STYLING TIPS

Do you need help using a blow dryer, hair straightener or curling iron? These pro tips will help you get runway-ready results at home.

Pick the right brush for blow-drying
In this case, one size doesn't fit all!  Choose a large round brush to straighten long, coarse or curly hair; a medium-size one to add body and smoothness to medium-to-long hair; or small one to give short hair a volume boost.

Use a nozzle - or diffuser - with your blow dryer
These attachments can make the difference between a good blow-dry and a great one! A nozzle directs air-flow to give you a smoother blow-dry and a diffuser allows you to dry curly or wavy hair without causing frizz.

Section hair before your style
Ever wonder why professional hairstyles look so good? One reason is that stylists take time to divide hair into sections first. Use clips to section off your hair, so you can work in a neat, controlled manner - just like your stylist.

Make sure hair's 100% dry
Before you use a heat-styler, curling iron or any other hot tool, make sure hair is thoroughly dried - otherwise, the heat can cause damage. The one exception: wet-to-dry-flat-irons, which are specifically designd to be used on damp hair.

Tuck those ends under
Make sure the very tip of your hair is tucked into your curling-iron before you roll it up. Otherwise, you'll end up with what stylists call a "fishhook" - a small section that's bent backwards.

Keep your hair staighteners moving
Move your heat-styler down each section in smooth passes with medium pressure. Starting and stopping, as a well as pressing too hard, can leave "dents" in your hair.

Place hot rollers the right way
If you want to add volume and wave, lift your section up, place the roller underneath the section and roll down toward your scalp. For waves with minimal volume, leave your sections directed downward; place the roller on top of the section and roller up. Good communication with your stylist is essential for getting the color you want. A few minutes of pre-salon prep can help you explain your goals, and ensure that your stylist understands your desired result.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR STYLIST

Things to know before you go:

1.Try to walk into the salon with your everyday "look," so your stylist can get a feel for what you're comfortable with.

2.If you have the time, do a little research into color science. Knowing the difference between terms like Semi-permanent and permanent color can help you and your stylist communicate more efficiently.

3.Your stylist is there to work with you to achieve beautiful color. The more you can explain what you want, the better the collaboration will be.

4.If you are going in for "corrective color"—to correct color results you are unhappy with from a prior coloring experience—be prepared for a longer visit, as your stylist may need to remove old color and then recolor your hair.

Salon Prep Check List

Bring your inspiration: Photographs and examples of haircolor you love will help you and your stylist explore your color options—and ensure that you both mean the same thing when you say, "honey blonde," or "scarlet red."

Know your history: Be prepared to tell your stylist about any prior color services, whether it was highlights last year or a color gloss last month.

Trust Your Stylist: Listen to your stylist's expert opinion. During your color consultation, he or she will consider your desired result, then evaluate your hair's condition and look at your skin tone and coloring in order to create your custom color formulation.

Ask questions: If you hear a color term you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask your stylist for an explanation. Remember to inquire about maintenance—how often you'll need to return to the salon for touchups, and how to best