Question Time: How do I tame those frizzy bits of hair that frame my face?

Tue, 31 January 2012 11:10AM

Question: I’d love to know how to tame those frizzy bits of hair that frame my face. Even when I try to glue them down with ridiculous amounts of hair spray they still manage to escape and detract from the polished look I’m aiming for. Please help save me from a look that is always dishevelled. Mysie. 

Dear Mysie,

Back in the days when I worked full time in magazines, one of the things I loved most about my job was getting the chance to work with a bevy of beyond talented hair and makeup artists on photo shoots. As a beauty editor, you’re literally bombarded with a ton of new product on a weekly basis so it was always refreshing to spend time with the pros to see how they worked and exactly what products they used, because 99% of the time, their foolproof buys tended to be classic, no-frills products made by old-school brands, like mousse, hairspray, a good thick-bristled brush (read: Mason Pearson), a powerful hair dryer (cue: Parlux), several metres of hat elastic for bump-free ponytails and last but not least, a toothbrush, over the fancy, shiny, new stuff we’re always tempted to try.

So, without further a do, here are my top tips for fighting the frizz.

• Try and steer clear of rubber bristles and wide-tooth combs and keep your eyes peeled for thick-bristled brushes. The wider the paddle of the brush and the thicker the bristles, the more hair you can grab and smooth down at once to cut down on styling time and touch ups.
• The other trick when it comes to creating super sleek styles, like buns and ponytails is to style the hair while it’s still wet. All you need to do is quickly towel dry the ends, work a small amount of a holding product like mousse or gel (steal some from your boyfriend or dad) into the mid-lengths and roots before pulling the hair back into the style. Then, if you’re keen to follow Rooney Mara‘s lead, try smoothing down a teeny-tiny amount of gel over the hair after it’s secured for a wet-looking finish or for a less dramatic look, wait until the hair is semi dry before giving the roots and crown a quick spritz of hairspray for added hold, without looking too glossy.
• Now, when it comes to putting the finishing touches on your ‘do, you can’t go past the humble toothbrush. Unlike a brush, it’s the perfect shape, size and consistency for getting in close to the hairline to smooth frizz and bumps, without disturbing the rest of your hair. Plus, it’s so tiny, it’ll fit nicely in  your clutch without hogging vital space, making it perfect for touch-ups on the go. All you need to to is load it with a hit of hairspray and comb it through. And remember, just like lipstick and gloss, regular touch-ups are key when it comes to beating frizz, so if you’re low on hair product, try working a teeny tiny amount of hand creme through the palm of your hands and cup it through the hair to smooth down fly-aways.

What do you think Primpettes…

Have you tried the old toothbrush trick?

What’s your favourite frizz taming product?

 

Posted by: Eliza Ashe

Comments (7) Print Send to friend Share

Tags: bun, frizz, hair, hairspray, hairstyles, mousse, polished hairstyles, pony tail, sleek hair