The 5 Most Popular Hair Styling Techniques
One of the best feelings is coming out of the hair salon, your hair freshly cut and styled. You feel beautiful, confident, and it can put an extra pep in your step. The hard part comes the next day when you know you have to try to recreate the magic. Is there any way to get your hair to look *almost* as good as when you left the salon?
There are a few popular hairstyling techniques that almost always guarantee excellent results. These methods include having the right hair care products and tools and knowing your specific hair type.
No matter your level of experience working with hair there a few fundamental styling techniques you can learn. Mastering these techniques will help to give you the confidence to take your style from basic to fabulous—all without the help of a professional stylist.
How Do You Start Styling Your Hair?
Styling your hair can be as simple as washing and drying it. However, before you can start styling your hair with the same quality as the salon, you’ll need to take the time to learn more about your hair, what it needs, and what it can and cannot do. You’ll also need to make sure it is in healthy condition, providing it with adequate moisture and protein; this can be achieved through various hair care products fit for your specific hair type.
Once you know your hair type, it’s essential to start filling your hairstyling “toolbox” with the hair care products and tools you’ll need to create fabulous styles:
- Shampoo & Conditioner – Key products in your hair styling toolbox are your shampoo and conditioner. Look for shampoos and conditioners that will cleanse your hair gently and are sulfate-free. Again, it’s important to know your hair and what you’ll need to choose the best shampoo and conditioner for your tresses.
- Blow-dryer – There is a wide range of blow-dryers with a lot of fancy features, but what does your hair really need? Choose a hair dryer that’s at least 1500 watts. If you have thicker hair, make sure your hairdryer has the capability for higher wattage.
- Brush – Your hairbrush is one of the most essential tools in your toolbox. If you walk down the hair aisle, you’ll see a wide variety to choose from. Generally, a board brush with natural bristles is the best for most hair types for everyday brushing. If you’re a fan of the blowout, invest in a good round brush. Those with curly hair should also add a good wide-tooth comb to tackle those wet curls.
- Other Styling Products – Depending on your style preferences, you’ll need to round out your toolbox with styling products such as a heat protectant, a holding agent like hairspray, gel, or mousse, a volumizer, or even a frizz control. You can check out the best hair styling products in that article! Also, talk with your stylist to learn more about what products you’ll need.
And, if you happen to have hair extensions don’t worry! There are different tricks with hair extensions you can try to style your hair the way you want to.
What Does It Mean to Style Your Hair?
Hair styling, in a nutshell, is the art of modifying hair, either by cutting, arranging, or applying heat or a chemical solution to it for the purpose of creating a new appearance.
When you style your hair, you’re speaking volumes to the world without saying a word. For instance, a sleek-backed ponytail can exude a sense of power and confidence. Whether it’s flat, curled, or just a great blowout, no matter the style you choose, it all starts with basic techniques that keep your hair healthy to get that polished look.
The 5 Most Popular Hairstyling Techniques
The following are five popular hair styling techniques experts use to create those jaw-dropping, unforgettable hairstyles.
1. Getting the Haircut Style You Want
From pixie cuts to long layers, a good cut is the foundation for any hairstyle. Consider your face shape and if the cut you want will complement that shape. A good hair cut will bring highlight those positive features and downplay those less than positive features. Here are some style ideas for each shape:
- Round – Those with round faces can really pull off those adorable pixie cuts and bobs, and if you prefer longer hair, try long layers where the first layer hits the bottom of your face.
- Square – A square-shaped face will often have a square jawline, meaning you’ll want to find a cut that can balance out the strong jaw. Shorter hair that hits at the cheekbones or longer hair with plenty of layers can help you achieve that balance.
- Oval – If you have an oval face, congratulations! This face shape is generally seen as one that pulls off almost any haircut style. Go for styles that will have some volume or try out some long, side-swept bangs.
- Heart – Those with heart-shaped faces are wider in the cheeks with a smaller chin. To help balance those proportions out, choose a haircut that doesn’t add volume at your jawline. Maybe try a longer hairstyle with long layers starting an inch or two below the jaw.
2. Adding Some Color
Another easy and sometimes cheap way to change up your hairstyle is to add in some color. Nowadays, there are plenty of excellent hair dye products out there in almost any color you can think of. If you’re ready to get creative and think outside the box, coloring your hair might just be for you. For those wanting to dye hair at home, there a couple of great options:
- Conditioning Hair Color Products – A conditioning hair color product allows you to get those fun and funky, and standard colors if you so choose, in your own shower. All you have to do is lather up, wait for the time listed on the bottle’s directions, and rinse!
- Box Dyes – For many years now, box dyes have been around to help us get a fresh look. There is an excellent range of quality to choose from, so if you’re looking to cover up those sneaky grey hairs, or just an entirely new look, make sure to check the box and see if the dye will achieve the results you’re wanting.
3. Mastering the Blow-Dry
A simple wash and blow-dry can be the easiest ways to get a great hairstyle. It’s one of the reasons blow-dry bars have become so popular. So, how do you get that great blowout without blowing out your wallet? Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started!
- Use a volumizer to get an extra bit of oomph.
- Use the right brush. A good brush will help give you that salon-worthy blowout. Generally, a nice round brush is what you need, but the size will depend on your hair length. Longer hair will need a larger brush.
- Dry your hair in sections. Divide your hair into three sections, two side sections and one top section (If you have bangs, dry those first). Starting with the side sections, take half of the section and pull it taught with your round brush while aiming the blow dryer at your roots. Repeat until the section is dry. Finish the other side and end with the top. Tip: Don’t rotate the brush too much as it can cause tangling.
- Finish up with a quick blast of cold air to calm the frizz.
4. Creating Great Curls
A head full of glamorous curls is one of the most classic looks. Many styles start with a base of curls, and learning how to get those quality curls can help you achieve some great styles.
- Make sure your hair is completely dry. To keep your hair healthy and get those fabulous curls make sure your hair is dry before taking your curling iron to it. It’s also helpful to use a heat protectant before curling.
- Use the right size curling iron. Depending on the type of curls you’re looking to get, using the right size barrel is key. For those looser beach-style curls, use a larger barrel
- Hairspray holds it all together. While a final spray of hairspray at the end of curling your hair is helpful to set your curls, you should also use it throughout your curling. Spray each section of hair before curling for a longer-lasting curl.
- Watch the temperature. Don’t just crank your curling iron settings up to the highest level. Depending on your hair’s texture and health, you need to watch the temperature setting. Finer hair will need a lower heat setting, and if your hair is looking a bit more damaged, keep it low.
- Don’t overheat your hair. With each turn of the curling iron, it’s essential to make sure you’re not overheating and damaging your hair. You should only need to hold your hair in the curling iron for around 8 to 10 seconds, more if you have thicker hair. Just make sure you don’t go over 15 seconds.
5. Straighten it Out
Sometimes you just want that sleek, straight look. Straight hair is an excellent choice for those with shorter haircuts, and unless your hair is naturally straight, the best way to get that straight hair is with a hair straightener.
While it may seem that straightening your hair is as easy as plugging in the flat iron and attacking your hair, there are some tips for getting the best results and making sure you don’t damage your hair:
- Don’t flat iron wet hair! Straightening wet hair can cause damage, so if you’re going from shower to styling with your freshly washed locks, blow dry first.
- Use a heat protectant. Yes, we have already mentioned the importance of using a heat protectant, but it is imperative to use when straightening your hair. So don’t forget to add that layer of protection!
- Keep the temperature down. While you may be tempted to crank that heat up to the highest level to get your hair straightened faster, just don’t. Keep the flat iron’s temperature between 300 and 350 degrees for the optimal level of heat.
- Straighten in small sections. Like blow-drying and curling, when you’re straightening your hair, take it in smaller sections. Take small sections of hair, pull them taught, and run the flat iron from your roots to the ends.
Final Thoughts
If you are trying to go the extra mile, there are also great hair styling courses online that could help you learn all there is to hair styling. But, with the 5 techniques mentioned above, you’re on the road to getting the hair you want.
No matter how you choose to style your hair, getting a quality look is easier than you think. All it takes is some knowledge and confidence, and you’re on your way to getting that salon-quality look! Check out some of the other articles on our site for great outfit ideas and style tips and so much more!
