Knowing when to reach for your straightener, curling iron, or wand for a desired look is key, explains Lopez. "The finish of a wand is different than that of an iron — wands will always give you a fuller, more 'fluffed out' curl and wave, while a clip iron can also smooth the hair at the same time," he says. "Generally speaking, frizzy, coarse hair will benefit from using a clip iron if their main concern is achieving a smooth finish, and fine hair types will love the results of a wand." If you're looking for a good wand, you can't go wrong with 2018 TotalBeauty Award winner Drybar The Wrap Party Styling Wand, $165.
Mistake No. 9: Applying heat everywhere just because
Brown recommends using your hot tools sparingly as possible for each hairstyle. "If you're using a flat iron just go over the top layer, since your hair doesn't need to be flat ironed all around," she explains. "If you're using a curling iron, let your hair dry natural, especially if you have a natural wave, before adding curls in where needed." Besides, messy beach waves are so on trend — why not use them as an excuse to implement a more low-key hair routine in between heat styling sessions?
Image via Imaxtree
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Mistake No. 10: Incorporate before and after care
In addition to keeping your strands protected during your heat styling, you're also going to want to treat your hair extra nice — which means indulging the occasional luxury. To start, apply a shampoo and conditioner with a built-in heat protectant, such as Amika's Velveteen line. Celebrity hair stylist Kendall Dorsey's best kept secret is to sleep on a silk pillowcase like Slip Silk Pillowcase, $85. "Satin silk maintains the moisture in your hair and helps protect hair from continuous usage of the hot irons," she says. She also likes Drybar The Morning After Shower Cap, $16, for preserving your heat-styled 'do in the shower.
