4 Easy Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair Every Day

There is one key hair tip I've heard repeatedly from hair pros: No matter what kind of hairstyle you are creating, pay most attention to perfecting the hair that surrounds your face. If it looks polished, that sets a positive tone for the rest of your appearance, even if you only had two minutes to finish blow-drying the rest of your hair. But, if you have hair that's prone to frizzing out or has a stubborn cowlick, keeping your hairline in line is tough. Here are some clever strategies that I swear by.

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Photo: © Luca Cannonieri
Get a keratin treatment just around your hairline.

A keratin treatment is a salon process that smoothes out kinky hair by infusing keratin into the hair cuticle, then bonding the sleeker shape in place with a flat iron. The results last about four weeks, but can cost up to $600 and take two hours, which is why I'm usually not up for it. But, I just learned, from colorist Feven Shiferaw at NYC's Salon AKS, that you can get the treatment done just along your hairline. It only takes 30 minutes and costs a fraction of the price. Brilliant!

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Photo: © Luca Cannonieri
Blow-dry your hair twice.

Chance are, when you think you are done blow-drying your hair, you aren't. When your hair is really hot, it's hard to tell if it is actually dry. And if there is any lingering moisture in your hair, it'll frizz out as soon as it hits any humidity. The solution: After you are done blow-drying your hair, finish getting ready, then once your hair has cooled down, feel your hair again. If there is any hint of dampness, then give it another quick blow-dry.

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Blowdry a cowlick against the grain.

The trick to smoothing out a cowlick is to douse it sopping wet with styling spray (I use Bumble and Bumble Styling Spray), then hold the blow dryer directly above it (use a nozzle), and brush the cowlick in the opposite direction of how it grows it. This will counteract its kinky ways and, once it is completely dry, you should be able to brush it into place fairly easily.

Try on gorgeous hairstyles in the Makeover Studio!

Photo: © Luca Cannonieri
Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner.

In the past year, there have been several really amazing new smoothing hair care launches. They really make it easier to get a salon-worthy blowout and to maintain the style all throughout the day. Two of my favorites: L'Oréal EverSleek Repairing Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner and Macadamia Natural Oil Rejuvenating Shampoo & Conditioner.

Try on gorgeous hairstyles in the Makeover Studio!