Relaxed and straightened long hair

Photo: Torkil Gudnason

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SLIDESHOW

Normally wear your hair curly? Straighten it
For the silkiest results, go easy on product. Patrick recommends combing only a light leave-in conditioner through damp hair. Then direct the nozzle of your blow-dryer straight down behind a paddle brush as you pull the brush slowly from roots to ends. Once hair is dry, glide a flatiron along two-inch sections. Finally, run a dab of smoothing cream (like Aveeno Nourish + Style Smoothing Shine Crème, $7.50) over your ends.

Why the change will do you good: Straight hair lies close to the head and acts like parentheses around your features, framing the face, says Hidalgo. And a smooth style is a smart way to complement a statement necklace or earrings.

Next: Why a slight haircolor change could make all the difference