How to create effortless waves with your straightening iron || video tutorial

Last week my friend, Diana, e-mailed me with a request to teach her how to create waves with a straightening iron.

Admittedly, this technique takes a little bit of practice, but after a few times I promise you'll be able to do this too.

Before you start, be have the following items handy:

• Dry shampoo (not mentioned in video) -- if the hair framing your forehead is on the greasy side, it's always best to prep this area first.
• Flat/straightening iron with a slim profile, preferably with ceramic plates as I find it leaves hair with a smoother finish.
• Texturising spray to set the waves.
• A comb
• A few hair clips to section the hair off.

Hopefully this video gives me a good kick in the butt to start blogging again.

Increase your good hair day chances with these

Bumble and bumble's Thickening Dry Spun Finish Spray (left), Alterna's Bamboo Beach Ocean Waves (middle) and Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream (right) 

Now that it’s Fall (Autumn to you) in Australia it’s almost as if the changing of seasons green-lit incessant rainfall. It’s gotten to the point where my umbrella has literally become an appendage and I already carry around enough crap with me as it is.

Heat styling or blowdrying my hair is a wasted exercise most days, because I can assure you my once smooth hair will mushroom cloud above my shoulders — that’s never a good look on anyone, me included.

My hair needs a fighting chance, so I’ve created a cocktail of sorts to help keep the frizz at bay, my waves in tact, perhaps a modicum of texture and even a smidge of volume.

I don’t think I’m asking for too much, right?

The result

In fight club terms, here's a breakdown of how I get my unruly hair to behave on super meh days...

• The straight punch - I use Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream to subdue the frizz.
• The hook - once I've combed through Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream, I'll then spray Alterna's Bamboo Beach Ocean Waves all over and comb through once more. Speaking from experience, I find any variant of Beach Spray (Bumble and Bumble, John Frieda or even Frederic Fekkai) helps to give me piece-y, windswept waves.
• The uppercut - Once my hair has air dried for the better part of an hour - but not before tipping my head over to scrunch/jush my waves - I finish with Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Dry Spun Finish Spray to further enhance the texture of my hair and to add a bit of volume.

I realise it's more product than I'd like to use, but it's the only way I can deal.

What do you typically do with your hair on rainy/humid days?

This stuff works: Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream

No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream

I've been a slave to my hair for approximately 15 years; vanity sunk in during my sophomore year of high school as I became more aware of myself and my peers. I was born with blonde hair and blue eyes, but as the years progressed my eyes turned hazel and my hair went from baby fine blonde to super frizzy brunette. Gone were the days of braids and pigtails -- paddle brushes, hair dryers and flat irons soon cluttered the drawers in the bathroom. My new routine would add at least 30 minutes of "required" prep time. Did I also mention I've never been a morning person?

I quickly turned into a grumpy teenager hell bent on fighting my frizzy hair. Now, I'm just a grumpy adult fighting to make it on-time to work!

My frizzy hair

More often than not you've seen me with smooth hair with a flick of a wave or curl on the ends; however, I think you'll see me with my natural waves more often, because I've been l-i-b-e-r-a-t-e-d! Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream has saved my arms, gives me additional time to sleep-in and keeps my waves in check.

Tamed waves

After showering I wrap my hair in a towel and allow it to stay there while I get ready. After 15 minutes or so, I'll remove the towel, de-tangle my hair with a wide-tooth comb and apply a dollop of No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream from the roots to my ends. Then I'll part my hair, tip my head over and give my hair a good scrunch. The halo of frizz has been reduced and I don't feel as self-conscious about wearing my lazy wavy hair.

Jennifer Aniston Living Proof

It was recently revealed Jennifer Aniston became co-owner of Living Proof and will also serve as a spokesperson for the brand. I figured if she was willing to put her image behind Living Proof, then it's worth giving it a shot -- man, the power of celebrity. Truth be told I've always been a fan of Jennifer Aniston and shared crazy hair envy with many other women and men throughout her tenure. Honey-hued locks with not even one hair out of place. Jealous much?

For those of you who share fine, frizzy waves with the likes of me, go ahead and try this magical potion.

You won't regret it.

About this cream...

The scent: light, but wears off as your hair dries.

Consistency: creamy (as labelled).

Miscellaneous notes: doesn't leave residue on your hair or your hands; I experienced no product build up and your hair will not turn crunchy like it can when gel is used.

Price & Availability: I purchased (1) one 4 oz. bottle of Living Proof's No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream from Sephora for $26.00 USD and had it shipped to Melbourne via Hop Shop Go. For the Aussie set, you can find Living Proof at your local Mecca Cosmetica for $35.00 AUS.

Photo credit: http://www.livingproof.com/jen