial step hair can be straggly and look greasy and very unclean. Shampoo and condition with a product such as Kerastase Bain Satin. At least twice a week use a deep conditioning treatment and leave in for at least 10 minutes. This aids in preventing damage to the hair and will stop it from becoming overly dry. When washing, use a small amount but lather the product further. Ensure you massage scalp to give roots volume. Rinse shampoo and conditioner thoroughly. Towel dry.
2. Immediately after washing, use thermal protector. Either spray all over or distribute cream. I recommend Loreal Professionnel Techni.art Hot Style Finish. Do not use brush’s or comb’s until hair cuticles are dry.
3. Blow dry all over in fast vigorous movements. Do not use a brush or comb to distribute heat. Use your hands. Ensure hair is fully dry. To ensure hair is completely dry use a distributor cap on the end of hair dryer and go over your hair in sections.
4. Apply further thermal protector. Use less this time, as you do not want your hair to be damp for the hot irons. Before using the irons ensure hair is 100% dry. If not quickly blow dry all over.
5. Brush your hair to remove any tangling.
6. Start the straightening process by doing the bottom layers. To do this, start at the back. Separate your hair near the nape of neck, and using sectioning clips move any unwanted hair to the top of the head. You should now be able to access the bottom layers.
7. Bring the hot iron near the root (be careful not to burn yourself), and in approximately small 5cm sections bring the iron down the hair towards the end. If desired, slightly twist the hot iron to create a flick effect at the ends.
8. Repeat this process until all bottom layers are done.
9. Now you can repeat this process to complete the upper layer. Use sectioning slips to aid.
10. When straightening the fringe, I recommend moving the hot iron in the direction you wish your hair to fall. I recommend you ensure your fringe/bangs frame your face. If your hair does not move in a particular direction with ease, try another direction. Not only will it be easier to move, but it will sit better throughout the day.
11. Always remember to check the hair close to the roots. Ensure there are no ridges. If there are you need to place the hot iron closer to the root. By leaving ridges, it makes it obvious you straighten your hair.
12. Finish the process of by applying a small amount of serum (I recommend the Kerastase Nutritive range). Do not apply too much, especially around the roots as it will build up and appear greasy.
13. Apply hairspray all over. I recommend the Schwartzkopf Professional Super Hold Laquer). You will only need a small amount. As soon as you apply use your hands (do not use a tissue as this will suck up the hairspray), lightly pat down your hair, especially around the roots. This will aid in preventing frizz and fly-aways.
Always remember:
- Shampoo and condition daily.
- Deep condition at least twice weekly.
- Always, always, always use thermal protector.
- You cannot see the back of your head, so ensure you have completely straightened every section.
- Do not leave ridges.
Ensure you use quality shampoo, conditioner, deep condition and thermal protector. This is crucial to help stop your hair drying out and looking like crap! By following these steps you will be able to produce a very hot hair style (no pun intended). As in example, here is Stacey fresh from a good straightening:
Isn’t she pretty!!! ![]()
Have any questions/comments? Feel free to comment!