The style itself was exactly what I was hoping for—a voluminous, modern take on an 80s “big hair” vibe—which I felt would compliment the dramatic embellished shoulders of my leopard print coat nicely. However, while I loved my hair the second she finished styling, I also firmly believed that both the curls and the volume would soon leave me given the fact that it was a bustling, windy, frigid Fashion Week… and also that my naturally straight hair is annoying and never allows a style like this to last very long.
But PLOT TWIST—something entirely strange and wonderful happened instead: My style stayed. IT STAYED! Not only did it stay all day, it stayed perfect for days afterwards. I was so impressed with the longevity of this hairstyle that I texted the stylist and asked her to share her secrets—both the techniques and products she used which I’ve detailed below.
Sidney Lace Top (similar HERE)
TADASHI SHOJI
One important note: Whether you’re going for a dramatic voluminous look like mine or are looking to achieve looser beach waves (or even classic hollywood curls!), you can apply the below products and techniques to any curled hairstyle. I will certainly be employing these products and techniques to my everyday routine that involves looser curls.
Without further ado, here it is, advice straight from my Aveda stylist Britt Dion (@brittdionhair) on how to get curls that stand the test of time.
1
Don’t be afraid of product and heat.
Okay, I’m listening. Nervous, but listening.
2
Use polymer (hold) products on days when you want curls. These products expand the hair and make it larger. When you add heat, it causes the polymers to expand and hold until they’re washed out.
This sounds like science. I’m into it.
3
Avoid oil-based products because they cause hair to contract and they loosen curls. So don’t use them on days you want a curled style.
THIS IS A REVELATION.
AVEDA
4
The first product I applied throughout to your blow-dried hair is Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic which gives you lift, weightless volume, pliable hold and great shine.
Roger that.
5
Next, I used Aveda’s Pure Abundance Style Prep to thicken, detangle, protect against humidity and hold with lasting volume.
Go on…
6
Once you’ve layered in the products (in the order listed above) set them with your hairdryer.
Yes, Maestro.
7
Heat a 1-inch curling iron (or whatever size you prefer for your desired hairstyle) to 400 degrees. Before curling, spray each hair section with Aveda’s Control Force Hair Spray—the best firm hold hairspray on the market—which provides brushable hold and 24-hour humidity defense.
This product sounds like it was made by the military and I like it.
ANJOU
8
When curling each section, wrap the hair flat around the iron, not on top of itself so each strand gets equal heat. Hold for 6-8 seconds, then release and let it cool completely before you touch it at all.
This requires patience. I shall require snacks.
9
Once your curls have cooled completely, comb through with a wide tooth comb, and finish with Control Force Hair Spray.
Aye aye, Captain!
I feel like I’ve just been given a map to buried treasure so I must give a massive shout out to my Aveda stylist Britt Dion (@brittdionhair) and say thank you again both for giving me a hairstyle straight out of my dreams and also for revealing your secrets. [Insert 500 praise hand emojis here.]
Is there some kind of clandestine hair club I’m not a member of? Are there more magical hair secrets out there? This is what a comments section is for! Spill, people, spill! Now if you’ll excuse me I have a date with a curling iron.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh
LE SPECS
16 thoughts on “A Top Hair Stylist’s Secrets Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Long-Lasting Voluminous Curls”
This is fantastic – the one thing I can’t make happen it the nice height in the front! Any tips on how to do that and make it last as well?!
Not using oil with curls is never something I’ve heard totally trying this.
I learned two very valuable tidbits here: no oil and wrap the hair around the iron! THANK YOU so much!!! I learned from my hairdresser about leaving the hair to completely cool (it is hard….that patience thing!) and the curls definitely last longer. BTW your hair looks amazing!
My stylist uses all those same products on my THIN, straight hard-to-curl hair. So happy to know it works on different hair types! I also use a flat iron rather than a curling iron and I’m good for days too! Aveda is pure genius!! Thanks for sharing.
So excited to try this out! Thank you to your stylist for revealing her secrets!!
xx, Merritt
The Style Scribe
I also have thick straight hair and love sophisticated curls like this. I wrap my hair up into a loose bun on the top of my head at night when I go to bed, and then let it down each morning and run my fingers through it. By day 3 the compliments are non stop from friends and strangers! A little dry shampoo as needed and you are good to go for days. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
I want to get down on my knees and worship, “I’m not worthy I’m not worthy”… haha. I’ve been searching for info like this for over 25 yrs!!!! No kidding????.
OMG!! I have the exact same issue. Volume and straight hair, equals no long-lasting curls.
This might change the game for me though.
Thanks a ton for sharing Mary.
Love,
Nikki
http://www.runwaytoroad.com
Your look reminds me of Coco Chanel. I love your hair, your amazing leopard printed coat and the red lipstick that suits you so much. You look gorgeous.
Great, great! I’m just going to buy the lot and try it all. No doubt it will save the curl-days! Just one question no oils also means no oil shampoo?
Hi Hanna,
Not sure I understand the question — you use an oil-based shampoo?
Mary
So hang on…we’re applying the products to DRY hair? Is this where I’ve been going wrong?!
Hi Mimi,
Yes! All of these products were applied to clean, dry hair : )
Mary
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These are super helpful tips. My curls always fade away and I have a better clue as to why now. Great post!
These tips are so helpful! A big thank you to you ad your stylist for sharing them.
The Style Intermission