How to Get Sleek, Straight Hair No Matter Your Hair Type

Lazy girls, rejoice!

By Diana Nguyen May 19, 2016 11:24 PMTags
ESC: Sleek Hair, Rosie Huntington-WhiteleyVenturelli/WireImage

Lazy girls, rejoice!

Straight strands are back, to the delight of everyone whose hair can't hold a curl. Celebs from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to Beyoncé have donned the simple style...even on the most glamorous of red carpets (Oscars! Cannes!). What's with this shift from intricate updo to attainable hair?

"Straight hair is feminine, sophisticated and has an edge when done properly," said celeb hairstylist Marc Mena. "The trend right now is really moving away from bohemian styling and into more sleek, chicer hair."

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Bonus: The hairstyle translates well whether you're at brunch, in the boardroom or ballroom. Unfortunately, it's also not a woke-up-like-this process either.

"When you wake up, friction from sleeping on the pillow all night removes oil and shine and can leave hair looking dull," warned Marc (who did the look for Mindy Kaling at the Met Gala). "It is as easy as it seems…when you use the right tools and products."

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

The hair is all about the prep: "You can't just start with towel dried hair," Marc added. "Before blow-drying hair, apply a leave-in conditioner and a blow-dry serum to keep hair shiny. Once the hair is blown out, straighten it with a flat iron." The last step? Show your effortless-looking locks to the world.  

Of course, one product does not fit all. To get frizz-free, backyard BBQ-bound or red-carpet-ready straight hair, shop the right products for you below. 

Fine Hair

"Lock in moisture and shine with this lightweight conditioning treatment, which nourishes hair and restores hydration," recommended Marc.

L'Oreal EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System Nourishing Leave-In Spray, $8.99

Kenra Professional Platinum Blow-Dry Mist, $22

Bonus: Fine hair can fall a little flat after a long day. Create some friction at the root after you blow-dry your hair with a volumizing product.

Shu Uemura Fiber Lift Protective Volumizing Hair Gel, $39

Fine to Medium Hair

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream, $7.79

"This lightweight spray formula easily smooths and preps hair for lasting style," said Marc.

Nuance Salma Hayek Soy Protein Primer Spray, $9.99

Thick Hair

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream, $2.99

 

"A shine-boosting serum that blends keratin and emollients to give hair a radiant, glossy appearance," noted Marc. 

Keratin Complex Shine Vibrant Shine Serum, $19

Curly Hair

Living Proof Frizz Leave-in Conditioner, $25

"This humidity-resistant Blow Dry Serum seals the cuticle to control frizz, visibly improving the appearance of your hair," said the pro. 

Warren-Tricomi Blow Dry Serum, $26

Color-Treated Hair

Aveda 'Sun Care' Protective Hair Veil, $28

Bumble and bumble Repair Blow Dry, $31

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