Behind the Scenes: Hairstyle Tips & Secrets from the Pros

Falling into a hair rut is like looking into your packed closet and finding nothing to wear. The hair is there and full of potential; all you need is some imagination and the right hair products to create the perfect hairdo. Thankfully, a few pro tips are all you need to refresh your look. Whatever your cut or length, these hairstyle ideas will have you looking like you just stepped out from backstage and onto the runway.

First things first. What tools do I need to create the perfect hairstyle?

Keep these pro hair tools on hand to create stunning hairstyles at home:

• A wide-tooth comb
• A round hair brush
• A blow-dryer with a nozzle
• A curling iron
• Hair ties
• Bobby pins

What are the best hairstyles for medium hair?

With so many hairstyles for women out there, choosing a look can be downright overwhelming. Plus, medium-length hair is incredibly versatile, so you can pull off just about any hairstyle. To help you narrow it down, here are three hairstyles for medium-length hair that are guaranteed to wow:

Smooth and straight hairstyle

When you have medium-length hair and it hits the shoulders, you can easily go sleek and straight without having to worry if it looks like drapes. According to the pros, there’s only one catch: With your ends sitting in such a prominent spot, it’s important to keep them trimmed for a clean and healthy look.

Piled high hairstyle:

Twisted, braided or twirled into place, there are plenty of perfect updo ideas for medium length hair. For bonus hair volume, the pros often add hair extensions, but you can enhance the look with a statement hair accessory, like an embellished headband or sculptural barrette.

Low bun hairstyle:

File this one under easy women’s hairstyles. A low chignon is a stunning choice that doesn’t require much work (or hair) to pull off. Prep your hair with a texturizing hair product and knot it at the nape of your neck. (Don’t worry about it looking too perfect—the goal is to create a low bun that’s part cool and part coiffed.) Secure the hairstyle with bobby pins, and pull out a few face-framing strands for an effortlessly elegant look.

What are the best hairstyles for long hair?

There’s something undeniably feminine and romantic about long hair. It can also be surprisingly easy to manage (just throw on some anti-frizz hair serum and air-dry), but for a look that says “I just left the hair salon,” a little bit of effort goes a long way:

Long wavy hairstyle:

Long hair looks best when it has some movement to it. Start by sectioning off your hair and using a curling iron to create soft waves, alternating between curling toward the front and the back of your head. Next, make like a pro and break up the curls by raking your fingers through your hair.

The low ponytail updo:

A foolproof hairstyle that’s always on point, the low ponytail updo looks polished with little effort. For some added ooh-la-la, follow these insider tricks: Tease your hair a touch at the crown and wrap a strand of hair around your elastic band to give your ponytail a professional touch.

Awesome updos:

From high buns to intricate braids, your extra length offers endless options when it comes to updos for long hair. Not sure where to start? Stick with easy updos, like a low-key topknot, a braided bun (just braid, twist and pin) or a messy bun. What are the best hairstyles with bangs?

Styled down or framing an updo, bangs have instant face-flattering appeal. The first step for any insider is a freshly cut fringe—the perfect starting point for any of these hairstyles with bangs:

Curly combination hairstyle:

Take a cue from the pros with a blend of blow-drying and tool hairstyling. Start by using a curling iron to curl medium-sized sections of hair, and then comb through for a stunning head of soft waves. Next, use a little hair straightening balm before blow-drying your bangs to make them smooth but not too straight. 

Half up, half down hair:

Highlight your bangs by gently sweeping your hair away from your face. Tracing out from the ends of your eyebrows, pull your hair back and secure with an elastic or barrette.

Side swept bangs:

Gather your hair into a low bun or ponytail, and brush your bangs to the same side for a sophisticated hairstyle that will help show off your cheekbones.

What’s the best way to keep my hairstyle or updo in place?

All the pros agree: A great hairspray is key to creating hairstyles that not only stand out but also stay put.

Pro pick: L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Unfragranced Hairspray

This cult classic hair product is a favourite of hairstylists and celebrities alike. It provides beautiful texture, body and humidity protection while holding everything in place. No doubt you’ll also want to finish things off with a product that preserves all your hard work. Just style, spray and smile!