Hair Thursday - Vol. 1.6 - Wavy to Straight
Written by hair · Filed Under hair thursday, lists, photos
Welcome to Hair Thursday: Blowdrying Edition. Please direct your attention to Jes.
Jes’s Hair:
Natural color
Very Healthy
Loose Curls
Doesn’t want a new style, but desires a “polished” look
I can totally relate to Jes. Living with wavy or curly hair is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because you can throw a little product in and head out the door, resulting in waves and/or ringlets like you see in her picture. A curse because no matter how perfectly styled your hair is, wavy/curly hair does not usually give off a “polished” vibe. Curls are darling, fun, beachy and natural. Straight hair is smooth, professional, polished and sleek.
Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t trade my waves for the world. (And neither should you!) However, sometimes I long for a sleeker look.
This week won’t include any polls- just a woman and her hair dryer. Bring on the products and styling tools!
With the proper tools, Jes can create a smooth, polished look whenever her little heart desires. This method works well on wavy hair and/or looser curls. Tight, coarse curls could enter puffball territory, so tread lightly. (And don’t yell at me if you end up looking like a Bichon Frise.)
First things first. Product. I have loose waves that straighten easily. I personally use Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum to help give my hair shine and protect from the styling heat. I use less than a dime-sized amount a run it through my hair from mid-shaft (hee hee, shaft) to the ends. Do not (I repeat, DO NOT) put any sort of “serum” close to the roots unless you like the Crisco look.
If you have loose curls like Jes, I would suggest using a straightening product that has more control. I recommend Sexy Hair Concept’s Straight Aero. It is an aerated straightening spray that temporarily relaxes curl and smooths the cuticle while drying. (I use this product when I know I’ll be in a humid area. It’s super duper.)
I’m sure there are a plethora of products out there that will help you achieve a polished look - I personally have had great results with the above mentioned. (Please leave any beloved “polishing” products in the comments.)
Next, and MOST importantly, a round brush. I use a Medicis boar bristle round brush. (Which, apparently, after searching the Internet for a link, does not exist anymore.) Personally, using a boar bristle brush smooths my hair better than nylon bristles and reduces static. I’m not sure any brush completely eliminates static, but the boar bristle comes pretty damn close.
What you need to be looking for in a brush is the ability to “grab” your hair without pulling or snapping. When I use my brush to straighten (as you will see in my awesomely craptastic video), it grips onto my hair, allowing me to pull it taut, thus smoothing out the curl. You don’t want a brush that allows your hair to easily slide through. Dude, I’m getting serious about this shit, huh?
Some brushes that should do the trick:
Sephora Large Volumizer Hair Brush
Frederic Fekkai Large Round Brush
One last thing regarding brushes. I’m not a fan of metal bases. They heat up too much and my hair tends to tangle around the brush, which sends me into a pissy fit. Also, the shorter your hair, the smaller the barrel. If you have chin-to-shoulder length hair, the larger round brushes are not going to grip your hair properly.
As for the hair dryer itself, I don’t think you need to drop buckets of cash. Trust me, spend your money on a good brush. I use a Revlon Tourmaline Ionic Total Styler Hair Dryer. My highly-scientific reasoning for purchasing this particular dryer was that is was “light blue” and “cute”.
Alrighty, then. Wash you hair, towel dry it and detangle with a wide-toothed comb. Apply product du jour.
Can you see the look of apprehension in my eyes? Am I REALLY going to video myself drying my hair? Have I completely lost it?
Dry your bangs if you have them. Like pronto.
Pin all hair from the ear up with a large, ugly chip clip. Brush your wet hair. Seriously, as you will soon witness, you can not brush your hair ENOUGH during this process. Brush, brush and brush some more.
Above, you can see the progression of my hair as I let down more sections to dry. I always completely dry the bottom section before releasing the next section.
When drying your hair, remember these tips:
1. Work with approximately 2-inch sections.
2. Be sure to pull hair taut with the brush, moving from roots to ends while drying.
3. Point the hair dryer downwards, directly at the section you’re working on. For more volume pull hair outwards instead of downwards.
4. Shake the hair dryer slightly to keep from torching your precious hair.
5. Repeat the process until the section is completely dry. Brush, brush, brush.
6. Still not as smooth as you want? Grab a flat iron.
7. When you’re finished, apply a very small amount of Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream for extra shine.
Good GOD, do you see why I only straighten once a month?! I’m getting a migraine just typing this damn thing.
Oh hell, just take a look at a snippet of the “technique” yourself. I need a drink.
Blowdryers unite! from Hair Thursday on Vimeo.
TADA! Smooth, straight hair. And I’m worth it.
p.s. - There is a much easier way to achieve a smooth look (for all levels of curly) without the blowdrying fuss. My fun friend, the flat iron can make you straight in a snap. (Especially those stubborn ends that want to curl under and/or outwards.) More on that next week.
nabbalicious
October 11th, 2007 6:43 amHa! Love the video. Even though my hair is straight, I have a hard time getting a polished look, so I’m totally going to borrow your technique. Sometimes I don’t have enough patience to work tiny sections, though. Hmm…that’s probably my problem.
erin rae
October 11th, 2007 6:45 amI am so impressed that you actually took video of yourself blowdrying, and did it without CRACKING UP.
I quite like BedHead Control Freak Serum to aid in the straightening -
Must admit though, that these days I tend to leave it to dry and then use a Sedu ceramic flat iron to make it straight. Admittedly, it doesn’t work the biceps quite as well…
Beth
October 11th, 2007 6:57 amExcellent video! Love the choice of music!
Pam
October 11th, 2007 6:59 amAwesome, thank you for the tutorial! When I was in my 20s, I straightened my curly, long hair every.damn.day. It was hell. Especially in the summer. (HUMID!) Since then, I have embraced the curls, but every now and again I like to do the straight thing. I do it just like you do, but I have never used a brush like yours. I will try that.
But, I have a question. What is the flat brush for? (In your picture of tools)
Oh yes! Thanks for reminding me. It is for post-blowdrying. Like a final smoothing all-around brush. (Also, Mason Pearson brushes are great for smoothing ponytails and brushing before bed.)
chirky
October 11th, 2007 6:59 amYay! Thank you!
I’m always looking for an excuse to go to Sephora - so your list of product recommendations is right up my alley. (I can ALWAYS use product recommendations.)
Also, how long would you say this took you, from beginning to end? I need to plan accordingly, which means I should probably tack on an extra 45 minutes since the first time I won’t know what in the world I’m doing. Come to think of it, maybe I should just do it on a Saturday.
Around 30 minutes. Now, I did this tutorial for people who want to blowdry. With your hair and schedule, a flat iron might work best.
My method of choice is to wash my hair at night, let it air dry and flat iron it the next morning. It takes a lot less time because you don’t need to blowdry it. I don’t know how this will work with your running schedule, though. Do you run and shower in the morning?
Sometimes, sleeping on the hair helps with the process. (Flattens the curl.) I can pretty much flat iron my whole head in about ten minutes in the morning. :)
Emily
October 11th, 2007 7:09 amKickass tutorial! I have to say, also: LOVING the t-shirt!
Missy
October 11th, 2007 7:18 amAwesome tutorial, just one question. Can you come over and do my hair please?
Jamie
October 11th, 2007 7:22 amLove this post! I use a ceramic hairdryer and ceramic flat iron, but my curl is much tighter than yours and requires some serious heat - it won’t straighten unless it’s BONE DRY. That being said, my list of favorite straightening products is looooong…but here are my favorites:
- Bumble & Bumble “Straight” is silicone based and best for moderately to extremely humid weather (to be used on towel dried hair before sectioning off and drying)
- Aquage Beyond Body Thermal Styler is great for anyone who finds a flat iron really “sets” their straightened hair, but doesn’t have time to actually flat iron. Spray this on, run the brush through with the blowdryer once more, and you’ll get instantly glossy, calm, finished locks. Seriously. I wouldn’t lie about this. If they ever take this product off the market, I will keel right over and die.
- a large, rectangular paddle brush. Great for drying large sections of hair (esp. long hair) but don’t expect it to have the precision of a barrel brush - also great for any girl whose hair gets caught in round brushes.
RA
October 11th, 2007 7:24 amI am in awe of your blow-drying skill, especially the back of your hair! How to style the back is beyond me and my feeble arm strength. I have shoulder-length, poker-straight, fine hair that refuses to bend to the whims of my round brush, so I usually blow dry it to death and let the ends do what they may. Is there anything else I can try? Or should I just get really good cuts and depend on that?
Nilsa S.
October 11th, 2007 7:28 amI have super duper curly hair. And you’re right - curly hair is fun. Do not take it with a suit. I’ve been playing with shorter hair to get more of a refined look .. but, I LOVE your styling tips about using the brush more than I normally do (when straightening).
My favorite products are Kerastase for curly (CRÈME OLÉO-CURL), straight (ELIXIR OLÉO-RELAX) and both (SERUM NUTRI-SCULPT); Kiwi for both (BLOW SERUM, BLOW SILK) and Redken for curls only (Fresh Curls Curl Refiner leave-in anti-frizz detangler for unruly curls). Ahhh, the things we do for perfect hair!!
little miss mel
October 11th, 2007 7:32 amNice work sistah! Now, what was Wito doing while this was taking place? Was he filming?
I hear you on blow drying. A so once-a-month thing. Too damn long and too much overheating on my part. Sweating is no look with sleek hair. But, the effort is so worth it in the end!
mmmwaaaah! :X
Mere
October 11th, 2007 7:39 amLoved the video!
I have shorter hair (just above the shoulder), and after watching all that work I think I will keep it!
But I use a boar brush (or something like that - called Spornette?) that has white plastic bristles in the boar ones. It makes it easier when you are trying to get shape in the hair (for shorter lengths). I had one without the white bristles and it would literally get tangled in my hair (which is fairly straight). Anyway, it makes curling the ends under much easier.
Pamela
October 11th, 2007 7:39 amThis was really helpful! And not even a little lame. Have you tried to do the mid-clamp curling iron technique you told us about (Jen Aniston’s stylist tip?)? I’ve tried to do it, but don’t quite get it. Thanks for sharing!
Natalie 42
October 11th, 2007 7:43 amI think it’s b/c I knew how silly you felt recording yourself but, I giggled through the whole video. :)
Another great Hair Thursday.
Jen
October 11th, 2007 7:44 amI love it!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, goddess of Whoorl hair. I can’t wait to try this out. And I can definitely attest to a boar brush being far superior than the metal-based ones. It really does make a big difference. The ends of my fine, thin hair were being fried by using a metal-based brush for YEARS. Who knew.
sizzle
October 11th, 2007 7:45 amyou’re totally wearing a cupcake royale shirt! sweet! i love that place. “rock out with your cupcake out”
seeing as how i have short hair, i watched the video for amusement. ;)
Rebecca
October 11th, 2007 7:45 amI totally squealed when I saw the shirt - I have the same one! I’m totally jealous of my brother who lives within walking distance of cupcake royale when I live a five hour plane ride from it.
Allison
October 11th, 2007 7:52 amOK Whoorl - first of all, you are amazing. My coworker, Molly, says you are the love of her life. We love you and your amazing hair. And the video with the music helps a lot with the loving, too.
But we are scared of the bristles on those brushes. They look like they’d hurt my head, and like they’re from the 1800’s. I feel like they’d be worse with breakage than the nylon bristles. Please expand your thoughts on this type of brush.
Also, Molly and I both have straight hair. Would you still reccommend that type of brush and drying procedure for us or is there something else that we should do?
One more… Molly and I both have volume issues. We are in the habit of blow drying upside down. What are your thoughts on this? How do we proceed with the Whoorl Blowing Technique (ha! blowing technique!) with the need for extra volume?
You Are amazing and we LOVE your hair advice! I’d pay you for this - for real. You should get a paying gig… XOXO
Hey! I didn’t forget about you, Allison. Hi Molly!
Okay, first off. Do NOT be afraid of boar bristles, they protect you hair from breakage. I promise. Nylon bristles will do a hella more damage. Plus, a boar bristled round brush will give you so much more volume. (Just make sure it has a small barrel, Allison, so it can grip your hair.)
As for the straight hair, volume issue. I would dry your hair upside down until it is barely damp. Then I would flip over, using the brushing technique in the video, but pulling the hair outward, instead of downward. That way, when you are finished, it should have a little more oomph! :)
chirky
October 11th, 2007 8:09 amI generally run at night, and on the nights I run, I shower. But then other days, when I don’t run, I’ll shower in the morning. I’m a confused soul.
Well, that would be perfect. You could do the polished look on the days after you run. Run and shower at night, let your hair air dry, and flat iron the next morning before work. Oh also, another benefit of straightening is the ability to go several days without washing. In fact, my hair is still straight on Thursday. (I filmed that video on Monday.) Awesome.
Kerri
October 11th, 2007 8:27 amLoves it! (If I wasn’t completely handicapped when it comes to using a round brush, I’d try this.)
And that video is awesome. Although, all I could think of was some creepy guy finding it and being all, “Yeah, baby. Dry that hair.” Mua-ha.
amy
October 11th, 2007 8:30 ami could not help but crack a laugh at your video…the expression on your face…so serious! serious about hair! i think i need to get a smaller barrel round brush.
I think I always look this serious and bitchy, hence my lack of friends. ;)
180/360
October 11th, 2007 8:49 amI can’t believe you used the Pixies! They are my favorite band in the whole world. By the way, I love my new flat iron. Thanks for the suggestion!
Good! I love that one too. :)
Anna
October 11th, 2007 8:54 amI need a straight iron tutorial! I’m looking forward to that.
Lyndsay
October 11th, 2007 9:14 amDamn! That was an awesome post. I am without words.
Courtney
October 11th, 2007 9:16 amI’d just like to say that I would spend hours trying to get my straight, boring hair to look just like Jes’s, but then it would fall out after 30 seconds. I’m so jealous of you, naturally curly- and wavy-haired people.
I also need tips on blow-drying for volume. Currently I blow-dry it upside down every morning and then use some velcro rollers for added umph, but it rarely stays that way. Help me, Whoorl!
I would think upside-down drying would be the ticket. Let me think on that one…
andrea_frets
October 11th, 2007 9:40 amIt takes me FOREVER to straighten my hair when it is long but I love to have it straight once in a while. Typically I get sick of doing it half way and I put the rest up. Laziness.
lissa
October 11th, 2007 9:44 amMy curls are a bit more tight and my hair is slightly on the coarse side and I use this hairdryer and it really works for hair like mine.
http://www.conair-store.com/product_detail.asp?T1=CON+SD6IS&HDR=HAIR
It’s a brush and hairdryer in one and it will pull it tight which is what you need when you have curly sue hair. I still use a round brush while using the hairdryer which makes it extra straight.
Also one of my fave products is pureology’s super straight. It works wonders!
abbersnail
October 11th, 2007 9:45 amLove the t-shirt! And nice tunes on the video.
missie
October 11th, 2007 9:55 amYou Rock!! I learned this technique a few years ago and CHANGED my hair-life! I have “not quite curly” hair so I have to WORK to make it wavy/curly and WORK to make it straight. Just got a flat iron a couple months ago and am totally loving it! I do have a question… how do you achieve the “flippy” look? I haveshoulder lengthhair with lots of layers and I love them… but I don’t know how to blow dry or use the flat iron to make them CUTE and flippy. HELP?!?!
I usually shy away from the flippy, but I would imagine you could use a flat iron at the ends, flicking your wrist upwards to get that flippy look. But don’t hold me to it.
parp!
October 11th, 2007 10:04 amWhoorl, I love your site. And your advice, especially about product. I lurve me some product, since my hair looks just like Jes’, and I too am always searching for that polished look!
Just had to add my two cents in about the blowdrying/flat ironing of the hair. I find when I flat iron my hair, I get a very shiny, very not-volume-y (?) look…flat to my head straight locks. Sleek, but sometimes I crave more volume! So my stylist taught me this: she uses the Whoorl technique, except she blowdries a section, then rolls it up on the round brush and leaves it in my hair while she goes on to the next one. (she lets the hair cool around the brush and then un-rolls it) I wish I had a video of THAT, as I have had as many as 5 round brushes rolled up in my hair while she works on a section. When she is done, I get straight hair, great volume, and a slight flip on the ends of my hair, which highlights my layers. I do this at home using just two round brushes, and I think it works great, if you want more volume and a slightly piece-y flipped look.
Ok, shutting up!
bethany
October 11th, 2007 10:16 amOh, whoorl, how I love the, you’re hilarious girl..I love that you looked like you were about to beat a bitches ass in the video. Yeah, that shit is stressful! Oh and btw, I would KILL for Jess’s curls, so embrace that gift woman,*I am speaking to Jess* and be glad, play the glad game, like Pollyanna, glad that you have nice smooth curls and not eighties band hair like me.
WHHHYYYYYYY is my face in its most relaxed state so bitchy-looking? WHHYYYYYYYY?
bethany
October 11th, 2007 10:17 amLove the Pixies background music too:)
sunny
October 11th, 2007 10:18 amthat was a super fun post!
I like “Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm” (what a mouth full!) but would love to try out the one you mentioned.
I got a fancy dancy flat iron last year but barely use it because I don’t like how my ends look afterwards.
when you do the flat iron post I’d be interested to see how/what you do with your hair ends!
Dani
October 11th, 2007 10:32 amMy arms are tired just looking at all of that, and I’m reminded why I only have straight hair when a stylist does it for me. My hair’s a good bit longer than Jes’ and I can’t imagine taking the time to blow dry it myself. I don’t own a straightening iron because it seems to me it would take forever, too, but I may just be incredibly ignorant in all things hair… which is why I submitted myself to the Hair Thursday Pool.
Also. You? Gorgeous. Hair curly or straight, your face, just beautiful all around.
Thank you, Dani!
comfortablycrazy
October 11th, 2007 10:33 amFirst, love the video.
Second, I use a Frizz-ease serum that you put on BEFORE you get out of the shower. Or if I’m out of that one I use the Frizz Ease serum that you out oin after towel drying. I use both in Extra-Strength. It really helps with the frizz. Which is my biggest problem. On day two, I use either the creme to tame some of the flyaways, or the curl rejuvinator if it’s fallen a little flat. I’ve been using these products for about two years and am pretty happy with them.
Third, Please do a video on how to straight iron. I want to straighten my hair for Halloween (If I get in gear I plan on being Alice in Wonderland) and my current iron isn’t cutting it. So I guess I also need to know which iron is best.
I’m pretty sure I’m NEVER doing another video, but I will give tips next week. :)
Lisa
October 11th, 2007 11:16 amI love the video and tutorial. I have loose curls, and it was hell getting ready in the morning when I used to work (alas, a former pharmaceutical rep like you), because the curls cannot give you the polished look that is needed. I like the recommendation of pinning up the sections, because otherwise it’s just an overwhelming mess! My favorite products are to first spray on the Bumble and Bumble hair tonic which helps protect my hair from the heat damage and then a small amount of the Bumble and Bumble straight w/a small amount of the B&B Defrizz. I will also use kerastase Oleo Relax (a little goes a long way). When I wear my hair curly I use a tiny amount of oleo relax and then goldwell dynamic loop curl spray which I love (I hate crunch curls and this gives me nice loopy ones).
Lisa! I almost wrote about how I used to dry my hair straight constantly due to my pharma job. It is so true, I don’t think I ever wore my hair curly to doctor’s offices.
Miguelina (Reluctant Housewife)
October 11th, 2007 11:19 amSo THAT’s how you’re supposed to blowdry the back!
Loved the video. You’re dedicated to your craft, sister. You need a Style network show.
Leah
October 11th, 2007 11:20 amGrowing up, did you ever in your life think that one day you’d be videotaping yourself blowdrying you hair and then broadcasting it to the entire world? I freaking love the internet.
I’m so close to yanking it. I am fully embarrassed.
diane
October 11th, 2007 11:23 amIs there any doubt as to why we love you!
I usually do a similar method…wash at night, let dry, flat iron in the morning. But when I do blowdry and staighten, I cannot get the back to look sleek. Do you have gumby arms?
I am in the market for a boar bristle brush..do you find the paddle or the round is a better investment?
diane
October 11th, 2007 11:31 amhmm, you know…I just realized you obviously endorse the round brush since those are the recommendations you made..ignore my silly question.
Since I am already a Frederic Fekkai product whore…I will be checking out that brush!
Yes! Round brushes are the best!
Sadie
October 11th, 2007 11:33 amI was TOTALLY just going to say “God, I love the internet,” but Leah beat me to it. You make a fierce Mirror Face, by the way, which I find hilarious. Many women make Mirror Face - it is that serious, slightly pursed-lip face that chicks have when they’re fixing their hair or makeup…my mom has the best Mirror Face ever, and once in a while I catch myself doing it too.
I am also waiting with bated breath for the straightening-iron-tutorial. I just want to see if I’m doing it right!
Dude! I swear there is NO mirror face going on that video. I just re-watched it to make sure. Honestly! That is my natural face, which finally, after 32 years on this planet, explains why strangers think I’m a bitch. HOLY SHIT! I DO LOOK LIKE A BITCH!
Oh, and my mirror face? Honey, it’s FIERCE.
sar
October 11th, 2007 11:44 amYou are too cute! Do you have any solutions for just being impatient after five minutes of blow-drying? I can’t seem to get past that point. Once I do though, I’ll be sure to try!
gorillabuns
October 11th, 2007 12:56 pmDAMN!!! you’re good!
something i’ve been using as of late to get the thick wave hair undercontrol before drying is pureology’s antifade(due to my colored hair) leave-in conditioner. it really helps keep my hair from drying out while torching the ‘do but doesn’t leave my hair like a grease-ball.
supa
October 11th, 2007 12:58 pmyou know what? that was great. really. and i don’t think you look like bitch. sometimes people get pretty and bitch mixed up.
Sharri
October 11th, 2007 1:09 pmOh Whoorl, you are SO worth it! I’m going to try that Skinny Serum. I’m unhappy with my product choices at the moment. I tried this “Sparkling Strong Mousse” by…ummm…I’d have to actually go upstairs to check the name. How lame am I? When my stylist used it, my hair was fabulous! I’m going to get the brush you recommended and use your method.
I just got the inverted bob and I have basically straight hair with annoying “bend” - not enough to be at all “wavy” - Do you have different tips for straightening the back of shortish hair? That’s where I have problems since I haven’t yet figured out how to hold the dryer and the brush in the right position. I think I have the method for the sides down. I can send you a pic if you’re interested.
You ROCK!
Sharri
October 11th, 2007 1:27 pmWhile I have all these fabulous ladies attention: Did any of you, after having children, have little tiny hairs that are growing in around your hairline where you lost hair? My hair looks frizzy, but it’s just baby hair growing back. Anyone else have this problem? What do you do about it besides go around with frizzy baby hair?
Isabel
October 11th, 2007 1:34 pmDo not yank the video. DO NOT! In fact, I need more videos like that. Because hello…that is how I do my hair when I do it straight. But I must be doing something wrong because I never end up looking as hot as you do.
Must go and watch video again.
(And maybe make all my coworkers watch it. Just to freak you out a little!)
Lia
October 11th, 2007 1:54 pmGreat tutorial. I have hair like Jes’, just slightly tighter curls, and I have totally given up blow-drying. I’d rather pay someone else to do it. But then again, it usually takes me at least an hour to do it myself. Clearly, I’m doing something wrong.
Christina
October 11th, 2007 2:02 pmSo, upon reading your tutorial, I realized I am using the Glossing Cream at the wrong time - I put it on my hair when it’s damp, before blow-drying, not when it’s dry. Whoops! At any rate, I still love it, and it makes my hair super shiny and soft - many thanks for the recommendation!
I wanted to add just one thing to your fantastic blow-drying tutorial (DO NOT TAKE DOWN THE VIDEO - YOU ARE HELPING CURLY-HAIRED LADIES EVERYWHERE) - if you’re trying to straighten curly or wavy hair, use the concentrator attachment that comes with your blowdryer! My hair is literally identical to Jes’, and I find that it makes a world of difference - it saves time, and it also makes my hair shinier, since all the heat is concentrated right where I want it. My 4 essential straightening tools: a good product (Fekkai Glossing Cream, or Tigi S-Factor Smoothing Lusterizer), a great round brush, a HOT blowdryer, and the concentrator attachment. Good times.
bethany
October 11th, 2007 2:36 pmIt’s that and the yanking around of the hair, you seem to be angry with it, like it’s not be-having. I do the same thing, when my faced is relaxed, people always think i’m scowling…i’ve been told my whole life that I just look bitchy.
Moira
October 11th, 2007 3:15 pmI guess I should have gone ahead and sent you the link to the photos of Jennifer Garner that looks so much like you, ‘cuz you definitely do not look bitchy in your video! You just look like you’re concentrating on the job at hand, and that is a very good thing when you’re educating the masses.
Thanks for the great tutorial, and yes your shirt and the inclusion of the Pixies on your soundtrack were both awesome.
metalia
October 11th, 2007 4:56 pmAha! Now I finally know how to blow dry the back! I’m in awe of your skills, my friend.
Kate
October 11th, 2007 5:26 pmI’m impressed! I gave up my long curly/wavy hair because it was such a pain in the ass. Now I’m wishing I kept it! (I just got myself a Katie Holmes cut a few weeks back.)
Julie
October 11th, 2007 5:53 pmGreat tips! I have been looking for ways to get straight.
Aurelia
October 11th, 2007 6:13 pmOh my God, thank you! I will now be setting up an altar to whoorl in my bathroom, reminding me to use good tools and that good hair takes /work/. Thank you, oh ye hair goddess!
Photo Lori
October 11th, 2007 7:35 pmLove it! :)
margalit
October 11th, 2007 8:49 pmAll through your post, and even after the video I was thinking to myself, why isn’t Whoorl using a ceramic flatiron? It’s SO much faster and easier and makes hair less fluffy. And then I come to the very last line of the post.
I’ve got thick, curly, semetic-type hair, and the flatiron is the greatest invention in the world. My hair gets so glossy and shiny with the flatiron, and no matter how long it’s blow dried, it just puffs up into a big ugly mass of creepy hair. Long live the ceramic flatiron!
jonb
October 11th, 2007 8:52 pmHey. Cupcake Royale. I was just there today. There’s a pumpkin cupcake and a carrot-cake cupcake sitting on our kitchen table as I speak…in fact, I believe it’s time to devour them.
Meems
October 11th, 2007 11:09 pmI can’t believe that I was entertained by watching someone blow dry their hair. Must get a life.
erika
October 12th, 2007 3:37 amsame here, i was in complete awe watching you blow dry your hair. amazing. i think the difference is that you are doing your own hair, which is an extra benefit to us. the people who do their own hair 99.9 percent of the time.
bravo and don’t ever take it down! your post made me do my hair and now it’s all sleek and smooth.
oh yea, what dryer do you use? i just got another t3 dryer because it’s broken twice. it seems to overheat when i use it on the highest setting. but that’s it’s purpose in life no?
CurlyMary
October 12th, 2007 4:06 amCurly/wavy hair can be polished! It’s absolutely possible to be professional, smart, organized, serious, etc. and have curly hair. It’s a fallacy that one must change one’s appearance in order to be taken seriously.
Check out naturallycurly.com for tons of info!
I love this website- I have visited for years regarding my curly hair. It is a must for curlyheads!
Karen
October 12th, 2007 4:59 amThat is a whole bunch of freakin’ work - thank God it looks so smashing! I also have straight hair but still can’t figure out what to do with my hairdryer. The flatiron is a modern day miracle worker.
Now I just want my longer hair back
Erin
October 12th, 2007 5:45 amSo now that we have a tutorial on the curly to straight, any chance you would help out someone with moderately wavy hair to get a little more curl? I always look like I have too much product in my hair or it goes crackly but I have see some people with really great wavy/curly looks who I know have poker straight hair. How do they do that?
am'ti b
October 12th, 2007 6:36 amas you know i can’t sit on the computer for too long, so i just read the comments where yor responded-you are somethin’ funny. of to watch the video!
vivek
October 12th, 2007 8:39 ami have had curly hair.. as a guy, i feel it sux big time.. am not sure what could i do with it though other than rebond.
Allison
October 12th, 2007 11:32 amJust for the record, I don’t think you look bitchy at all! I think you like like one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen blow-drying her hair. Who makes smiley faces while blow-drying their hair? Certainly not me. I’d probably look super frightening if I video-taped myself blow-drying my hair. I think you’re gorgeous, Whoorl!
merrymishaps
October 12th, 2007 11:58 amThat was great. I can’t wait for the flat iron tutorial.
It’s fun when I have my hair straight, but I definitely need to learn to do it properly by myself!
dawn
October 12th, 2007 12:34 pmI have a feeling that scores of women across the globe dried their hair a little differently this morning trying your technique. I know I did…
Dad Gone Mad
October 12th, 2007 5:46 pmYou’re pretty damn cute (in an EXTREMELY platonic kind of way).
Tina
October 13th, 2007 2:50 amI think you need to start a chapter of HA, Hair Anonymous. Girl, you are addicted to all things hair! I am jealous, too. I miss my hair. I decided to donate to Locks of Love in May. And you get a free hair cut when you do so. I wish I would have just paid, because instead of 10 inches of hair, she cut of FOURTEEN INCHES. WAY shorter than I intended. All that to say I miss my hair. And every hair post reminds me how horrible my hair is. My hair is too short to try any of the fun stuff you show us. Okay, I’ll stop my hair-pity party. It will grow back, right??
schmutzie
October 13th, 2007 7:20 amMy hair is all of two inches long, but I still love these Hair Thursdays. I could have really used them when my hair was long and trying to exert its individuality.
Ashlie
October 13th, 2007 4:27 pmAnother way to workout: use a round brush to blowdry your hair every day. Guns is 6 weeks or less! Ouch!
p.s. Love your bangs. Don’t think I could pull them off. My face is to square. Bah.
Lori
October 13th, 2007 6:57 pmI wanted to interject my 2 cents because I live in the very humid southeast and have corkscrew curls. 1. I don’t bother if my hair is longer than shoulder length 2. I use Wella Color Preserve when my hair is wet. It’s comes in this tiny red bottle and it’s magic - detangler, stops frizz, makes my textured hair soft, it’s amazing stuff. I comb through with a large plastic comb like the one you show. 3. I dry my hair just until it’s not really drippy wet anymore, I can tell this point because it starts to frizz. I use a tourmaline dryer, this is a new model of what I have (worth every penny as I can burn out a standard dryer in a few months and this has lasted a couple years to date). 4. Then I recomb and section my hair into 6 sections with clips (I can’t do the larger sections because my hair is thicker and will become unmanageable quickly) 5. I dry each section (left bottom back, left top back, left front, right bottom back, right top back, right front) using a Technique Ionic brush (the metal barrel kind). I find this brush reduces flyaways, I can grip my hair better, and drys faster with the metal base conducting heat. It doesn’t fry my hair but I keep the brush moving and I do have thick hair. 6. I can finish off with the Wella Preserve and it’s fine but I like to use Osis Anti-frizz because it’s a little thicker and holds a tiny bit (it’s not sticky and makes my hair silky smooth, which is hard for anyone with natural curls). It’s 5000x better than Frizzease, Frizzease is a joke to my hair. I recomb with the comb. I don’t mean to jump in unwarranted but anyone who’s hair airdries with any sort of normalcy isn’t going to have much trouble straightening their hair. My hair will birds nest on it’s own. If I dried it upside down, oh my god, I can’t even imagine the horror, like a blonde clown wig. It takes me about 20 minutes to dry my hair. I contribute this mostly to the hairdryer I use, it’s awesome, and the metal barreled brush.
Manda
October 14th, 2007 12:39 amGreat video. But I really want to beat up you and Jes for having such gorgeous hair. And wanting to change it.
As I’ve mentioned before, when I get my curling iron out it laughs at me. I also have a waving iron that makes fun of me.
Sigh. Straight-haired people have feelings too. :)
Gina in SC
October 14th, 2007 8:09 amI was laughing to myself thinking i watched a whole blowdrying video= there are people out in the world , a lot of my friends , who dont even know what a BLOG is, much less would think to watch a (kick-ass) blowdrying video!! i love being in a blog community and i love your blog AND AND am so happy i stumbled upon it. thanks whoorl. now can i blogroll?
Laura
October 15th, 2007 6:50 amWow! I have wavy hair and I’ve always been upset that I couldn’t round-brush it properly like they do at the salon. But now I see the trick: brush, brush, and brush some more. I did it this morning and . . IT WORKED. My hair actually looks good. I actually like it. And I’ve gotten a couple compliments. Typically I blow dry wavy and then use a straightener, but it ends up looking like crap half the time. THANK YOU. Your video was awesome. It changed my life.
Aileen
October 15th, 2007 9:51 amYou are…the wind beneath my wings!!
I have HORRIBLE hair… I will try your techniques. Hope they work for me. :)
Sheila
October 18th, 2007 7:05 amFantastic. I’ve always done the blow dry then flat iron thing, and never really liked how it turned out. The past two mornings, I’ve done it your way, and its a lot better. I still have some practicing to do (I have a hard time getting the brush between the wet and dry sections as I let more hair down to dry), but its already an improvement. Thanks!
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November 8th, 2007 11:32 pm[…] I didn’t find it too challenging, but if you aren’t sure how, Whoorl has an excellent tutorial. But I just use one big round brush and curl the layers under with the brush as I […]