Friday 10th October,2008

Hair straighteners can be extremely versatile. The following information will help you not only create a poker straight look, but also to add texture to any style through flicks and twists, and even to create waves and curls!

Before using any heat based hair tools, it is always advisable to use some sort of heat protection spray to preserve the condition of you hair.

For poker straight locks

• When straightening your hair the easiest way to do it is layer by layer. Take a small section, clamp the straightener closed, and from root to tip pull down in one steady motion.
• Repeat this process layer by layer.
• For an ultra sleek finish, use a smoothing balm or serum to flatten any stray hairs.

For flicks

• Start half-way down the length of hair, clamp the hair iron closed and turn it back on itself in a half turn.
• This will create a U-shape with the hair and the hair straightener. Keeping the straightener on that half-turn angle, slowly move it down to the end of the hair.
• For more defined flicks move the straightener at a slower pace, the faster you move the straightener, the less pronounced the flick will be.

For curls

• The easiest way of creating curls is to do it layer by layer, taking one small section at a time.
• Take a section of hair, approximately an inch in width and thickness. Starting at the root clamp the hair iron closed and turn it back on itself a half turn (the same as with flicks). Run the straightener slowly down the hair-shaft to the tip.
• Repeat this step until your entire head is a mass of curls.
• Again, the slower you move the hair iron, the tighter the curl. Therefore using the same technique you can create tight ringlets, curls or waves by merely adjusting the speed at which you move the hair iron.
• In order to hold such a style it is advisable to use hairspray, the strength will depend entirely on your hair's ability to hold a style. If you use a hairspray, but find that the curls drop out after a few hours then it may be that you need increase the strength of your hairspray.

The HG Professional range of styling tools is designed so that they may be used with ease to create a variety of looks rivalling those of salon professionals.

If you have any further questions regarding any of the advice provided above, or if you have any other enquiries about how to make the most of your hair straighteners please don’t hesitate to contact the HG Professional team.