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So you finally want hair that screams, “I woke up like this,” except you actually did wake up like this. Guess what? You’re not alone. Everyone wants hair that looks polished, playful, and just a bit effortless.
Here’s the thing: pro-level hair is possible at home, but not with cookie-cutter tips you’ve already tried a hundred times.
Forget fluff. Today’s hacks will give you results that actual stylists get paid for, without salon prices. These tips aren’t the tired stuff you see everywhere. These are smart moves, straight from the pros’ own arsenals.
Hair Prep
Every epic style starts with a strong foundation. The best stylists never skip prep, ever. Hair prep is like priming your canvas. If you slap paint onto a dirty wall, don’t expect a masterpiece.
Start by washing with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. If your hair gets weighed down easily, reach for something lightweight. Fine hair loves Pureology Hydrate Sheer—light as air, great moisture, and totally color safe.
Pat your hair dry with a towel. Rubbing creates more frizz than a static balloon on a sweater. Always untangle with a wide-tooth comb when it’s damp, never sopping wet. If you’re in a rush, a detangling spray like Amika’s “The Wizard” makes hair glide like silk.
This is also the moment to take a hard look at your strands and ask: am I using the right products for my hair type? Not all products work for everyone. For thick, curly hair, a curl cream adds bounce and control. For thin or straight hair, go for a lightweight mousse or volumizer. No one wants flat roots.
Main takeaway: Clean, well-prepped hair is THE thing behind every “perfect hair day.”
Selecting the Right Tools for Your Hair Type
The wrong brush or tool can turn a good hair day into a tangle of bad words. Start with a brush that fits your hair’s type:
- Fine or thin hair? Try a boar bristle brush. It’s gentle and spreads your scalp’s natural oils for crazy shine.
- Thick, curly, or natural hair? Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush made for curls.
- For blowouts, a ceramic round brush works wonders, adding volume where you want it most.
Don’t skip heat protection. Every stylist will tell you, “No heat without a shield.” If you want to keep those ends bouncy and happy, spray on something like OUAI Leave In Conditioner & Heat Protectant before you use anything hot.
Curling irons, flat irons, or blow dryers can honestly transform your hair, as long as you use the right one. Styling tool size also matters:
To create:
- Big, chunky curls: use a wider barrel curling iron.
- Tight waves and ringlets: grab a smaller curling wand.
- Bone straight hair: titanium or ceramic plates on flat irons.
Take a moment to get your tools right, and it will be a lot easier to create exactly the look you want.
Selecting the Right Products
The right kind of hair styling products can highlight your hair’s best qualities, while hiding the imperfections—if you pick ones that fit your needs.
Begin with the basics:
- Leave-in conditioners are often multi purpose – they condition, protect from heat, and help detangle.
- Volumizing sprays or mousses plump up limp hair.
- Serums add shine and tame unruly hair.
- Styling Creams can help smooth your hair and remove any frizz, but they’re a bit heavier than serums.
Hair oil? Amazing for thick, dry, or curly hair. Avoid at the roots if your hair’s fine. Use a tiny bit mid-length to ends. A dime-sized amount is plenty.
Lighter hair types crave lifting sprays and serums. Skip any heavy creams or thick oils that weigh everything down. Less is more with any new product. Start with a little, add more if your hair asks for it.
So with this in mind, consider your hair types and get a few different products that can help you style your hair.
For example, if you have fine but unruly hair, consider a leave-in conditioner + serum combination. Or, if you have thicker curly hair, a leave-in conditioner + styling cream for curls can be a better combination for you.
Need more help selecting the right products? Check out our recommendations in the article about a versatile hair care routine that works for everyone.
Hair products like serums, styling creams, oils, and leave-in conditioners smooth, protect, and shape your hair, making styling easier and results longer lasting.
The Sectioning Secret
If you ever wondered how a stylist gives you a killer blowout in twenty minutes, here’s the plot twist—they section everything. Fast, even results? Sectioning is how you do it.
Nothing ruins a style like trying to work with one giant piece of hair. Instead, divide and conquer:
- Always part your hair into at least four sections (top, both sides, back).
- Use alligator clips (those long metal ones stylists love) to keep each section out of your way.
Honestly, it makes ALL the difference. I know we tend to get lazy and feel tempted to skip this step sometimes, but this is literally the difference between flawless-looking hair and hair that looks a bit…well, amateur.
The Crown Section
Bonus stylist hack! Create a mini “crown” section on top for the last step of blow-drying or curling. This top piece gets the most body and bounce if you leave it for last. Plus, you save time because you’re not running your arms in circles.
Sectioning is a habit you’ll never regret. It makes heat styling smoother, curls neater, and straightening quick.
Techniques for Waves vs. Sleekness
Let’s talk specifics. You don’t need six arms or a personal stylist to get salon-level shape and bounce.
For Waves
You can create soft waves by wrapping small sections of hair around a curling iron, holding for a few seconds, then gently releasing.
Use smaller sections for tighter, defined waves, and larger sections for loose, relaxed waves.
Let the curl cool in your hand before dropping it for extra hold. Once you finish your whole head, run your fingers through the curls to loosen them into natural-looking waves.
For Sleek, Straight Hair
The wrap technique never fails—take sections, wrap them flat around a round brush, and follow closely with your blow dryer nozzle. Always work in small sections for that smooth, glassy finish.
This move takes practice when doing it by yourself. To make it easier, you can try a 2-in-1 brush hair dryer – this way, you only need to hold one tool in your hand.
If your hair still isn’t straight enough after blow-drying, run a flat iron over small sections for a smooth, glassy finish. Glide the iron slowly for best results, starting close to the roots and moving to the ends. Again, don’t forget to section your hair for best results.
To highlight the sleek finished look, add extra shine by spraying Kenra Professional Shine Spray—this give your hair that glossy, shiny finish without weighing it down.
Quick Fixes Between Washes
Fresh hair is a vibe, but daily washing might not be. So what’s a gal to do before the next wash day?
- Hit up your roots with dry shampoo, but don’t just sprinkle and go. Flip your hair, spray, then massage with your fingertips for a minute. It’s like giving your roots some caffeine.
- Got stubborn cowlicks or limp ends? Wrap a small section of hair around a round brush and give it a quick shot with your dryer.
- For curls that fell flat, re-curl only the top layer and around your face. No need to redo the whole head. Laziness is an art form. Don’t forget a heat protectant (yes, you need to use it every time you touch up).
- And if all else fails, go for a stylish messy bun. Ain’t nothing wrong with putting your hair up sometimes.
These tricks will carry your style an extra couple of days, no judgment.
