Help me recreate my salon-fresh bob look.
April 28, 2009 8:15 AM Subscribe
I got my hair cut from mid-back length to a short, under the chin bob this weekend. I -love- the length, so that's not the problem. The stylist put some product in it and then used a straightening iron, and it was sleek, shiny, and flat.
Please help me recreate that look.
Today, I washed it all by myself for the first time and blew it dry. My hair is naturally fairly wavy and a little frizzy, so that's pretty much what it looks like. The ends are now flipped out, and there's a great deal of frizz.
I have never ever used styling products or straightening irons of any kind, but I am willing to learn now.
I referred to this thread: http://ask.metafilter.com/116539/Mama-never-taught-me-nothin-bout-no-hair, but it wasn't terribly specific to the hairstyle I now have.
What product(s) could I purchase that would a) help the straightening iron do its job and b) make my hair less frizzy?
Any straightening iron usage tips are greatly appreciated as well. I know how to use it, but I have trouble with the execution.
I can post a picture of the way it looked initially, if that would be of use.
Today, I washed it all by myself for the first time and blew it dry. My hair is naturally fairly wavy and a little frizzy, so that's pretty much what it looks like. The ends are now flipped out, and there's a great deal of frizz.
I have never ever used styling products or straightening irons of any kind, but I am willing to learn now.
I referred to this thread: http://ask.metafilter.com/116539/Mama-never-taught-me-nothin-bout-no-hair, but it wasn't terribly specific to the hairstyle I now have.
What product(s) could I purchase that would a) help the straightening iron do its job and b) make my hair less frizzy?
Any straightening iron usage tips are greatly appreciated as well. I know how to use it, but I have trouble with the execution.
I can post a picture of the way it looked initially, if that would be of use.
I have frizzy hair too, and using a straightening iron makes my hair look like corn silk - super shiny and flat. The flat hair follicle reflects WAY more light than a frizzy strand of hair does, which is why your hair looks so shiny and smooth. Any good mousse or pomade for heat-treated hair will help - I love Fantasia Frizz Buster Serum...it's perfect for my hair. I have this Revlon straightener and love love love it.
If you can, try not to blow it dry - causes so much unnecessary frizz. I wash mine at night and straighten in in the morning.
posted by iconomy at 8:24 AM on April 28, 2009
If you can, try not to blow it dry - causes so much unnecessary frizz. I wash mine at night and straighten in in the morning.
posted by iconomy at 8:24 AM on April 28, 2009
Any reason why you can't just contact your stylist and ask what he/she used, and how they did it?
posted by hermitosis at 8:25 AM on April 28, 2009
posted by hermitosis at 8:25 AM on April 28, 2009
I just did something really similar! My hair wasn't as long to start, but it's probably just as short now, and it's wavy and frizzy too.
It's possible to get relatively flat hair without a straightening iron, if you don't want to go through the effort every time you wash it. The trick is to section your hair out and slowly blow dry each layer with a round brush, starting at the nape of the neck (the hardest part) and working your way up and back. It's important to protect your hair now that you're blow-drying it. I use this Tresemme heat protection spray because it's super-cheap compared to the salon products and it also works as a sort of styling spray/texturizer at the same time.
If you want ultra-sleek straight hair, then you'll need a straightening iron. I watched this youtube tutorial when I first got my hair cut and it was very useful in figuring out the mechanics of the straightening iron and brush. It's the same sort of technique I use for blow-dry only as well.
posted by muddgirl at 8:26 AM on April 28, 2009
It's possible to get relatively flat hair without a straightening iron, if you don't want to go through the effort every time you wash it. The trick is to section your hair out and slowly blow dry each layer with a round brush, starting at the nape of the neck (the hardest part) and working your way up and back. It's important to protect your hair now that you're blow-drying it. I use this Tresemme heat protection spray because it's super-cheap compared to the salon products and it also works as a sort of styling spray/texturizer at the same time.
If you want ultra-sleek straight hair, then you'll need a straightening iron. I watched this youtube tutorial when I first got my hair cut and it was very useful in figuring out the mechanics of the straightening iron and brush. It's the same sort of technique I use for blow-dry only as well.
posted by muddgirl at 8:26 AM on April 28, 2009
What hermitosis said. I had typed something similar but it came out all snarky so I deleted my comment.
You went to a hair professional. Came home. You now have questions about what that person specifically did to your specific hair, including knowing what the name of the product that's sitting on their table is called. CALL THEM AND ASK.
posted by devbrain at 8:28 AM on April 28, 2009
You went to a hair professional. Came home. You now have questions about what that person specifically did to your specific hair, including knowing what the name of the product that's sitting on their table is called. CALL THEM AND ASK.
posted by devbrain at 8:28 AM on April 28, 2009
Response by poster: hermitosis and devbrain, I neglected to mention that he is in the process of moving out to Colorado. He flew there yesterday to see a house.
posted by derogatorysphinx at 8:30 AM on April 28, 2009
posted by derogatorysphinx at 8:30 AM on April 28, 2009
i have that haircut, and your hair type. Go get yourself a professional straightening iron and some straightening spray. After you blow-dry out your hair to 'mostly dry' (instead of bone-dry), heat up the straightening iron, spritz a little straightening spray on a small section of hair, and slowly go over the hair. Then let the hot hair cool down as you move onto the next section.
Apparently a secret for keeping a full hair look is not to start too close to the roots. If you're not doing so well with the flat-iron, try ironing less hair at a time. If it was working and then kind of isn't anymore, wash the plates on the iron (unplugged), the residues might be giving you problems. You really only need to focus on the ends and maybe the outmost layer of your hair for a smooth look, you will get a flatter look if you do all of it.
You can also go get a bit of styling wax, work it between your hands to warm it up, and apply it to the ends of your hair for a more piece-y look. I won't recommend any specific products because it doesn't really matter, there are a dozen out there that will do the job. But you might want to consider going for a more moisturizing shampoo/conditioner combo to lessen the frizzies without needing a load of flat-ironing. And I blow-dry my hair because if it dries naturally first, I can't satisfactorily get out that natural waviness.
posted by lizbunny at 8:32 AM on April 28, 2009
Apparently a secret for keeping a full hair look is not to start too close to the roots. If you're not doing so well with the flat-iron, try ironing less hair at a time. If it was working and then kind of isn't anymore, wash the plates on the iron (unplugged), the residues might be giving you problems. You really only need to focus on the ends and maybe the outmost layer of your hair for a smooth look, you will get a flatter look if you do all of it.
You can also go get a bit of styling wax, work it between your hands to warm it up, and apply it to the ends of your hair for a more piece-y look. I won't recommend any specific products because it doesn't really matter, there are a dozen out there that will do the job. But you might want to consider going for a more moisturizing shampoo/conditioner combo to lessen the frizzies without needing a load of flat-ironing. And I blow-dry my hair because if it dries naturally first, I can't satisfactorily get out that natural waviness.
posted by lizbunny at 8:32 AM on April 28, 2009
The effect of the product can be duplicated with any straightening cream at the grocery store...so you don't have to pay 20 bucks for 4oz jar. Make sure you put it when your hair is wet, and not too much since you're going to put heat on it.
After you do that, they prolly dried your hair. You can use the dryer to dry your hair but make sure you don't put too much heat cause you'll be putting more heat.
You don't really have to spend too much money on the iron, you do, however, need a ceramic one that distributes heat evenly. I would invest in a good one, if you're planning on using it for a while. You can find a nice variety at your local beauty supplies or salons. After you straighten your hair, I like to use hair polisher like frizz ease just at the end or any flyaways. You may not have to pay too much money for similar product. You can find the same product from Smooth 'n Shine at your local grocery store for about 6 bucks, I think or less. A bottle of 4 or 6oz lasts me at least a year. You only want to use a pea size at a time and rub it in your palms and smooth it just at the ends.
If you're wearing your hair straight with just a bit of curl at the end, I also use frizz-ease's secret weapon - Flawless finishing creme. This is great for curls as well. It mends the ends so the curls don't get separated but look tame and nice without making it feel hard/wet/greasy.
Hope this helps!
posted by icollectpurses at 8:32 AM on April 28, 2009
After you do that, they prolly dried your hair. You can use the dryer to dry your hair but make sure you don't put too much heat cause you'll be putting more heat.
You don't really have to spend too much money on the iron, you do, however, need a ceramic one that distributes heat evenly. I would invest in a good one, if you're planning on using it for a while. You can find a nice variety at your local beauty supplies or salons. After you straighten your hair, I like to use hair polisher like frizz ease just at the end or any flyaways. You may not have to pay too much money for similar product. You can find the same product from Smooth 'n Shine at your local grocery store for about 6 bucks, I think or less. A bottle of 4 or 6oz lasts me at least a year. You only want to use a pea size at a time and rub it in your palms and smooth it just at the ends.
If you're wearing your hair straight with just a bit of curl at the end, I also use frizz-ease's secret weapon - Flawless finishing creme. This is great for curls as well. It mends the ends so the curls don't get separated but look tame and nice without making it feel hard/wet/greasy.
Hope this helps!
posted by icollectpurses at 8:32 AM on April 28, 2009
To get frizzy hair to look sleek, shiny and flat, forget about mousse and use gel or a serum instead before you straighten your hair. For your cut, you might try: Citre Shine Miracle Anti-Frizz or John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Hair Serum. I've used the Frizz-Ease and liked it but the Citre Shine has a nice scent, too.
You also want to make sure that your hair isn't dry to begin with, so either only shampoo every other day or so, or use conditioner every time to keep it from getting damaged. If you end up straightening it a lot, you can use some of the leave-in conditioners every once in a while to keep it from drying out.
posted by misha at 8:33 AM on April 28, 2009
You also want to make sure that your hair isn't dry to begin with, so either only shampoo every other day or so, or use conditioner every time to keep it from getting damaged. If you end up straightening it a lot, you can use some of the leave-in conditioners every once in a while to keep it from drying out.
posted by misha at 8:33 AM on April 28, 2009
Response by poster: Thanks so much for the answers so far! A trip to the store is certainly in order. :)
posted by derogatorysphinx at 8:35 AM on April 28, 2009
posted by derogatorysphinx at 8:35 AM on April 28, 2009
It really is all about a high quality flat iron. I tried a couple of different irons from the drugstore, both under about $25, and just could not get a smooth, shiny effect. A friend recommended this Solia flat iron, and it made a world of difference. It doesn't take long, and you can even do it every other day if you don't wash your hair every day. Other brands I've heard good things about are Chi, Sedu, and Babyliss. Here's a list of flat irons (with reviews) at folica.com.
As for technique, it will really just take practice. I use big clips to hold the top layers of hair out of the way, and start with the under layer. Then I release a layer at a time and flat iron it. You want to move the iron down the hair pretty quickly; don't hold it in place as you will likely damage your hair. As you bring the iron to the bottom of the hair, bend it either under or flip it out, depending on the look you want. You can make the bend subtle or really exaggerated.
If you plan to keep your hair short, trim it every two months and you won't need to worry about the damage. I've never had long hair that I continuously flat ironed, so I'm not sure if the damage is harder to avoid or not.
Also, using hair products really protects your hair and prevents damage, and also holds the style. I use Bumble and bumble products, which I get at my salon. They are meant to be layered, so I use a spray on conditioner, and a styling creme, and then once the flat ironing is done I add a finishing balm. Ask your stylist for advice.
Oh, and it doesn't take as long as it sounds; once you get in practice I find flat ironing very quick and much less time consuming than blow drying with a round brush. Heed the advice to wash hair at night and you save loads of time and frizz. Also, if I'm in a hurry, I just run the flat iron over the topmost layer of hair around my head for a reasonably smooth look.
posted by JenMarie at 8:47 AM on April 28, 2009
As for technique, it will really just take practice. I use big clips to hold the top layers of hair out of the way, and start with the under layer. Then I release a layer at a time and flat iron it. You want to move the iron down the hair pretty quickly; don't hold it in place as you will likely damage your hair. As you bring the iron to the bottom of the hair, bend it either under or flip it out, depending on the look you want. You can make the bend subtle or really exaggerated.
If you plan to keep your hair short, trim it every two months and you won't need to worry about the damage. I've never had long hair that I continuously flat ironed, so I'm not sure if the damage is harder to avoid or not.
Also, using hair products really protects your hair and prevents damage, and also holds the style. I use Bumble and bumble products, which I get at my salon. They are meant to be layered, so I use a spray on conditioner, and a styling creme, and then once the flat ironing is done I add a finishing balm. Ask your stylist for advice.
Oh, and it doesn't take as long as it sounds; once you get in practice I find flat ironing very quick and much less time consuming than blow drying with a round brush. Heed the advice to wash hair at night and you save loads of time and frizz. Also, if I'm in a hurry, I just run the flat iron over the topmost layer of hair around my head for a reasonably smooth look.
posted by JenMarie at 8:47 AM on April 28, 2009
Your hair sounds exactly like mine. Here’s my experience.
You need a good flat iron, but it doesn’t have to be super expensive. I’ve had four: Revlon ($20), Hot Tools ($30, but I had the kind with the bigger plate; the slimmer ones are more expensive), Chi ($85), and now Cortex ($35). The only one that didn’t perform well was the Revlon. I was really happy with my Chi, until it stopped working a year after I bought it. I am thrilled with my Cortex, because it was cheap and works every bit as well as the Chi. I found it at Winners (I live in Canada; similar to TJ Maxx in the US). However, I’ve only owned it for a few months, so I can’t speak to its longevity yet.
The key to helping tame frizz is to avoid products with alcohol in them. I love the John Frieda line, but I don’t use the serum because it’s too pricey and runs out really fast. His other stuff works just as well though, even without the serum as a base. I have a few different items.
I shower in the morning. On the days I want to straighten my hair, I:
- apply some straightening balm while it’s still damp
- pin up the top section
- blow dry the bottom section with a round brush, and then flat iron it
- repeat with the top section
If my hair seems on the dry side during the process, I’ll apply some more straightening balm. It takes about 25 minutes, start to finish.
If your waves are pretty stubborn like mine, definitely get a good quality round brush that will help you get those initial kinks out.
Also, I have a different routine for the days I don’t have time to straighten. With longer hair it’s easier to get away with air drying or tying up in a ponytail, but not so with shorter, frizzy hair. On those days, I use the John Frieda “curly” products on my damp hair, scrunch/twirl, spray with John Frieda hairspray, and allow it to air dry.
posted by yawper at 9:32 AM on April 28, 2009
You need a good flat iron, but it doesn’t have to be super expensive. I’ve had four: Revlon ($20), Hot Tools ($30, but I had the kind with the bigger plate; the slimmer ones are more expensive), Chi ($85), and now Cortex ($35). The only one that didn’t perform well was the Revlon. I was really happy with my Chi, until it stopped working a year after I bought it. I am thrilled with my Cortex, because it was cheap and works every bit as well as the Chi. I found it at Winners (I live in Canada; similar to TJ Maxx in the US). However, I’ve only owned it for a few months, so I can’t speak to its longevity yet.
The key to helping tame frizz is to avoid products with alcohol in them. I love the John Frieda line, but I don’t use the serum because it’s too pricey and runs out really fast. His other stuff works just as well though, even without the serum as a base. I have a few different items.
I shower in the morning. On the days I want to straighten my hair, I:
- apply some straightening balm while it’s still damp
- pin up the top section
- blow dry the bottom section with a round brush, and then flat iron it
- repeat with the top section
If my hair seems on the dry side during the process, I’ll apply some more straightening balm. It takes about 25 minutes, start to finish.
If your waves are pretty stubborn like mine, definitely get a good quality round brush that will help you get those initial kinks out.
Also, I have a different routine for the days I don’t have time to straighten. With longer hair it’s easier to get away with air drying or tying up in a ponytail, but not so with shorter, frizzy hair. On those days, I use the John Frieda “curly” products on my damp hair, scrunch/twirl, spray with John Frieda hairspray, and allow it to air dry.
posted by yawper at 9:32 AM on April 28, 2009
I have similar hair and a similar cut. I've found that, while my stylist can just blow it dry and get it gorgeously smooth and flat and shiny, I don't have the blow-drier skills and I have to use a drier and a flat iron, otherwise it's just too frizzy and still retains some wave. Here's what I do:
Wash and condition hair, towel off hair so it's damp but not soaking wet
Section hair (two front sections, one back)
Apply straightening mousse to back section
Blow-dry back of hair in sections, beginning with bottom and working way up
After blow-drying each section, run flat iron over section that has just been blown out
Repeat mousse, blow-drying and ironing process for front of hair
Run finishing (glossing) product through dry hair
I've found that flatironing the just blown-out sections is the key for me to get really straight, glossy hair. Using the iron by itself takes too long, and just blowing out didn't get my really coarse, wavy hair straight enough. Using the flat iron also prevents me from getting the "mushroom head" effect that blowing out with a round brush sometimes produces.
(On preview, sounds like my routine is very similar to yawper's.)
posted by Bella Sebastian at 10:05 AM on April 28, 2009
Wash and condition hair, towel off hair so it's damp but not soaking wet
Section hair (two front sections, one back)
Apply straightening mousse to back section
Blow-dry back of hair in sections, beginning with bottom and working way up
After blow-drying each section, run flat iron over section that has just been blown out
Repeat mousse, blow-drying and ironing process for front of hair
Run finishing (glossing) product through dry hair
I've found that flatironing the just blown-out sections is the key for me to get really straight, glossy hair. Using the iron by itself takes too long, and just blowing out didn't get my really coarse, wavy hair straight enough. Using the flat iron also prevents me from getting the "mushroom head" effect that blowing out with a round brush sometimes produces.
(On preview, sounds like my routine is very similar to yawper's.)
posted by Bella Sebastian at 10:05 AM on April 28, 2009
Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi!!!
That's all.
Just don't do it when your hair is still damp or else you'll fry the crap out of it.
posted by rmless at 10:37 AM on April 28, 2009
That's all.
Just don't do it when your hair is still damp or else you'll fry the crap out of it.
posted by rmless at 10:37 AM on April 28, 2009
fwiw, I haven't had nearly as much frizz head since I switched over to products as recommended by the curly girl method (no sodium laurel sulfate or silicone in the shampoo/conditioner). I used to use my flat-iron a lot to calm down the frizz after blow-drying, but now i can blow-dry my hair with a brush and it comes out really well now - no flat-iron needed, except on special occasions for the extreme sharp bob look.
posted by lizbunny at 11:08 AM on April 28, 2009
posted by lizbunny at 11:08 AM on April 28, 2009
Just don't do it when your hair is still damp or else you'll fry the crap out of it.
Yeah, my Solia flat iron advertised that it could be used on wet or dry hair, which I, as a flat ironing novice, thought was exciting and cool. But my stylist set me straight (haha) and said never use it on wet hair because you're totally frying it. So be forewarned...
posted by JenMarie at 11:15 AM on April 28, 2009
Yeah, my Solia flat iron advertised that it could be used on wet or dry hair, which I, as a flat ironing novice, thought was exciting and cool. But my stylist set me straight (haha) and said never use it on wet hair because you're totally frying it. So be forewarned...
posted by JenMarie at 11:15 AM on April 28, 2009
I have similar hair and a similar cut. Recently, I wondered the same question as you - my stylist was using a spray on my hair that made it look really shiny, silky and that played nicely with the flat iron. I finally found an opportunity to ask her about it. She said that she uses a ceramic flat iron and this Aquage spray. I bought the spray and now I have fairly good results, but I'm not as skilled at ironing as my stylist, which limits me.
posted by bristolcat at 11:19 AM on April 28, 2009
posted by bristolcat at 11:19 AM on April 28, 2009
Seconding misha. I use a silicone-based shine product and lots of gel. The shine product makes it softer, silky, and shiny. The gel keeps it from becoming huge with the frizz.
posted by theora55 at 11:35 AM on April 28, 2009
posted by theora55 at 11:35 AM on April 28, 2009
i've had every possible cut, color, and many perms, and through all incarnations, i've been amazed at how great Kerastase is. I especially love the Nutri-Sculpt line. Weightless to the touch, and very effective. Worth every penny.
posted by canijusa at 1:50 PM on May 6, 2009
posted by canijusa at 1:50 PM on May 6, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 8:20 AM on April 28, 2009