How to look perfectly tousled

Published 11:51 am Friday, June 7, 2013

Looking out the office window, wearing a tight, slick bun to go with that skirt suit and heels, do you long for the other side, the one where your hair could be tousled, wavy and full from the salt and humidity from a day at the beach?

Seems so tempting, until you think about that time you caught yourself in the rearview mirror after your last beach day. Yes, the hair was tousled, wavy and full — and it was full of knots and going in every direction.

Wouldn’t a slick bun solve everything?

When it comes to hair, the grass often seems greener on the other side, but, experts say, both looks require a little work. And both are attainable using a flat iron.

To straighten hair: Make sure the ends of the hair are healthy or start with a trim. Blow dry hair using a flat brush instead of a round one, which will start the battle against frizz. Use a creamy smoothing product, another weapon against humidity.

Don’t tackle too much hair at one time with the flat iron. You’ll end up spending the same amount of time using smaller sections, and you’ll only have to go over the same spot once.

Even with sleek locks, if you’re wearing your hair down, consider curling the ends either up or down, which will seal the ends and keep them from frizzing.

Consider pulling hair into a loose braid or bun until you arrive at your day’s destination. The longer the hair has limited exposure to humidity, the longer it will stay sleek.

Once those little curls start to frame the face, it’s time to cave. Create a defined, sharp side part, slick the hair with product or water, and put it in that tight top knot.

To curl hair: Let your hair dry naturally, which will add texture, and then use a dry shampoo to create the “piece-y-ness” that usually comes from the salt and humidity.

Use the flat iron vertically to create loose ringlets.