It feels like certain hairstyles are only achievable by an expert. And since you can’t go to the hair salon every day (or maybe you can!), we went to the experts for you and got basic tips on attempting some highly-desired styles for a few specific hair types. If you want limp waves, lots of volume or stick straight hair, and you have puffy, frizzy, and/or lifeless hair, this breakdown will be the road map to your desired look.
If you have frizzy hair and want to achieve…
Limp Waves
Heat Protectant With Frizz Control + Oil Shine Spray: First, apply a heat protectant. Kérastase Paris consulting hairstylist Matt Fugate says, “you want to look for something that not only protects against heat, but also has long-lasting frizz control. I love the new Kérastase L’incroyable Blowdry because it has the ability to control frizz for up to 96 hours (aka four days!).” Blow it out, and then use a wand to style iron. “Finish with a light oil shine spray like Elixir Ultime Bi-Phase Spray Oil and spray away.”
Stick Straight
Protecting Spray/Mist + Oil Spray/Mist: You’re going to have to flat iron that bad boy. “The Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist is my go-to product for sleek looks. It is a multitasking product that not only protects hair from the heat of your flat iron, but also tames frizz and seals in smoothness for a long-lasting, sleek finish,” says Garnier stylist Tommy Buckett. Other options include Alterna’s Caviar Repair Multi-Vitamin Heat Protection Spray to protect the hair. “Finish with Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Mist for extra control,” says Alterna Global House of Experts stylist/creative team member, Nate Rosenkranz.
Lots of Volume
Paste: “Paste will control the frizziness and build additional volume. I recommend the Alterna Haircare Bamboo Volume 2-in-1 Volumizer,” says Rosenkranz.
If you have thick puffy hair and want to achieve…
Stick Straight Hair
Blowout Balm/Nourishing Oil: Apply a nourishing oil to soften thick hair to straightening. Buckett recommends DESSANGE Paris Oleo Miracle Replenishing Oil, a super nourishing treatment serum infused with nutrients. Rosenkranz recommends “starting with the two-part Alterna Haircare Bamboo Smooth Anti-Frizz AM/PM System, which is a treatment and blowout balm clinically proven to lock out frizz for 72 hours when used together.” Then, finish with Alterna’s Caviar Anti-Aging Nourishing Omega+ Oil for additional hold and a smooth look.
Limp Waves
Styling Cream: A strong styling cream will smooth out the hair and provide control. Rosenkranz suggests Alterna Haircare Caviar CC Cream Extra Hold.
Lots of Volume
Mousse: “Thick puffy hair already has a lot of volume, so you just need to use a little mousse to give you the hold and control to style as desired,” says Rosenkranz. Try Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Thick and Full Volume Mousse.
If you have lifeless hair and wait to achieve…
Lots of Volume
Volumizing Spray + Mousse: “When your hair is lifeless, you really need to build that body throughout, so I recommend using a volumizing spray and mousse,” Rosenkranz advises. The Alterna Haircare Caviar Anti-Aging Miracle Multiplying Volume Mist and Thick and Full Volume Mousse will do the trick. A sea salt spray before blowing out will work, as well, says Mike Riz, stylist and owner of NYC’s Salon Riz. “Use a sea salt spray (try Label.m’s) on the roots before blowout. After blowout, use their Texturising Volume Spray everywhere!”
Limp Waves
Volumizing/Texture/Salt Spray + Soufflé: According to Rosenkranz, volumizing spray at the roots and scalp builds volume. “I recommend using Alterna Haircare Bamboo Volume Uplifting Hair Spray.” Finish with Caviar Anti-Aging Perfect TextureFinishing Spray to provide easy texture throughout. Another option is to go the baking-route (you’ll get the joke in a second). “Use soufflé on damp hair (mid shaft to ends) to create separation and definition,” says Riz. Yes. There really is a hair soufflé. “Use the Label.m Sea Salt Spray on towel-dried hair “from roots to ends to add volume and texture,” he adds. “Both products give the hair a tousled look.”
Stick Straight
Shine Spray: Lifeless hair tends to get straight really easily, so you don’t need to do a ton to get this look. Simply use a lightweight shine spray like Bamboo Beach Summer Sunshine Spray Protective Shine Veil, to “add a little vibrancy,” says Rosenkranz.