12 Top Secrets from the Hair Pros

Celebrity stylists reveal the tricks that keep their A-list clients looking so gorgeous.

Time Inc. Digital Studio
Time Inc. Digital Studio

1. Cool Your Conditioner


"Leave conditioner in the fridge to keep it cool. This way, it will instantly seal the cuticles because it's already at a low temperature." -- celebrity hairstylist Tippi Shorter

2. Apply Product Strategically
"Where you should apply product depends on texture. For fine hair, concentrate volumizers near the root for body and lift. For other textures, don't start at the top of your head or with your bangs because too much styling or smoothing product there will weigh down your hair." -- celebrity hairstylist Kiyah Wright

3. Plump Up Fine Hair
"Mousse is great for adding volume to fine hair. Apply it only to the roots -- to avoid making hair appear stringy -- then hold hair vertically and blast with heat to seal in volume." -- celebrity hairstylist Richard Marin

4. Fix Flyaways
"Spritz holding spray onto a natural-bristle eyebrow brush. Use it to lock unruly hairs into place around your part, hairline and above the ears." -- celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend

5. Dry Curls Like a Pro
"Blow-drying curly hair can be tricky. The key is to keep your blow-dryer on the lowest setting and direct the air downward to prevent frizz. Want more definition? Once it's completely dry, set your hair in large heated rollers, tucking the hair under and rolling up instead of outward. Leave the rollers in for 20 minutes and then run your fingers through your hair to create loose, flowing curls." -- celebrity hairstylist Frédéric Fekkai

6. Speed Up Your Blowout
Celebrity hairstylist Oscar Blandi gives his top three tips for reducing your blow-drying time:

  1. Divide your hair into three sections: left, right and back.

  2. Use the nozzle attachment on the end of your blow-dryer. It focuses the air directly on your hair.

  3. Blast the back section with cool air and finish blow-drying in the front. Why? Hot air opens the hair shaft, causing it to dry less quickly.

7. Shower Sans Shampoo
"The natural oil in your scalp is the best conditioner you can get, so wash your hair every two or three days rather than daily. After a workout, shower as usual, but instead of shampooing, just wet the hair and massage your scalp with your fingers." -- celebrity hairstylist Mark Townsend

8. Score Pin-Straight Strands
Using a flatiron will keep your hair straighter for much longer than blow-drying alone. The heat and pressure combined with the technology in the iron's plates seal hair cuticles and eliminate frizz. If you have fine hair, you'll want to set your iron between 410 and 425 degrees -- you don't need as much heat as thicker hair textures do. If you have curly or coarse hair, your locks can handle up to 475 degrees. Always use a thermal protective spray before flatironing, no matter what your hair type. -- celebrity hairstylist Kimberly Kimble

9. Use Beer for Brightening
Lemon and beer keep blond hair from fading in the summer. Simply squeeze a lemon into a glass of beer, then pour it over hair. Let it soak for five minutes while sitting in the sun, then shampoo and condition. Do this weekly to brighten color. -- Oscar Blandi

10. Dry, Don't Fry
"For a damage-free blowout, set your blow-dryer to medium heat. Newer dryers can go up to 3,000 watts. That much heat could cause breakage." -- celebrity hairstylist Oribe

11. Erase Your Mistake
A little heavy-handed with your product? Kimberly Kimble explains how to fix it:

  • Serum: Wipe it off with a plush towel -- the cotton will absorb the excess.

  • Gel: Apply water with a spray bottle to dilute the gel in your hair. Then blow-dry the area and start from the beginning.

  • Hairspray: Let it dry, then spritz a little shine spray on top to loosen up the stiffness of the alcohol in the hairspray.

  • Pomade: There's no going back. Work with it by changing your style to a pulled-back ponytail or chignon.


12. Avoid Serum Overload
The right amount depends on your hair texture. Use these guidelines from hairstylist Tippi Shorter:

  • Fine Hair: If you have fine or thin hair, never use more than a dime-size amount.

  • Medium Hair: If you have medium hair, a nickel-size amount will be sufficient.

  • Thick Hair: For thick hair, you'll need to use a quarter-size amount.


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