There's a fix for every roadblock that's getting in the way of your good hair day—and it doesn't require professional-level skills or loads of time. But, the first step is understanding what works for your unique hair texture. Here, top pros share their must-know strategies.
If you have…Constant frizz.
The solution: Blast your hair with moisture.
"Whether I'm working in the salon, on a photo set or on the red carpet, I am a firm believer that true style starts in the shower. This critical first step provides the right base for a lasting style. And to cut back on frizz, you want to moisturize before you style because well-conditioned hair tends to be less unruly," says Kevin Mancuso, Global Creative Director for Nexxus New York Salon Care. He suggests using Nexxus Oil Infinite Shampoo and Conditioner, then applying a hydrating serum to damp strands before styling. Adding a mask to your routine once a week will help, too. "Comb the mask through to detangle, and rinse it out while smoothing your hair downward. If your hair is coarse, you can leave some of the product in," he says.
If you have…Fine hair that falls flat.
The solution: Amplify your roots.
If you weren't born with naturally thick hair, fake it by plumping up the strands close to your scalp. Before styling, spritz a root-lifter like Nexxus Root Lift Mist onto damp hair and apply a volume-boosting mousse like Nexxus Mousse Plus all over. While you're doing a blow-out, use your fingers to create tension at the roots instead of a brush—rough-drying will make them look fuller. Be sure to keep conditioner (even if it's lightweight) away from the base of your hair. Although it's a key product for thick, healthy strands, it's best to apply it closer to your ends to avoid weighing hair down.
If you have…Thick hair that takes forever to blow-dry.
The solution: Use your hands before you go at it with a brush.
"If you blow-dry thick hair when it's soaking wet, you're wasting your time. You have to get the moisture out first," says Lona Vigi, a celebrity stylist in Los Angeles for Nexxus. To cut down your blowout time (and prevent arm cramps), squeeze your hair with a towel, then rough-dry it until it's 70 to 80 percent dry. "Do the last 20 percent with a round brush, section by section, pulling downward as you go to make it smoother," says Vigi. For even more sleekness and shine, apply Nexxus Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil from mid-shaft to the ends—it helps to seal the surface of your hair so it can reflect the light.
If you have…Undefined waves.
The solution: Use braids to coax out texture.
Vigi's go-to wave-defining trick: "Scrunch a mixture of Nexxus Exxtra Gel and Nexxus Encapsulate Serum onto the hair and diffuse. Once your hair is dry, make braided pigtails, then clamp down the length of them with a flat iron before you undo them." Not into using heat? Skip the diffuser and let them air dry before taking them out. Hello, gorgeous waves.
If you have…Curls that won't behave.
The solution: Treat them to a cocktail.
Using a concoction of stylers that add hold plus weight will help keep rogue curls in check. "I like to mix a good gel with oil to smooth and define curls without the crunch. I apply the product from the ends up or I use my fingertips to run it over each ringlet," says Vigi. Air dry or diffuse as usual. Another must for polished curls: a shampoo and conditioner that are packed with moisturizing ingredients. "Moisturizing formulas make curls much more manageable and easier to style," she says. Try the Nexxus Therappe and Humectress Ultimate Moisture System, which is custom crafted to deliver intense hydration.
