DIY Life

Like many women, my hair takes on a life of its own with some combination of wave and curl. I usually let it air dry and claim it as my "messy/sexy look" but really it is the "I was too lazy to do anything with my hair today" look. When I'm feeling ambitious I like to straighten my hair. I'm constantly surprised at how many women straighten their hair regularly and are still trying to find the perfect flat iron or other tool to make it easier.

You can get hairdresser-perfect straightening on your own without all those fancy tools. Here are my steps to seriously straight hair using just a blow dryer and round brush:

1. Wash it with a straightening shampoo and conditioner
2. Comb your hair straight patting it down with a towel. Avoid that vigorous head rub. It is your enemy!
3. Work straightening cream through your hair while blow drying on a low setting
4. Part your hair in four equal sections two for the top and two for your under hair.
5. Clip the top two sections so they are out of your way
6. Choose a small section from the bottom and with a wide round brush and pull it through the underside of your hair. Hold the blow dryer right up against it. When the underside is almost dry move to the top of your hair in that same section.
7. Move through small sections until your hair is completely dry.
8. Spritz a small amount of anti frizz serum and touch up any stray hairs.

The key is patience. This does take a bit of time, especially if you have long hair, but don't get ahead of yourself and start rushing the process or you'll end up with an uneven look. Keep the tension of your brush and the heat consistent. Don't make the mistake of pointing the blow dryer upwards while doing the underside. This causes frizz and can add to the amount of time it takes yo to straighten. Personally I like to get a few days out of one straighten so I avoid using too much anti frizz, which can get greasy. Do you have any more tips for seriously straight hair?