Every girl needs a little bit of styling to make her look attractive for any occasion. And by styling we don’t just mean the right clothes, accessories and shoes. Of course these elements are important, but what really finishes your look for you is the way you style your hair. But the trouble with styling hair is getting the shiny smooth hair at home is very rare, whereas it seems to appear perfect after a trip to the hair dresser!
And if shiny, silky hair is what you desire then this article is a must read! You don’t need to go to a salon just because you want your hair to shine with health, instead follow these tips and use your heat styling tools right at home!
Traditionally, blow dryers and straightening irons are said to cause damage to your hair and leave it dry. However, if you use the right tools and the right products, your hair can gleam with health and look shiny without the damage. Your hair needs heat to smooth the cuticle so using a straightening iron or a hairdryer can actually work for you and not against. And this is how you can get the maximum shine for your hair out of them.
Hairdryer
••Always apply a heat protecting serum to you hair before you use any heat styling tool.
••Do not blow-dry your hair immediately after a wash. Ideally you should air dry your hair for at least 15 – 20 minutes before you use the hair dryer. You can also speed-up the process by lightly towel drying it and squeezing out the excess water.
••Keep the heat setting on your hair dryer on medium instead of high to avoid damage, and divide your hair into sections so that all of your hair cuticles get sealed properly.
••Always keep the airflow angled down toward the ends, which will make the cuticles lie flat and ultimately make your hair look smoother and shinier.
••Use heat-activated shampoos, conditioners and serums as they release moisture when you apply heat with your hairdryer. For example Sunsilk’s radiant shine shampoo and conditioner would be ideal to enhance the shine in your hair even as you style it.
••Finish your hair drying with a cold air blast as this will help you seal the cuticles of your hair post styling.
••If you have straight hair use the hairdryer in a downward vertical direction, to help you remove the frizz.
Hair Straightening
••The first step is to choose the right flat iron size for your hair length and type. For long hair a wider iron will work better, whereas for shorter hair you can choose a ½ inch to an inch wide flat iron.
••Always choose a ceramic or a titanium plated hair iron as this type distributes the heat evenly and leaves a smoother and shinier hair surface.
••Make sure you apply good heat protection serum to your hair before you iron your hair, as this will prevent your hair from damage and dryness.
••Ensure your hair is completely dry before you iron it to minimize damage.
••Finish off with a frizz controlling serum for a long lasting shine.
Curling Iron
••Just because you are making curls doesn’t mean you need to stop having shiny healthy hair. The curling iron/wand can be your best friend if you learn how to use it well. And the first step is to determine the size that’s right for your hair type and volume. A smaller curling iron will work for hair that is fine or soft. For rough and voluminous hair you will need a stronger curling iron for the best results.
•Ensure you apply curling mousse or a heat protection serum before you begin curling you hair as this will help you achieve a softer look with your curls.
•For sharper more defined curls work the curls away from your face.
•Use a shine spray or a light hold hair spray that will keep your curls in place while helping them shine too.
•You can apply a little conditioner on your hair before you use the curling iron to keep it well hydrated despite the heat treatment.
••Wash hair in the night before you want to style it and let it air dry, next day apply a leave in conditioner or curling mousse to dry hair before you curl it for best shiny results.
Now you know the secret to a shiny hairstyle, no matter what tool you use! So what are you waiting for? Style away for shiny smooth hair!
