II. Use Heat to Create Shape

Hot water, blow-dryers and hot tools soften the structure of hair and make it more receptive to curling or straightening. “Heat breaks down the hydrogen bonds in hair so you can reset it in the shape you want,” says Pantene senior scientist Lesley Bride. Beware: Excessive heat damages strands, so use tools with adjustable thermostats. “Use higher heat for thick, curly hair and lower heat for fine or colored hair,” Barrett says. And since it takes time for strands to set in a new shape, “try not to disrupt the style while hair is cooling off,” says Bride.

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