Mind Magic. Georgina Fowler

      trade secrets and tips

       TO IMPROVE YOUR HAIRDRESSING

      • Don’t overdry. When you blow-dry, make sure that the hair is almost, but not completely, dry. Leave some moisture in to prevent static.

      • When blow-drying curly hair straight, use a small, round brush at the roots. A big, flat brush or large, round brush will not get right into the roots with the heat of the dryer, which prevents it from straightening properly.

      • When shampooing oily hair use tepid water and do not scrub, which most people want to do as they feel it cleans their hair better. It actually stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Tepid water helps to stop stimulation, whereas hot water will add to the problem.

      • If the hair always lies flat due to a crown or double crown, using the correct styling tools and drying the problem area in the opposite direction (to redirect the hair and give it more lift) will help. Don’t dry the hair flat to the head, as it magnifies the flatness in the crown area. Instead, use a brush to lift the hair off the scalp. If the hair is sticking up in the crown area and you have short hair, try growing the hair longer. You should find that the weight of the hair will cover and disguise the crown.

      • To help straighten out a cowlick (a swirl of unruly hair that won’t comb down properly), dry the hair from wet, forward over the forehead with a round brush or small paddle brush and use a product of some sort. This will weigh down the cowlick, making it easier to put into style.

      • To limit drying out or damaging the hair when using heated styling equipment such as straighteners, tongs or heated rollers, use a thermal protective product. This will not make the hair sticky or solid like a setting spray, but will protect the hair from the excessive heat.