How to flat iron your hair for a soft, volumized look

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Remember back in 2011 when I filmed a tutorial in which I looked like I was physically suffering (because I was. . . I was so scared to film videos when I started) but I showed how I used Aquage Uplifting Foam and flat ironed my hair?

Well I can’t even watch it anymore because it’s so bad, so I made a new version for you!

In this tutorial I’m using Aquage Uplifting Foam for volume at my roots, L’Oreal Blow Dry Primer to help smooth out my hair while it dries and also cut a bit of blow dry time, and Amika UnDone Texture Spray for texture and fullness after it’s styled. To finish I applied a bit of Kenra Volume 25 hairspray. The tools I used are the T3 PROi blow dryer (here is a budget option!) and the GHD 1 inch Classic flat iron. Oh and my comb is this Cricket comb!

 

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Ashley says · 10.25.17

Best typo ever! “to help smooth out my hair while it dies”
Thank you SO much for the early morning laugh! I needed that 🙂

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Kate says · 10.25.17

well you’re welcome 🙂

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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says · 10.25.17

Thank you for this! I have straight/wavy hair, but it always hangs limp especially at the roots. Dunno if I’ll have time in the morning to volumise it like you (I’m always in a rush lol), but for the weekends, I’ll definitely be doing this! 🙂

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

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Gwen says · 10.25.17

Lol….I watched your old flat iron video a few days ago and found it super helpful as usual…..Thanks for doing an even better one today. I enjoy your blog soooo much.

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Ann Rourke says · 10.25.17

What lip color are you wearing? It’s very pretty.

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Samantha says · 10.29.17

Yes, I came to ask the same thing!

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Dawn says · 10.29.17

Me too! Pretty please? Oh, by the way, great tutorial!

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Sherry says · 10.25.17

Thank you so much for the update!

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D says · 10.25.17

Great tutorial! Very helpful!!

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Ashley Beth says · 10.25.17

Sooooo helpful! I loved seeing how much Aquage you applied. I’ve been using about 1/6 of that and have been so confused why it doesn’t work as well as yours! Now I know! Beautiful style, as always. Thanks!

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Karly says · 10.25.17

As long as I’ve followed you, I have yet to try the Aquage Foam. I think its time. Awesome Video! Oh and I swear by the L’Oreal Blow Dry Spray, its AMAZING!!!

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Anne says · 10.25.17

Kate, thank you for the new video! Lately I am really loving hair like this. I think the style looks very nice on you!

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Julia says · 10.25.17

I loved this!!! This was like a “vintage kate” tutorial!

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Allie says · 10.25.17

I love your videos!! Thank you for taking the time to redo this one! xxAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

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calie says · 10.25.17

I LOVE the blow dry primer! I think it helps so much; I have thick hair and this has cut my drying time. I also use Kenra and Aquage; I’ll have to try the texture spray some time! I LOVE your tutorials, they have helped me so much!

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Kait says · 10.25.17

YES!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!

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Laura says · 10.25.17

Legit this is my dream hair!

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Tori says · 10.25.17

Do you use a dry shampoo the next day? Also, could a dry shampoo be used in place of the texture spray (if you don’t have it)? TIA Ive been an aquage user since the1000+yrs when you had your first video lol

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Kim says · 10.25.17

Ahh thank you for this! I love your hair tutorials and I love a soft, sleek look.

Kim

http://trendkeeper.me .. buying the best leggings!

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Christin says · 10.25.17

If your flat iron has the adjustable temperature what degree would you recommend setting it on? Thank you!

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Chrissie says · 10.25.17

My flat iron has a heat setting, my hair is thick, but fine, any recommendations on what I should set the temperature? Also, I loved your first tutorial,
you and Aquage changed my hair world!

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Sherry says · 10.25.17

Can you tell me the difference between the Amika you used and Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast?

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Kristina Gibson says · 10.25.17

I love wearing my hair straight, however, it’s very thick and smooth. It’s past my shoulders, but I don’t be have many layers, so it’s incredibly thick and fluffy at the ends. I was wondering fin out have any tips on how to ask for layers that are longer but will still give me smooth ends so I don’t have a triangle-shaped hairdo.

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Kristina Gibson says · 10.25.17

Also, because it’s so thick, it’s really flat on top. Even when I use the aquage uplifting foam, it has a very minuscule change.

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Michelle says · 10.28.17

You could ask your stylist for long layers. It would also be helpful for you to find a picture of hair with layers like what you are talking about and take that to show your stylist.

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Darlene says · 11.17.17

yes…very nice colour… would like to know as well ….

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Carolyn Pennell says · 10.25.17

I really like your haircut. How is it cut and does it have layers. I would love bring a picture to my hair stylist. Currently my hair is straight and all one length. Thank you for your video.

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Mindy says · 10.25.17

Yes! Ditto to this. Your layers are perfect!

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Beth says · 10.25.17

Thank you. I am going to try your tips because my hair tends to look flat and feels too silky on days that I straighten it. I think mine may be similar to yours in thickness and texture. I also use a root booster, but have not been using enough. So I’m going to give it a few extra pumps next time to see if I can tell a difference. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing!

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Lori says · 10.25.17

Thanks for the tutorial! I have thick, heavy and frizzy hair. Would I still use all of the same styling products? My hair will go flat because it’s heavy. I’m trying to minimize my products, and buy more economical ones. I always appreciate the items I can get at Walmart 🙂 Thanks for any “cheapskate” tricks!

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Leigh says · 10.25.17

Avoid using any products with silicone, it weighs down the hair 🙂

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Kate Taylor says · 10.25.17

I have a deep fondness for your old videos, but I’m excited to watch this new one! I can always get better at doing my hair and your tips and tricks are always helpful. xoxo

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Gigi says · 10.25.17

Lately, I rarely wear my curly hair straight (so.much.effort!), but this will help when I do!

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Lynn says · 10.25.17

This is the Kate I love. Helpful tips, hair and makeup. Thank you!

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Lindsay says · 10.25.17

I’m glad you posed this – I want my hair to curl but it JUST DOESN’T. I need to learn to love the hair my momma gave me I guess!

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Kelly says · 10.25.17

I use the It’s A 10 spray after I wash and before I blow dry. Should I skip this and use the primer spray?

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Tricia from Pittsburgh says · 10.25.17

This is the same tip I posted on your other video about getting volume with a flat iron. It has helped my hair a lot so I wanted to post again in the hopes of helping others. Where you used your hand to hold your hair up after the pass through, I use my hairspray can. As I’m pulling my hair away, I put the hairspray can under to hold it up. I do this for two reasons: the coldness of the can helps to set the lift (for me) and the heat of the flatiron burns my hand. By the way, great video!

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Sarah says · 10.26.17

Thanks for the awesome suggestion! I always burn my hand when I try to do this and wondered what I could do differently!

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Kyla says · 10.25.17

I love your haircut. If I wanted to explain the cut to my stylist how would you describe it.

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Meaghan says · 10.25.17

Thanks for such a great and helpful video. Your tutorials are always so approachable and wearable…thanks!!!!!

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Colleen Sees says · 10.26.17

Hi Kate I have shoulder length lob and my ends seem to flip out not under any suggestions for how to fix this?

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Kate says · 10.26.17

It may be a haircut problem. Sometimes layers can be cut in a way to encourage the hair to flip out. Talk to your stylist!

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Kelly Sprowles says · 10.26.17

It is no exaggeration to say that you have changed my life with this tutorial. I have been at my wits end with my hair for years. My hair looks completely different! Its amazing what small changes can make such a huge impact. Thank you!!

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Kate says · 10.26.17

I love to hear this! I’m so glad!

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Mandy says · 10.26.17

Thank you! I have the same type of hair and it’s so frustrating when it falls flat. I have been using Oribe Grandiouse Mousse and Oribe Dry Texture Spray. Curious if you have ever tried Oribe and how you would compare it to Aquage and Amika

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Annie says · 10.26.17

I desperately need a haircut and this post shows the PERFECT photos to show my stylist for a haircut. So…thank you for that. Lol.

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Paula says · 10.26.17

Love the advice here and the product suggestions because I never know exactly what will work best in my hair. Like you, I have fine textured and often limp hair and need all the help I can get in the volume department! Thanks for sharing!

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Katherine says · 10.26.17

Thanks for sharing this! Hair question: What can you do if your hair gets all staticky when you run it through the flat iron? Does that mean you have dry hair?

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Amber says · 10.27.17

Love this! And I love your shirt! Where can I get one?

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Vanessa says · 10.27.17

Love the video! I have thin, straight hair so I’m always trying to figure out how to add some more life to my hair. Thanks for the tips! I also love your grey eyeshadow color! What is it?

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Deb says · 10.28.17

Great video!
Where is brush you used to blow dry your hair!! Want one.
Thanks

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Kristin S says · 10.28.17

Well, I LOVED all of your original tutorials. No need to be embarrassed. You changed so many women!
Can’t wait to watch this one…

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Kristin S says · 10.28.17

OK, loved that so very much. Like the good ol days but better!

Though I’m new to Aquage (my hair is thinning as I age) and don’t love how it feels, I really think it helps extend my style when I straighten my hair.

Now, off to wash my day 8 hair. I know, so so so gross. Even I’m grossed out. BUT like you mentioned in the video, I spent a lot of time doing it right after my wash last week so it lasted a whole dang week. I was also at a convention in a hotel that was painfully dry and cold. So, no sweating.

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Jessica says · 10.29.17

Love the Amika spray! I get very excited when it shows up in my Birchbox!

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Desiree says · 10.29.17

Best video ! So many tips ! thank you!

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Christy says · 10.30.17

I’ve yet to try the Aquage Uplifting Foam but definitely am going to try it soon because of how much you rave about it! Quick question though, I tend to sleep with my hair damp/let it air dry over night to save time, and then style in the morning. Would the Aquage foam still work as well if I apply on my wet hair and let it air dry overnight?

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Laura @ The Turquoise Home says · 11.01.17

You know this is popular when you go to buy one product from amazon and every other single product you mentioned here is in the “other customers bought these, too” box. LOL Love these tutorials! Off to pile up my shopping cart!

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Ashly says · 11.02.17

What brand is that brush you’re using? I’ve never seen on like that and I think it would make a huge difference in how my hair dries!

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AshleyJ says · 11.04.17

I was also wondering about the brush & then Amazon suggested this — Wet Brush Flex Dry. Looks pretty similar!
https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Brush-Flex-Dry-Teal/dp/B06XSL2V6J/ref=pd_sim_194_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=9VQHXEK3KG0AF59JGA16&th=1

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Fabienne says · 11.16.17

you make it look so effortless!! you have the most beautiful head of hair! mine is super frizzy but I will certainly buy these products and give it a go! wish me luck!!!

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Liz says · 11.16.17

Love your tutorials! When I flat iron my hair, I get little fly aways around my part and front of my hair. These hairs stick straight up like I have static. Any suggestions to get rid of these?

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Nicole says · 11.17.17

I’m going to be the annoying person that asks…where did you get those earrings?? I love them…I tried searching your page and couldn’t find anything in regards to those particular ones.

Thanks!

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rybijanotyvy says · 11.18.17

Hello there! Is it okay to flat iron your daily. I have a thinning hair and is currently using hair thickening shampoo.

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Megan says · 11.18.17

Do you think that type of shampoo and conditioner really help with the amount of lift you can get with your hair? I have a very hard time getting lift and keepin it all day but my ends tend to be dry and frizzy, so what would be the best shampoo and conditioner for both of my problems?
PS- I watch your tutorials all the time and get ready with you all the time!

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Sharnee says · 11.18.17

I love your tutorials! I have much thinner/fine hair than you do, can you recommend a fellow stylist/blogger that does similar tutorials for my hair type? Thank you!

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Lexie says · 11.21.17

When you said 2011, I couldn’t believe it had been that long since I started reading your blog! I started reading all of your hair and makeup tutorials in college and credit you for being the reason I know how to do anything. We always inadvertently had similar haircuts which made your tutorials that much more relevant. I actually straightened my hair for the first time in ages yesterday and then I came across this post this morning! Great tutorial as usual, I’ll make sure I keep up better than I have lately. My hair could use some attention. Thanks for everything!

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Clare says · 11.22.17

Best hair straightening tutorial I’ve seen!!

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Jennifer Grenier says · 11.27.17

I have naturally wavy-curly hair. Not tight curls and it tends to be more straight closer to my head. What product(s) would you recommend to ease/quicken my routine when I straighten my hair? Thanks so much!! Love your blog! 🙂

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BGreen says · 11.30.17

Congrats on news about another baby coming in Spring. We love our grandchildren around here. Happy for you all. B

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Hazel says · 12.07.17

Any tips for post partum hair loss/ new hair growth styling?

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Annette Ortego says · 12.29.17

I absolutely love your videos! I always learn something new to make sure I look my best! Also, you always make me smile when I watch your videos! Thank You for all your help, you definitely make my life a lot easier!! 😊

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Angela says · 12.31.17

I’m so happy, thank you!

Just about a month ago I was saying how I wished I couldn’t have nice smooth (fine, semi not nice wavy) hair without being boring and flat.

I’ve done this twice now this week properly since seeing this update. What a difference!

I love the casual waves too.

I’ve checked in periodically since the beginning and you always remotivate and get me out off hair ruts. Lol

Thank you so much. 🙌🏼

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Alice says · 12.31.17

This is extremely helpful. It looks like our hair is similar in texture, length, and cut. Question: When I flat iron and try to bend, I get a kink (almost a “corner”) at the ends. What should I be doing to prevent that?

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Marilou says · 01.16.18

Oh my goodness my hair has been transformed. A little extra time with your tips but it’s totally worth it in the end! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all.

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Angela Jane Lomax says · 01.19.18

Hair Primer I didn’t even know that existed. Being pregnant killed my hair. It was curly the curl never came back 😯 your hair looks amazing xx

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Darrelyn says · 01.21.18

I love watching your videos! I love your sense of humor and listening to your soft voice. You are a good teacher and I have learned so much from you! When you show us how to do something, I can easily understand what you are teaching. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I appreciate you! God bless!

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Mary Mason says · 01.21.18

I love your videos and this is one of my favorites. You offer so many great tips. I’m like you….I like more volume too. What would you say is your cut style? I love this length. Thanks for the awesome video tutorials.

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Heather Cole says · 01.21.18

I often wake up with my hair super flat in the back and separated all weird. It is so hard to get it to look good without rewashing it. Do you have any tips to help?

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Camille says · 01.22.18

Love your tutorials!! So helpful!!

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Jena says · 01.24.18

I’ve been straightening my hair since middle school with the same flat results. Who would have thought I’ve been doing it wrong all these years (too many)!

Thanks for the advice! My hair is looking so much better.

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Amanda Hoops says · 01.31.18

I loved your 2011 video. You couldn’t tell you were nervous at all! I love Aquage uplifting foam and thank you for introducing it into my routine.

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Honey says · 02.16.18

So I watch and watch and then I realized your hair is already straight. Mine is wavy/curly naturally so i need tore effort plus it’s not gonna stay like this when I do it. Only is someone else does it for me , like my hair stylist.

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Mirabel says · 02.23.18

Thanks for the tips. Love the video.

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Linda Mae says · 04.05.18

I loved the tutorial and that shirt. So cute! Do you know where you got it?

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jessia says · 04.09.18

hey! maybe it will helpful, list with all hair salons in usa – http://nearhairsalon.com/north-dakota/

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Nancy Steele says · 04.09.18

your such a sweet person, thank you for the great tips… Nancy

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Suzanne says · 04.30.18

OMG! Life changing – for my hair anyway! I was a hairdresser in my first life, before flat irons and have worn my hair short most of my adult life. I have grown my hair out to shoulder length and have a love-hate relationship with it. After watching and doing this I have a new lease on this head of hair. I also had all these products already and now know how to use in the correct way!! Keep educating us!!

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Ashley Nescio says · 06.26.18

I know this an older post, but I stumbled upon and was curious as to what lip color you are wearing. So pretty! Thanks!

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Angela Jane Lomax says · 07.03.18

Lol no wonder im disappointed with my hair. Im lazy. I didnt know till i watched this. Thankyou xx

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Erin says · 07.11.18

The video you did a thousand years ago is a hair classic for me. I still have it bookmarked and watch it for tips every now and then! This a great remake- thanks!

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Sadie says · 07.16.18

Where is that awesome top from?! Love it!!

Thank you SO much for this tutorial! Game changer!!

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Priscilla Buchanan says · 08.23.18

Do you have a budget friendly option for a flat iron?

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Kate says · 08.23.18

I love the one by Hot Tools! https://rstyle.me/n/c8c93pm8f6

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Heidi G. says · 08.23.18

I LOVE your blog and videos! Thank you for posting so many great tips and tricks!I have been coming to your blog for years to get hair tips! I recently had a birthday and had some birthday cash to spend and yesterday, I went to Ulta and bought the classic GHD straightener, aquage uplifting foam, and the kenra hairspray, never used any of these products before lol because of this tutorial and today I tried it out and OH MY GOSH! I love it all! My hair looks amazing and it was so easy!!!!!! Thank you Thank you for helping me learn how to do hair! I am so grateful to you for your recommendations and easy to follow steps in your tutorials!

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ettin traffic to your blo says · 09.04.18

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Nancy says · 09.24.18

Best hair tutorials on the inter-webs! A BIG thank you for the small things blog.

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Mindy says · 01.21.19

Great video! Very helpful, but what exactly does the first spray do for the hair? (The L’Oréal product)

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Luisa says · 01.22.19

Oh yes! I remember this video, you showed how to make a C. This video was my foundation to style the long Bob and your were already great in this video! ❤️

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Judy CARR says · 02.07.19

Recently came across you on YouTube. Good information. Thank you

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Danielle Desnoyers says · 02.25.19

What do you think of the Big Sexy root lifter?

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Lisa says · 03.02.19

Thank you have always loved your hair tutorials and tips!!! And love you hair too!

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Myra Hargrave says · 03.15.19

Very informative video!!

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Marilynn L Beesley says · 03.31.19

I always learn something new from your blog.

Thanks for sharing.

What lipstick color do you have on in this episode?

Thanks
Marilynn

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Nicole Ingegneri says · 05.17.19

Yes! Pinterest update! I still use aquage and I still use Kenra 25 and I also have my ghd. Glad no more rolling with duck bill clips . Gonna try the texturizing spray. I hate sticky feeling spray. This was GOOD! Thank you!

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LG says · 11.06.19

Love this video! Thank you

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Sarah says · 12.04.19

Do you like the T3 straightener? Or is the GHD still your recommendation? I couldn’t find a more recent post when I searched.

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Armynne says · 12.28.19

Where to buy those products in the philippines? What else can i do with my hair and achieve a volume to my hair when i always rush to office. Dont have time to flat iron. What can u suggest something bec i have a wavy hair?

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Beckie Coca says · 03.30.20

The Amika Un.Done spray did wonders for me! Its slightly above my budget. But in the time saved styling my hair, I think its worth the extra couple of dollars. I just recently started following you. I have been watching Tati videos for a long time, but find your personality much more down to earth and pleasant! Also I think we are much closer in age, so its nice to have your perspective. I look forward to watching more videos! Especially while on lock down due to the Corona Virus in Colorado at the moment. Keep on Keepin’ on : )

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Kath says · 04.02.21

My first video of yours…so helpful and your sense of humor is hilarious! Thanks:)

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Sarah says · 05.09.21

Thanks you sooooooo much for these ideas. Another fast hair growth tip is to care for your hair properly. Improper perming, bleaching and dyeing will damage the hair. Grooming wet hair can stretch and break it so don’t style your hair until it’s dry.

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Patsy says · 12.11.21

What brand vented wet brush do you recommend for styling my fine, thin, naturally annoying curly hair into a straight style like your? I’ve seen many of the brushes at. Ariosto price points. Thanks, Kate. I always enjoys your posts!

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Jen says · 05.10.22

Hello! Recently rewatched this video and found your hair drying technique really interesting. I have natural fine hair but a lot of it with no volume. I wear a side part that I don’t touch unless I pull my hair in a pony tail, and I flat iron my hair 98% of my life because it’s easiest. Seeing the movement and volume after you blowdried your hair was insightful. However, my baby hairs at my part make blow drying my hair in the opposite direction, like you did for volume, impossible. I have to part my hair wet as it will live for the day and then blow dry it that way or else my bangs don’t fall nicely and baby hairs stick out. Any tips for styling baby hairs and/or a cowlick?

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