Q by Michelle: So, my question is this…I have naturally curly hair – but I often like to use a curling iron to enhance my curls.  My natural curl is a little tight, so I like the looser, smoother curl that I get from a curling iron.  The curling iron that I’ve been using is on its way out – so I need to replace it with something soon.  Is there a difference between a curling iron that I could buy from Target and a professional one that I could get at the beauty supply store?  Do you know anything about the $300 curling irons they sell at the kioks in the mall?  And what about hot curlers?  Should I give those a try?

Sorry for the super long question.  Basically – to sum it up, what kind of curling iron should I buy?

A by Reagan: I love this question the most. I love to use curling irons on my clients, so yay! Do not buy the $300 one. I use an amazing and cheap Marcel iron from Hot Tools. For the life of me, I can’t remember if I use a 3/4 or a 1 inch barrel the most, so you might want to check one out in person before you buy. They cost $30 here.

This curling iron is amazing. I have had mine for 5 years and I use it very often. Most of the stylists at my old, fancy salon used this iron, so that’s how you know it’s so good! Also, I really just can’t get over the price.

The most important thing I want to make known, is the difference between a Marcel iron and a regular “clamp” iron. I am shocked if I ever see a professional using a clamped iron, it gives such an artificial, Shirley Temple ringlet. The Marcel type of curling iron gives a soft, natural wave and almost never gives you a kink in your hair. It definitely will take a little getting used to the different handle, but it will be so worth if you just practice enough. You will be so happy you did. You also might want to try using a flat iron to create wave. I am a big fan of that technique. You have full control of how big or not big you make the curls!

As for curlers, I never use curlers. The closest thing I do to curlers is when I am doing a blow out, I will sometimes roll the hair and pin it to set and give more volume. But I think you are good to not ever invest in hot curlers.

Thanks for my favorite question!

Q by Tarynn: Dear HDOF,
When is it a good idea to dry cut hair? (Did I get the lingo right?) I’m asking because I cut my son’s hair, but it’s really hard to comb his wet hair how it will actually lie when dry. I usually cut it and think it looks perfect until it dries and looks totally different. boo.
Thanks,
T

A by Reagan: Dry cutting is really a matter of preference. I do at least a little dry cutting in almost every hair cut, usually after the hair is blow dried to soften up the ends and layers. Like you said, it can be tricky to see how the hair will lay until it’s dry, and dry cutting is a good technique to use when checking or texturizing your hair cuts. I also use it often when cutting severely damaged hair. The other day I opted to dry cut when I saw how much chemical damage my client had. Breakage and frazzled spots can hide much more easily when the hair is wet.

Things to note during dry cutting (these mostly apply to dry cutting beginning to end):
~ Most women’s hair will need to be flat ironed or blow dried very straight prior to cutting
~Take extremely small partings
~razors are rarely a good idea on dry hair
~You should have the art of “point cutting” completely nailed
~Dry cutting can make a huge mess as the hair tends to shoot off in every direction instead of falling uniformly to the ground. I say this because I always make sure to have a dry towel on hand to wipe my clients face (or my own), otherwise they will be sneezing/itching the rest of the haircut.

Thanks for your question Tarynn!

Ok, let’s talk about frizz in a different way. I have to tell you, every single question I have gotten has been about how to tame frizz. I never knew people hated frizz so much! I am not sure exactly why, but frizz has never really bothered me much. I guess it just comes with me so often wearing my hair naturally, and frizz is natural. I just took this picture with my phone about 9 seconds ago. There are equal parts hugeness, frizz and wave. I’m used to it, and in fact, I like it. This picture doesn’t really even show very well how much frizz is there.

If you are still like “I hate frizz more than ever” and I am not cool enough to change your mind..feast your eyes on these babies.

Betsey Johnson Fall 2010

Bottega Veneta fall 2010

Christian Dior Fall 2010

Frizz is all over the runway these days. Softer, less structured styles are becoming more and more desirable, and I think it’s beautiful.

Image found on Olsens anonymous

Still not convinced? Let an Olsen do the talking. (Do you love them like me?)

Last but not least, a piece of my own work. Photo taken by Jake.

Please keep in mind, a smooth and blown out look is supposed to be smooth and blown out. There is a time and a place for frizz, guys.

Runway photos from Elle.com

These little girls have the prettiest hair ever. I love how the ends are almost metallic, a look you can only get properly from being in the sun (in my opinion). Adorable.

photo found on a cup of jo