What’s the best way to hide choppy layers? Hair so straight everything blends in smoothly. I recently upgraded my straightener to the FHI Platform (in 1 1/4″) and am so surprised at how much easier hair styling can be with the right tools. I’ve been using this one daily for two different styles. It’s the perfect heat setting to quickly get your hair done efficiently without burning out the ends and the adjustable plates make it easier to twist your wrist if you want a slight curl at the bottom or to wave your hair in a certain direction.
FHI Heat Platform, 1 1/4″, $195.
Straight:
This is pretty straightforward — the best way to tuck in chunky layers is to straighten them out so the ends are smooth and slightly curl in. I like to wash my hair at night so I typically let it air dry and then pump on some volumizer in the morning before using the straightener to smooth out my hair. I use the highest setting (450 degrees) and run through the bottom layers quickly and concentrate more on my top layers.
Wavy:
Here’s a trick I learned from my stylist. After using your curler of choice (ceramic hot iron or hot rollers), use the straightener on a low setting, propping it about 1″ apart with your fingers and run it through your hair, loosening your curls into waves. When you’re done, lightly spritz with hair spray to hold your loose waves. This always helps when I’ve gone a little overboard with the curling — shorter layers = more exaggerated curls.
I’ve also started curling my bangs to one side with the straightener. I clamp on a flat section of the bangs, parallel to my forehead, and twist to the side with my wrist rotating outwards, to create a bit of volume before the bangs curl at my temple.
I’ve retired my trusty T3 straightener to upgrade to the FHI Heat. I’ve found that this one heats up much faster and is easier to maneuver around the head. The plates and arms are shorter so it’s fairly compact and lightweight. Also it takes less effort to straighten — although it doesn’t get as hot as other irons I’ve used in the past, the evenly distributed heat works effectively. The plates are super smooth and doesn’t break your hair like some of the clampier irons do. If you don’t need the adjustable heat options and have fairly malleable hair, they have a Technique version that goes up to 410 degrees that is only $120.
Take a look for a quick comparison of how this straightener is different from CHI or T3:
11 responses so far ↓
1 Hellen CLARK // Mar 25, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I was just on your site and wanted to say I like what you are doing. Keep up the effort and keep the posts coming.
2 Leslie // Mar 25, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Pictures!! I demand to see pictures of your pretty hair when done with both styles
3 CT // Mar 25, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Pffft. That requires a picture of my face. Hah.
Besides, my hair is pitch black and you can’t really see the texture in pictures.
4 Christine // Mar 25, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Thanks for the tips! Which volumizer do you like to use? My hair stays wet forever. How long does it take you to air dry?
5 CT // Mar 25, 2009 at 4:17 pm
I use T3 Plump:
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P196207&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5780
6 Kit // Mar 25, 2009 at 6:24 pm
The Runway version is 450$..not 120$ =((
I use a T3 wet/dry flat iron..but I feel it’s not as good as everyone claimed it to be..is the FHI one a lot better? If I use T3 twice a week, my hair start to get dull and not shiny even when it’s really straight. I almost felt like I got a fake T3 (but it must be real since I got it from a big department store)..how do you compare the two?
7 ayu // Mar 25, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Have u heard about ghd. it’s uk brand. It really works like wonder! http://www.ghdhair.com
8 CT // Mar 26, 2009 at 10:04 am
Ooops sorry I meant Technique! I’m updating the post right now.
I know what you mean about the fake T3… I bought mine from Sephora but the stickers had misspellings on them. I think the earlier irons were not made as well as the newer ones. I found that I had to run it several times through my hair to smooth it out which I think really dries out the hair. What I like about FHI heat is that the heat seems more evenly distributed so it doesn’t take as many times to get the hair straight.
9 CT // Mar 26, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I updated the post with more details on how this compares to other irons — if you’re interested!
10 jane // Mar 30, 2009 at 2:01 am
I’m a hair stylist Ive tried the Chi, Hai, and Infrashine. Now I use the GHD and I think its one of the best flat irons out.
11 jbglam // Apr 8, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I love your site! Great hair care tips:)
For the hair obsessed I found a new series on Glamour.tv called Tressed To Impress that I am obsessed with. It’s like the best of the Hill’s and City with a hair care twist!
Also, if you log on to Glamour.tv you have the opportunity to win free product and a chance to star in a Glamour.tv episode…super cool!!
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