To Make Curly Hair Straight

Your best cut: For ease of styling, Labrecque recommends going to extreme lengths. Very short curly hair can be blown straight in minutes flat. Very long curly hair tends to flatten under its own weight. Steer clear of midlength cuts unless you’re committed to daily blow-outs.

How to style it: Straightening curly hair is a little like ironing a shirt, says Jason Low, also of the John Frieda salon, in New York City and Los Angeles: “You need consistent tension, strong heat, and some moisture.” Start by using antifrizz (sometimes labeled “smoothing”) shampoo and conditioner. Next, work a pea-size drop of hydrating styling cream through damp hair, spritz on a heat-protectant spray, and crank the dryer up to its highest heat, which will help hair dry fast, before it has a chance to curl. Pull hair taut while blowing on a low speed and aim air toward the ends to avoid flyaways. Finish with a flat iron and a drop of shine serum.