Q&A

Lately I have been receiving a number of questions about hair and hair products - so it only made sense that I start a Q&A portion to my blog. I love being able to give advice and really put into practice what I have learned over the years :) So please, keep the questions coming!

Q: So I got the flat iron and the Heat Tamer Spray (TRESemme). What should I use after using the flat iron? TRESeeme has a curl locking styling spray (extra hold) should I be using it? my hair is very fine so its extremely difficult for the curls to last ( that's why I had to perm it a couple years ago). I really hope I can do it with a flat iron.

Thanks for your advice in advance!

A: First off, GREAT question because a lot of women who have fine hair struggle with volume and lasting curls. For those with fine hair - a flat iron will be your best friend because unlike traditional curling irons, they distribute heat more evenly throughout the hair and give you much fuller curls.

However, before you even think about using any sort of hot tool, it is important that you use a good shampoo that will clean your scalp well and add some volume then follow through with a light conditioner to moisturize the hair. If you are worried about the conditioner being too heavy, just work it mid-shaft down rather than from the roots.

Towel dry hair and prep your hair with a heat tamer/protector. When choosing styling products, use sprays over mousses or gels which just way down the hair. The general rule of thumb is to use the right amount of product for your hair type. If you have fine hair, a little goes a long way whereas if you have a thick mane, more is needed. Whatever type, be sure to use a wide tooth comb and distribute it evenly through. Blow Dry hair and make sure hair is fully dry. I recommend using a shine spray just before you flat iron. Spray onto hands and rub between palms and again work it mid-shaft down.

Alright, onto the fun stuff. When working with your flat iron, hotter isn't always better! With fine hair, you don't want to over heat because it will just damage it and make it even more frizzy. Start on the lowest temperature and work your way up if needed. Take small sections for more fullness (about 1 - 1 1/2 inches). Clamp the flat iron horizontally from the root, turn it about a 180 degree down and gently run the tool down the hair. The key is, the tighter you press your flat iron, the tighter your curls. If you want a more beachy look, same idea, clamp down and turn 180 degrees, however, rather than going straight down, angle your iron at 45 degrees and work through. Always remember you want to direct the curls away from your face (if you can) rather than inwards, which is more flattering.

Finish off by adding a little shine spray and a light coat of hair spray to set it.

Hope that helps! Stayed tuned for more tips!