Your hair follicles (and any cowlicks) are more malleable when they’re wet. Feel free to skip this step if you’re in a hurry or if you’re not battling any strong cowlicks. As an alternative, use a detangling spray or spray it with water, focusing on the roots so it’s easier to part. You can towel dry your hair for a tousled look or blow dry it for a sleek look. Either way, wrap it in a towel to absorb some of the moisture.
This is a good way to prep your hair if you’re starting with it dry.
Some professional roller brushes have a parting tip on the end of the handle, so use that if you have one.
If you see a few curves in the part try again. It may take a few tries to get it right if you’re not used to doing it.
Use a detangling hair spray if you have trouble combing your hair all the way through. [7] X Expert Source Brianna BowlingHair Stylist Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.
If your hair is naturally slick-straight, use a strong-hold curling serum to scrunch your damp hair before using a diffuser or towel-drying it. Follow-up by using a texturizing spray on your hair once it’s completely dry for a messy-chic look. Ask your stylist to cut long face-framing layers to give your hair some volume to complete the look. For volume at the roots, lift sections of your hair and spray root-volumizing serum on your roots (1 or 2 sprays on each side will do).
It may help to lean your head to the side and point the hairdryer slightly upwards. A universal diffuser attachment will fit almost all models of hairdryers.
For an edgy look, don’t let the tips of your hair touch the curling iron so they’re left pointing straight down. Spray your hair with a heat-protecting spray while the curling wand is heating up to minimize damage. Make sure your hair is completely dry before using the wand because curling wet or damp strands can cause them to fry and break. This is a good look if you have short layers, long layers, or none at all.
If you like, twist each side of your hair back and secure them together with a hairband. For a more nuanced look, twist each side only 2 in (5. 1 cm) back and secure each side with bobby pins just above your ears. Then let loose strands cover the bobby pins. To elevate the look, pull all of your hair up into a loose ponytail or bun.
If you don’t want to band to be visible, use a clear elastic band for a seamless look or use a band that closely matches your hair color. Attach a plush clip-on flower to the band to add some personality and hide the band. Use a plush scrunchie for a casual, retro look.
An A-line cut (shorter in the back and longer in the front) is very en-vogue while a regular bob is a timeless cut. This looks the cleanest if your hair is not layered at all. However, it can work if you have longer layers. If you like, spray your hair with a heat-protecting spray and use a flat-iron to make it super straight. Work in small, thin sections for the best results.
You can also use a curling wand or flatiron to flip out the ends—just make sure your hair is dry before you use either one to prevent damage. If you have medium to long layers, a middle part can act as a curtain, beautifully emphasizing your facial features. This is a great option for hair with short or long face-framing or all-over layers.
Spray your hair with extra-strength hairspray to hold it in place. If your hair is long enough to brush your shoulders, consider leaving the last 2 in (5. 1 cm) free of hair wax to create a modern-looking poof at the ends. Keep in mind that the pomade or wax will make your hair slightly crunchy and greasy afterward—you’ll probably want to wash it out that night or the next morning. If you have a pixie cut, brush your hair straight down towards your shoulders instead.
For braids that hang in front of your shoulders, pull your hair forward as you start the braid. For braids that hang towards your back, station your hands near the back of your head to set them in place. You may need to have someone help you if you have really long hair. Keep your braids loose and tease out some of the strands for a more relaxed, messy look. Pull your braids tight and massage them with argan oil or anti-frizz serum for a sleek look.
To hide the band, separate a small chunk of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and loop it around the band a few times. Tuck the last 1 in (2. 5 cm) into the band to secure it. A slicked-back ponytail will draw attention to your facial features.
