Great Hair Styling Secrets

by: Randi Gerber, Licensed Cosmetologist and Image Consultant

General Tips for all hair types

1. The first tips are very simple, but the most important.

• A great hair day begins with a great cut and color.
• Hair will always style the best if it is a little bit course or it has a little damage.
• If you want more volume, adding highlights can really help.
• Having your hair textured properly is a must. (You will read more about texture for different types below.)
• It is important to cut hair about once every 6-8 weeks to keep your look fresh.

2. If your hair is oily you should wash it daily. If you have dry hair and scalp only wash every other day or every third day unless your exercise routine creates enough sweat that you need to wash your hair daily.

For fine - limp - flat hair

1. Adding texture with a razor or texture shears may be very important. Note: The only time I wouldn’t recommend this is if your hair is extremely thin. Just normal thin hair will actually look thicker when texture is added. It will also add lift and style. A good hair dresser will always texture your hair for you.

2. Product is very important. The product you choose will depend on the styling results that you want. Anti-humidity serums are a great choice for smoothing hair as well as keeping it from going flat. It usually takes only a small amount for excellent results.

You will apply to the hair when wet and blow dry as usual. Ironically this product will usually work wonders for those with dry hair because it will lock necessary moisture in while blocking out any extra. I find that it is wonderful for taming frizz as well.

3. Those with fine hair may consider using a strong hairspray. Big Sexy Hair is one of my personal favorites. Your style will hold all day for you.

4. Bleach highlights can be very helpful for fine hair. Highlights roughen the outer layer of the hair, which will make the hair appear thicker as well as giving you more control. Damage can be a great thing for style.

5. Use volumizing shampoo and do not use conditioner. If you feel you really need conditioner, only apply it to the ends.

6. If your hair is very fine or limp consider shorter styles because this will make volume much easier.

Too Much Volume Your Trouble?

1. If too much volume is a concern for you than you will want to use smoothing serums. I suggest Biosilk serum, but there are many to choose from. Apply when wet with an anti-humidity serum.

2. Another trick is using a very large round brush when blow drying if your hair is below your ears. This will straighten the hair more than curl it so you will not be adding any extra volume, but it will give you a great look.

3. You will want to thin your hair from the 2/3 down. Many hair dressers are taught to only thin the ends, but this will be disastrous if your hair is really thick or poofy. You need to thin the hair throughout.

Be cautious if your hair is very curly. Thinning it can mess up your curls. You will want to tame it by top cutting the layers. This means that the hair dresser will take their sheer through your hair and select bulky areas on the upper layers to trim down.

4. Avoid washing hair every day if possible.

5. Use heavy conditioners such as Sleek Look by Matrix.

6. Flat irons can be a life-saver for out of control hair. A good flat iron can be found online for $70-$120. Those irons priced cheaper than this may work for you, but if you really need help I highly suggest a really good ceramic or titanium flat iron.