How to Style Asian Hair
How to work with the hair you've got.
By Elizabeth Flahive
Get more hairstyle advice here: Quick & Easy Hairstyles, Style Your Hair in 15 Minutes, Advanced Hairstyles
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, straight, asian, 30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
girl with long wavy dark brown hair
Start with a shine-boosting shampoo so hair looks glossy.
\r\n\r\nBlow-dry hair straight, concentrating mostly on the roots to mid-shaft.
\r\n\r\nUse large hot rollers on your ends, leaving them in for two to three minutes for the slightest wave.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nSHINE BOOSTING SHAMPOO like Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine Shampoo, $4.99.
\r\n\r\nCURLERS like BaByliss Ceramic 20 Roller Hair Setter, $39.95.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like Garnier Fructis Glossing Spray, $3.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, thick, straight, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with dark brown bob and bangs
Keep your sleek bob looking chic by going in for frequent bang trims. Eye-skimming and eye-covering are two very different looks.
\r\n\r\nUse a color-enhancing shampoo to keep dark locks glossy.
\r\n\r\nUse an anti-frizz serum before drying hair so hair doesn\'t get too bushy.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nCOLOR ENHANCING SHAMPOO like Ultimate Brunette Shampoo with Vibrant ColorComplex, $4.99.
\r\n\r\nANTI FRIZZ like Suave Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream, $2.99.
\r\n\r\nSMOOTHING CONDITIONER like John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Lustrous Touch Smoothing Conditioner with Satin Finishers, $6.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, normal, straight, asian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with wavy reddish brown hair
Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to keep your single process from fading away and looking dull. \r\n\r\nUse a volume mousse right at the roots and dry hair with a nozzle attachment to focus air right at the roots.
\r\n\r\nDrop the brush and shake out your hair as you dry so you get extra oomph all over.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n COLOR PROTECTING SHAMPOO like René Furterer Color Protective Radiance Shampoo, $23.
\r\n\r\n VOLUME MOUSSE like TIGI Catwalk Extra Strong Mousse, $12.
\r\n\r\n COLOR PROTECTING CONDITIONER like Phyto Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner for Color-Treated or Permed Hair, $26.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, fine, straight, asian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with straight black hair in a half updo
Spray hair with a volumizer like at the roots. Re-dry the front section with a round brush, pulling hair up and back.
\r\n\r\nTake that section and twist it back, securing it with a bobby pin so you get a lot of lift in front. Keep the ends in a messy loop in the back of your head.
\r\n\r\nRun a tiny dab of shine serum through the ends of your hair.
\r\n\r\n
MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nVOLUMIZER like Redken Volume Spray Foam, $13.99.
\r\n\r\nBOBBY PINS like Scunci Comfort Curved Bobby Pins, $1.69. \r\n
\r\n\r\nROUND BRUSH like Conair Performers Round Brush, $9.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, fine, straight, asian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with short dark brown hair
Start with a volumizing shampoo to get some life in your locks.
\r\n\r\nRun a mousse through your roots and blow-dry while running your fingers through your hair.
\r\n\r\nUse a nozzle attachment to focus air right at the roots for extra lift.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\nVOLUMIZING SHAMPOO like Pureology Volume Shampoo, $26.
\r\n\r\nMOUSSE like Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse, $3.99.
\r\n\r\nHAIR DRYER like T3 Micro Hair Dryer, $200.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, normal, straight, asian, 30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
girl with long brown bob
Run a styling cream through hair before blow drying. If your hair is super straight veering towards flat, dry hair without a brush and then smooth with a styling cream when everything\'s dry.
\r\n\r\nFlip hair over and mist with shine spray for extra gleam.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nSTYLING CREAM like Pureology Nanocream Styling Glaze, $33.
\r\n\r\nHAIR DRYER like Conair Infiniti Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Styler, $39.99.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like Sunsilk ThermaShine Detangling Shine Spray, $4.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, straight, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
girl with long dark wavy hair\r\n
Use a moisturizing shampoo to add shine and fight static.
\r\n\r\nRun a little mousse through damp hair to get extra oomph when you blow dry.
\r\n\r\nUse a round brush and dry hair on low heat to cut down on flyaways, making sure to turn brush under to get a bounce at the ends.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\nMOISTURIZING SHAMPOO like Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Shampoo, $11.
\r\n\r\nMOUSSE like Redken Full Frame Protective Volume Mousse, $16.
\r\n\r\nROUND BRUSH like Sephora Medium Round Brush, $16.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, normal, straight, asian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with straight medium length black hair
To keep hair from getting too oily, use a clarifying shampoo before styling so you\'re not layering new products on top of product buildup.
\r\n\r\nKeep product away from your scalp and work it through the rest of your hair.
\r\n\r\nDry hair without using a brush, on a high power and heat. Use a tiny bit of pomade on your ends.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nCLARIFYING SHAMPOO like Aubrey Organics Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo, $9.99.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like John Frieda Frizz-Ease Shine Glossing Spray, $10.92.
\r\n\r\nROOT LIFTER like Frédéric Fekkai Root Lifting Spray, $19.50.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, asian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
two brunette women with straight hair
If you have chemically treated hair you want to constantly replenish oils with deep conditioners that contain shea butter, olive or almond oils at least three times a week to avoid breakage.
\r\n\r\nHeat styling is a must if hair has been chemically relaxed, but don\'t overdo it since your hair is fragile. Only iron what is absolutely necessary, like face-framing strands.
\r\n\r\nSpritz hair with a moisturizing shine spray for heavy-duty gleam.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nDEEP CONDITIONER like Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment, $55.
\r\n\r\nFLAT IRON like Babyliss Pro Natural Ionic Flat Iron, $169.
\r\n\r\nSHINE SPRAY like Biosilk Shine On, $13.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, asian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with long straight black hair
Run an anti-frizz and leave-in conditioner through wet hair.
\r\n\r\nWrap your whole head in a towel to get rid of excess water without creating frizz.
\r\n\r\nAfter leaving your hair cocooned in terrycloth, unwrap your head and let everything air-dry the rest of the way. The result: Naturally sexy waves that are practically effortless.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nANTI FRIZZ like Suave Professionals Healthy Curls Anti-Frizz Cream, $2.99.
\r\n\r\nLEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Sexy Hair Concepts Healthy Sexy Hair Leave-In, $11.
\r\n\r\nSUPER ABSORBANT TOWEL like Aquis Microfiber Towel, $18.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, curly, asian, 15-30 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with long curly hair
Condition hair overnight so ends stay healthy-looking. Rinse hair in the shower in the a.m.
\r\n\r\nRun a leave-in conditioner through your hair and take one- inch pieces and twist them, creating a ringlet curl that goes about halfway up.
\r\n\r\nDiffuse the ends to the mid-shift so you get conditioned bouncy curls.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nOVERNIGHT TREATMENT like Phyto 9 Day Cream for Dehydrated Hair, $26.
\r\n\r\nLEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like EO Conditioner in French Lavender, $8.59.
\r\n\r\nDIFFUSER like Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Diffuser, $13.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, straight, asian, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with long straight hair and bangs
A strong bang is so chic — and achievable if you have naturally thick hair. A quick flat iron with a tiny, bang-friendly version keeps them in line daily.
\r\n\r\nRun a conditioning styling cream through your hair and blow-dry halfway to cut down on frizz. Let hair air-dry the rest of the way so you get a smooth but imperfect texture.
\r\n \r\nYou can skip shampooing the next day and refresh your style with a botanical conditioning mist.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nMINI FLAT IRON like Warren-Tricomi Hot Iron, $90.
\r\n\r\nCONDITIONING MASK like Garnier Fructis Deep Conditioning Mask, $6.99.
\r\n\r\nREFRESHING SPRAY like Nexxus Moisturizing Leave-In Spray, $10.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
woman with long wavy dark brown hair
CONDITIONING MOUSSE like Dove Volumizing Body & Lift Mousse, $4.29.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, wavy, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
woman with long dark brown hair
Add volume to second-day, unwashed hair by running a curling iron through the ends.
\r\n\r\nWarm up a dab of texture pomade in your palms and then rake hands through your hair.
\r\n\r\nFlip hair over and blast with a cool shot of air from your dryer. The result: Sexy, polished bedhead strands.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nCURLING IRON like Conair Satin Finish Ceramic Curling Iron, $19.99.
\r\n\r\nTEXTURE POMADE like Pantene Pro-V Texturize! Defining Pomade, Texture & Shine, $4.49.
\r\n\r\nHAIR DRYER like Chi Turbo Hair Dryer, $135.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, normal, wavy, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
girl with long wavy brown hair
Use an overnight conditioning serum-getting ready in the morning will go a lot faster. Just rinse your hair in the shower (skip shampoo and just give your scalp a good massage).
\r\n\r\nThen, apply a styling cream — thanks to the overnight deep conditioning, your hair will be so much more manageable.
\r\n\r\nA long, layered cut allows your hair to air-dry brilliantly — no heat-styling needed. So you get great style and healthier locks.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nOVERNIGHT TREATMENT like Ted Gibson Replenish Goodnite Hair Serum, $200.
\r\n\r\nSTYLING CREAM like Kérastase Creme Nutri-Sculpt\r\n, $29.99.
\r\n\r\nANTI FRIZZ like Dove Therapy Frizz Control Taming Cream, $4.49.
Hairstyle Handbook
short, thick, wavy, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with short wavy hair
Work a rich leave-in conditioner through damp hair to smooth the cuticle.
\r\n\r\nSpritz in some spray gel to control puffiness and frizz and diffuse on a low heat.
\r\n\r\nTwirl hair around your fingers to shape curls in front for a more polished look.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nLEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like TIGI Bed Head End Mender Leave-In Conditioner, $14.99.
\r\n\r\nSPRAY GEL like Clairol Herbal Essences Set Me Up Spray Gel, $3.99.
\r\n\r\nCURL SHAMPOOO like Samy Curls Shampoo, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, normal, straight, asian, 15 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
girl with brown medium length hair
Create a quick half-updo by gathering hair loosely back to softly frame your face.
\r\n\r\nFasten with a small barrette and pull hair out so it\'s loosely framing the sides of your face, adding volume and softness.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nRough up ends with a little TEXTURIZING SPRAY like, Ted Gibson Build It $28, so the style looks refined but sexy.
\r\n\r\nHYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER keeps hair healthy. \r\nOjon Ultra Hydrating Shampoo, $18.
\r\n\r\nSCULPTING WAX like Terax Hair Care Sculpting Wax, $16, gives you an undone texture.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, thick, curly, 30 minutes, hairstyles, brown hair, sexy hair
girl with long curly dark brown hair
Deep-condition hair at least once a week and stick to minimal shampooing. If your scalp or skin is oily, use a gentle shampoo just on your roots and leave your ends out of it. \r\n\r\nUse a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair while still in the shower.
\r\n\r\nCocktail some leave-in conditioner and anti-frizz and run through wet hair. Allow it to air-dry so you get smooth, well-behaved curls.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n DEEP CONDITIONER like Ouidad Deep Treatment, $33.
\r\n\r\n WIDE TOOTH COMB like CurlMart Cricket Ultraclean Big Time Comb, $3.49.
\r\n\r\n LEAVE IN CONDITIONER like Charles Worthington Results Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
medium, thick, straight, asian, 15-30 minutes, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with medium length straight layered hair
Use a leave in conditioner as an overnight treatment.
\r\n\r\nIn the morning, rinse hair thoroughly and shampoo just the roots.
\r\n\r\nWork a texture spray through damp hair and blow-dry on a cool setting. You should get a straight but modern looking result.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nLEAVE-IN CONDITIONER like Sebastian Laminates Detangling Milk Leave-In Conditioner, $9.99.
\r\n\r\nTEXTURE PASTE like Min New York Texturizing Paste, $20.
\r\n\r\nMOISTURE RICH SHAMPOO like The Body Shop Honey Moisturizing Shampoo, $15.
Hairstyle Handbook
long, normal, wavy, asian, 15 minutes, brown hair, hairstyles, sexy hair
brunette with wavy hair
Wash hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner for dry/damaged hair — you get the benefits of a conditioning mask without weighing your hair down.\r\n\r\nRun a straightening balm through your hair and let it air-dry.
\r\n\r\nOnce it\'s dry, use a tiny dollop of mousse and scrunch into the midshaft for a face-framing tousled look.
\r\n\r\nMARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\n SHAMPOO like Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo, $6.99.
\r\n\r\n STRAIGHTENING BALM like Faroux Systems Straight Guard Styling Cream, $13.99.
\r\n\r\n MOUSSE like Samy Mucho Mousse, $5.99.
Hairstyle Handbook
hairstyle gallery, syndication, hairstyles
ethnic hairstyles
Start with the right cut: long front angles swept to the side. \r\nWhen your hair is partially dry, spritz it liberally with texturizing spray, flip your head over and scrunch your hair. Pull it back into a low, messy knot and secure with a few bobby pins. A quick mist of hairspray will lock in the style without making it look too perfect. MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nTEXTURIZING SPRAY like \r\nCharles Worthington London Big Hair Salon Shine Texturizing Salt Spray, $5.99\r\n
BOBBY PINS like \r\nScunci No-Slip Grip Bobby Pins, $2.62
\r\nHAIRSPRAY like \r\nAlberto VO5 Extreme Style Hairspray, $3.49
Hairstyle Handbook
hairstyle gallery, syndication, hairstyles
ethnic hairstyles
Naturally straight hair looks gorgeous with long layers and not a lot of fuss. Before you dry, mist on some thickening spray to create volume and a fortifying spray to prevent split ends. Then, use your fingers to tousle the strands while you blast them with the blowdryer. Let your part happen naturally, and tuck your hair behind your ears — the result will be easy, casual and very pretty. MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nTHICKENING SPRAY like Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray, $22.95\r\n
SPLIT-END SPRAY like \r\nJohn Frieda Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-in Fortifying Spray, $5.99\r\n
BLOWDRYER like the Infiniti by Conair, $38.49
Hairstyle Handbook
hairstyle gallery, syndication, hairstyles
ethnic hairstyles
A deep part elevates a simple, straight cut. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner that won\'t weigh down your hair. Then, let it air-dry - this gives you more texture without much product - and create a dramatic line, sweeping your hair across one eye. A drop of anti-frizz serum makes it look ultra-glossy. MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nVOLUMIZING SHAMPOO like \r\nKiss My Face Big Body Volumizing Shampoo, $8.29\r\n
VOLUMIZING CONDITIONER like \r\nHerbal Essences Body Envy Conditioner, $6.99\r\n
SERUM like \r\nFX Silk Drops Hair Serum, $4.49\r\n\r\n
Hairstyle Handbook
hairstyle gallery, syndication, hairstyles
ethnic hairstyles
To turn fine hair into an amped-up bob, start with a volumizing shampoo and just a small amount of a conditioner that won\'t weigh down your tresses.\r\nUse a comb to create a dramatic part and side-swept bangs.\r\nAfter your hair is dry, use texturizing paste on the ends and dry shampoo on the roots to toughen-up the style even more. MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nVOLUMIZING SHAMPOO like Aveda Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo, $30\r\n\r\n
TEXTURIZING PASTE like \r\nGot 2B Magnetik Texturizing Pomade, $6.29\r\n
DRY SHAMPOO like \r\nKlorane Shampoo Dry, $12.98\r\n
Hairstyle Handbook
hairstyle gallery, syndication, hairstyles
ethnic hairstyles
Chunky, highlighted bangs elevate a basic, straight style, making it edgy and fun. Remember to use a color-preserving shampoo to keep blonde shades from turning brassy and a conditioner specifically for fine hair.\r\nLet your hair air-dry but use a blowdryer on your bags. Pointing downward, quickly move the dryer back and forth to create texture. MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nBLOWDRYER like \r\nElchim 2001 Professional Hair Dryer, $99.95\r\n
SHAMPOO like \r\nL\'Oreal Professional Vitamino Color Shampoo, $28\r\n
CONDITIONER like \r\nDove Volume Therapy Conditioner for Fine Hair, $4.75\r\n
Hairstyle Handbook
hairstyle gallery, syndication, hairstyles
ethnic hairstyles
Get this shaggy, layered cut to turn your naturally straight hair into a sexy, tousled style. Start by air-drying your hair; then, mist in some surf spray and scrunch. To make your bangs look more finished, roughly blowdry them.\r\nIf you still need oomph, wrap large sections around the barrel of a curling iron - twisting some forwards and some backwards for an intentionally messy effect. A dab of shine cream on the ends finishes off the look. MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nSURF SPRAY like \r\nDavid Babaii for WildAid Bohemian Beach Spray, $9.99\r\n
CURLING IRON like \r\nHot Tools Jumbo 1\" Professional Curling Iron, $20.99\r\n
SHINE CREAM like \r\nPureology StylingLotion Support Hold Shine, $21
Hairstyle Handbook
hairstyle gallery, syndication, hairstyles
ethnic hairstyles
Exaggerate your smooth, wispy texture with an angled cut and bangs. Then, make it look professional by styling with a flatiron. Use a heat protection spray to minimize damage. Pull the iron straight down through small sections, beginning at the crown. Bend the ends of your bangs under slightly. Then, to make the look even more modern, finish it off with mattifying spray. MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nHEAT PROTECTION SPRAY like \r\nChi 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray, $11.99\r\n
FLAT IRON like \r\nT3 Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Flat Iron, $69.95\r\n
MATTIFYING POWDER like \r\nSchwarzkopf OSiS Dust It Mattifying Powder, $13\r\n
Hairstyle Handbook
hairstyle gallery, syndication, hairstyles
ethnic hairstyles
To get more body, mist volumizing spray at the roots of your straight, fine hair. Flip your head and blowdry, using your fingers to create lift near your scalp. \r\nWhile your hair is still damp, mist with a curl spray and wrap sections of hair around hot rollers. Pin them in place.\r\nAfter the curlers have cooled and your hair is just about dry, mist with hairspray and remove rollers, pulling downward to create waves. MARIE CLAIRE RECOMMENDS
\r\n\r\nVOLUMIZING SPRAY like \r\nKerastase Spray Volumactive, $34\r\n
CURL SPRAY like L\'Oréal Studio Tightly Wound Curl Boosting Spray, $4.99\r\n\r\n
HOT ROLLERS like \r\nRemington All That Quick Curl Set, $14.99 \r\n
