Hairstyling Tricks
Slicked Back
To get a smooth finish to the "slicked back" look, the secret is to rinse the hair with warm water as hot as can be tolerated) for a few minutes prior to applying the styling product. The application of heat and moisture will break the physical side bonds in the hair and allow it to be combed smooth and flat. All but the curliest of hair can be made to lay smooth and straight along the curve of the scalp.
Big Volume
Whether your hair is a Medusa's nest of snaky curls or sleek and straight, you can pump up the volume in your hair by approaching the problem upside-down. That’s right, after shampooing and conditioning, apply some styling gel to the scalp ends (the roots) of the hair and massage it through the hair to distribute it. Comb through the hair with a wide-toothed comb to evenly distribute the product, then flip your head over.
Dry the hair using your blow dryer on a low heat setting or with a diffuser attachment. Start at the scalp and be sure to hold the hair away from the head to get maximum lift at the root ends of the hair. Continue to dry the remaining length of the hair until the hair is halfway dry along the shaft, at which point you can raise your head and finish drying the hair as desired.
If you have curly hair, you may need to lightly mist the hair with a styling spritz, spray gel, or hairspray and scrunch the hair to redefine the curls. Straight hair can be misted with a touch of shine enhancer and combed through to give that glossy look to the ends.
If you want to add a more formal air to your style, try adding a sharply defined side part to your hairstyle. Make the look as clean and clear-cut by using a touch of styling gel or anti-frizz serum to smooth away any stray or unruly strands. Even the addition of a clean parting to a loose, flowing hairstyle can give it a new lease on life or give it a basis for a whole different look.
For a fun variation, try adding a clean parting to French twist styles, a ponytail style, or a simple chignon.
Blunt Bangs
When you want to create blunt bangs but are worried about keeping your line straight, try using a headband (or a ribbon) wrapped around your head to give you a guideline. Be sure to adjust the guide to the desired length (and don't forget to make allowances for "bounce back" in the hair due to curl or lift at the root) and only make your cuts below the guide, not above. This will ensure you can keep your lines clean.
For the mega-straight styling, the right tools are essential: You need a large flat-paddle brush and a good-quality flat iron. Shampoo and condition the hair. Apply protective, leave-in products and blow out the hair using the flat-paddle brush to get the hair as smooth and straight as possible while drying it. Finish the job by misting the hair with spray and flat-ironing it smooth in thin segments.
Sculpted Curl
Sometimes you want a style that has something a little different to it. You want a clean, sleek look, but you don’t want the same old "slicked back" look. Well, try a finger wave, or sculpted curl, to make the look more exciting.
Treat the hair as if you are planning to create the slicked-back look. Once the styling gel has been applied, use your fingers and a comb to form curves and ridges in the hair. Allow the hair to set (meaning dry) and use a comb to break up the gel and soften the look of the hair. The result is a look that is clean and tidy, and visually appealing.
Puffed-Up-Style
Are you tired of creating up-styles that seem too flat? You can puff-up (volume) your up-styles with a little teasing. No, don’t go making fun of yourself. Tease your hair – backcomb or back-brush it. By dividing the hair you intend to style into two halves and backcombing the inside of the halves 10-12 strokes each, you can bring the halves back together, smooth out the outer hair create the style as desired, with a fuller result.
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