Straighten Up!

By Mandi Pimental

Say goodbye to beachy waves and bed head, this summer it is all about hair straightened to perfection.  Runways around the world are featuring designers who are opting for this classic look for summer 2014, and with the tools and products available today, you no longer need to visit the salon to attain smooth strands.  Before we introduce you to the new must-haves in your beauty arsenal, there are a few tips to ensure hair health.

Straightening hair on a consistent basis can lead to damage, so we recommend only washing your hair every other day to leave some natural protective oils intact.  Using the recommended products below, along with the heating tools, will not only elongate the life of the tools, but of your hair as well.   Now, onto this quick and easy process with our new beauty BFF’s.


It all starts with a little lather.  Your shampoo and conditioner choices start the foundation for the perfect end result.  Using a smoothing shampoo that cleanses, while weightlessly smoothing frizzy hair, with help to improve texture and leave your hair manageable. A good choice is EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo. 


After your shower, towel dry your hair to ready it for your ultimate frizz fighter.  We recommend going one of two ways.  First, you can opt for a smoothing balm such as Hemp Straightening Balm.  When applied to problem areas throughout the hair, it helps tame frizz.  The alternative is an oil base serum such as Moroccan Oil’s Glimmer Shine Spray.  When applied to damp hair, this weather-resistant formula helps keep hair smooth and sleek in damp or dry environments.  It makes a great choice for when you are traveling and are unsure of weather conditions.


With both these products, you will want to apply a little at a time, so you do not weigh your hair down, and you will want to brush through your tamed, damp locks with a good brush.  Not all brushes are created equal, just as if you would use a round brush to create volume, you will want to opt for a good paddle brush for straight locks.  The TIGI Professional large paddle brush is a great choice.  Its tourmaline-infused pins emit ions that seal each cuticle for stronger, shiner and static-resistant hair.  Any product or tool that can cut down on static is crucial in hair straightening 101.


Next, you are ready to dry.  The CHI Air Pro Expert Ceramic Hair Dryer is a good choice with its infrared heat technology.  Again, this simply means that it produces negative ions to prevent humidity and the aforementioned dreaded static.  Its ceramic coils also keep the temperature regulated at all times for even styling.  Use your paddle brush, along with your blow dryer, to dry hair completely.


Before using your straightener, you need to prep and protect your hair from heat damage.  To do so, choose a flat iron spray that is made for extreme heat protection.  Our choice is the Giovanni 2Chic Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Flat Iron Styling Mist.  It is a dual-smoothing complex made from plant-sourced protein so it is gentle on your tresses.


Now that you are protected, it is time to straighten up!  Using a ceramic plated straightener piece out hair in small sections so that you are not raking over strands multiple times.  For fine hair, it is recommended to straighten one-inch sections, and for thicker hair, half-inch sections.  The TRESemme Salon Professional Ceramic Styler heats to over 200 degrees for salon quality performance and features three heat settings for various hair types.  It also features an auto shut off after 72 minutes, which is a great feature for any girl who is rushed in the mornings.


To top off the look, we recommend a good finishing spray.   A high-shine glossing mist will help keep fly-aways at bay, and will deliver a reflective, lightweight veil, boosting your shine factor.  You can apply by lightly misting over hair, or by spraying into palms and detail with your fingertips.  We love the shine factor of Bumble and Bumble’s BB Shine On Spray.


Last but not least, a good product to have on hand is a long-lasting hair masque.  Not for everyday use, this masque can be applied from time to time to help tame hair and control frizz.  The Keratase Relax Slim Masque reduces hair volume by 50%, eases detangling and provides nutrition and softness to hair.  It is a good investment for those who have thick, unruly hair and are seeking silky smooth straight locks for summer.  


Now that your beauty cabinet is stocked with the right tools, you can be confident in styling your hair, and saving time and money, without visiting the salon.