I usually use my flat iron to curl my hair (see my video tutorial) but lately I’ve been wanting sleek straight hair instead of my usual curls. I usually just blow dry my hair straight and leave it but it’s been so bleh lately and no matter how much teasing I did, I’d never get the volume that I get when I curl my hair. I finally put two and two together and thought about giving my hair volume the same way that I curl my hair but just leaving it straight instead. Whenever I thought about using my flat iron to straighten my hair, I always had the idea of just taking it straight down and getting straight hair that way. It never occurred to me (until now) that all you need to do is to just lift up at the roots before gliding it down which is where the volume comes from. Really, it’s that simple! And this may be something that a ton of you already know but since I just recently discovered it and now love doing my hair like this I thought I’d share my tutorial. It only takes a few simple steps to have sleek and voluminous straight hair.
The tools: Solia 1″ Flat Iron | Blow Heat Protective Styling Mist | Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo | Teasing Brush
Make sure to spray your hair with the heat protectant spray before you start. (I skipped showing you the bottom 2 layers as it was easier to photograph the top 2. The technique is the same)
The trick is after you lift at the roots, bring it down in a curve, kind of like you are drawing the letter C.
At this point, you should have a lot more volume all around and sometimes I just stop at this step depending on how cooperative my hair is that day.
I need the dry shampoo for the texture in my hair to hold the tease but if you don’t need it, you can skip it. The teasing should be very light as you already have the volume there, you just want to bring it up a little and smooth it out.
I completely wasn’t thinking and didn’t take pictures of the sides and the back of my hair for comparison but if the pictures don’t show it well, it really does give good volume all around. I know it’s not revolutionary or anything but for someone with very thick hair that gets weighed down a lot, this has been a great and easy way for me to style my hair and keep the volume without a lot of product and teasing. I hope it’s helpful for some of you too!
I’m wearing a J Crew top and our brand new Luxe Chain Crystal Necklace – it’s my favorite piece, I wear it all the time!
Thanks for the tutorial! Funny that I styled my hair the exact same way this morning for work =) I took some photos yesterday for your challenge. I hope to be able to post it later tonight.
great idea! why did i never think of that!!! i love my hair straight…but i too feel like sometimes it is way too flat. that's why i have been opting for curls lately. but this is a great alternative!
I use my flat iron the exact same way! It's such a versatile hair tool!
http://www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.com
this is pretty clever! i must try this because my hair has been "too healthy" and falling flat lately!
I adore your waves but this looks lovely, it took me a while to be able to do it and lots of observation and practice, but it's possible!
Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries
You look great. Love the volume.
http://www.thegirlieblog.com
Thank you for this great tips!
hey, tiffany–great tutorial. i have super-wonky hair, and unless i can tame it, i usually put it in a bun. i absolutely love your hair. your new necklace is amazing–i really must have it. 🙂
Such a great tutorial! I love all your hair videos and how-tos!
Great tutorial 🙂 It definitely gives a lot more volume and stops it being so flat 🙂
katattack2000.wordpress.com
Gorgeous hair! Thank you for the tips!! xo akiko
Style Imported
Oh wow, I'm going to have to try this soon… my hair is always SO flat and it drives me nuts!
Looks great! I'll have to try this. Any tips on how to use this dry shampoo without looking like you have grey hair?
Ah! I don't even own a blowdryer or straightener, but this tutorial is making me want to try this badly. I have thick, dark, long hair and it could definitely use a boost.
Awesome technique Tiffany! Your hair has lots of body to it. Very pretty! 😀
http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/
Looks great! I will have to try this sometime.
What a big difference!! I have flat/straight hair…so any help with volume is much needed! Will try this soon…though my straightener is a bit big at 1 1/2in. Hopefully it'll work.
looks great!! you look fabulous in the pink top…and I love the lighting. thanks for the tutorial!!!
<3Amanda
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omg,Thanks for this hair post Tiffany!!! I never knew you just had to lift up at the roots before gliding it the hair down!!! This is a huge life saver as i got major flat hair with no volume (as im sure all chinese will agre,lol)!!!
Now i just gotta buy a new flat Iron straigthener. Any good ones to recommend? Im just a Vidal Sassoon one but its so crap!
Cinz
http://cinzee.wordpress.com
omg,thanks a mill for this hair post Tiffany!!! I never knew you just had to lift up at the roots before gliding the hair down!!! This is a huge life saver as i got major flat hair with no volume (as im sure all chinese will agree,lol)!!!
Now i just gotta buy a new flat Iron straigthener. Any good ones to recommend? Im just using a Vidal Sassoon one but its so crap!
Cinz
http://cinzee.wordpress.com
Great step-by-step tutorial! Def need to try this sometime since my hair is pretty limp too. Does it matter at what temperature the flat iron is set at?
I think im the only one that don't know how to use a flat iron to curl my hair =D Great tuturial Tiffany!! now I just need time in the morning to actually do it. I think I spend about 20 sec every morning doing my hair now.
Your hair looks fabulous, so gorgeous and voluminous! Fantastic tutorial <3
http://cupcakesandtreacle.blogspot.com/
oh man, your hair has so much volume! does the dry shampoo really work?! i haven't done my hair in a long time… and am getting pretty sick of how dull it is. haha
great tutorial! now… i just gotta learn how to perfect my curls using the straightenher. hehe
xx,
cindy – design3rd
Great photo tutorial! Loved it.
I definitely can see the difference!
I have a random question Tiffany! I think a while back you had blogged about these cute reusable bags. Do you remember what the website was? I'm pretty sure I've seen it on your blog. PLS&THNX!
richelle
http://www.rarepersona.com
I had no idea you could do this with a flat iron! That's awesome and I really appreciate the photos as I can't always play YouTube videos – I'm going to try this out later 🙂
You look gorgeous! It gave your hair such wonderful body and shape. I am in the process of growing out my hair (ONCE AGAIN, lol!) and I can't wait to be able to wear a style much like this 🙂
Aya ♥ Strawberry Koi
great tip. i'll definitely try this next time.
you look smashing. i have very fine hair so i usually dry my hair upside down first and then style to give my root a chance to stand up straighter. : )
@Tanya I usually just run my fingers through my scalp until it gets most of it out and then brush it through. The coarse bristles of the teasing comb definitely helps it blend in better!
@Karen (littlepiecefnb) I don't know if it matters, but I try not to do it too hot. My setting is usually on the middle setting (I forgot the temp.) and it works well!
@Richelle I use two. RuMe bags and Envirosax. Both are great and have pretty colors/patterns.