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. 

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.

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.

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.