Favorite Thermal Styling Techniques & Tools

By: Diane Lym-Tai Da Costa, Mizani Multi-Textured Expert

You can take the guess work out of styling wavy, curly and coily textures with some of my favorite Thermal Styling Tools and Natural Sets that can also give you the same results. Once you recognize the type and texture of the curl pattern using the Mizani Natural Curl Key, which defines every curl type and texture from straight hair to coily/zig zag textures, then you, the stylist are able to start with healthy hair and can recommend the best shampoo and conditioning treatments for each texture. Generally, I recommend using a hydrating and moisturizing system like, Mizani Moisturfusion Ultra Hydration System to soften and moisturize all types and textures of natural and relaxed hair before you start your styling session—unless the hair has special needs like, brittle dry and over-processed hair. If that is the diagnosis, then you can costume blend a treatment using one of Mizani‘s various customized treatments.

Thermal Styling Techniques & Tools
While some stylists prefer to still use hot ovens and pressing combs, I prefer to use the latest electric ceramic styling tools with thermal styling products like, Mizani Thermasmooth System to achieve the ultimate style on curly and coily hair. My favorite styling tools are CHI blow dryers and CHI Ceramic or Tourmaline Flat Irons and barrel curling irons as well as HAI ceramic tools in ½”, 1 ½” and 2” plates and barrels sizes. I use a special wrapping technique on Type I (Straight to open wave) to Type V (Curly) hair on the Mizani Natural Curl Key to create a smooth, soft or wavy affect.

1.  First, apply a leave in spray and spray a wrap styling lotion. Then wrap the hair flat with a paddle brush in the direction I will style the hair and then follow up with a boar bristle brush to ensure the hair is smooth.

2. After, cover the head with a mesh head wrap made to secure the hair while under the dryer. After the hair is dry, I apply Mizani ThermaSmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum and slightly blow-dry the hair with a paddle or Denman brush.

3. Then apply the Thermasmooth Shine Extend Anti-Humidity Spritz before you ceramic iron straight or create soft curls with a ceramic barrel iron.

If you prefer to blow dry the hair without using the wrapping technique particularly on shorter hair lengths, use the entire Mizani Thermasmooth System—shampoo and conditioner first and then blow dry with a wide tooth comb to release tight curls then follow with a paddle brush, round or Denman brush before ceramic iron with a CHI ceramic iron. Apply Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum on damp hair before blow drying and then apply Shine Extend Anti-Humidity Spritz before you thermal straighten or create soft waves, spiral curls with ceramic flat or barrel irons.

Natural Sets
You can also achieve spiral curls or soft glamour waves with Mizani TRUE TEXTURES Styling Collections & Techniques without using any heat on Types III to VIII using styling products—Perfect Curl, defining crème gel and Moisture-Stretch featured in February’s Article and step-by-step techniques. (link step-by step here).

Do you have questions for Diane Da Costa? Send all inquires to angiem@behindthechair.com

Get more styling techniques in Diane’s book, TEXTURED TRESSES.