Want to learn how to create modern, statement hair looks with celebrity hairstylist Michael Gray? Discover the techniques and products behind relaxed waves, a voluminous curly bun and a bouncy, classic blow-out.
1. Waves: soft movement with alternating curl directions
Relaxed waves should look light and effortless. An airy finish is created by making sure the curls do not all fall perfectly in the same direction.
Prep towel-dried hair with Four Reasons Professional Blow-Out Mist and blow-dry. For extra lift at the roots, apply Four Reasons Professional Root Booster and blow-dry the roots away from the scalp. Before using hot tools, spray dry hair with Four Reasons Professional Heat Shield.
Curl the hair section by section, alternating the direction of each curl. Curl one section away from the face and the next in the opposite direction. This prevents the curls from blending into one uniform wave and creates a more dynamic, airy texture. Around the face, choose the direction depending on whether you want to open up the look or create a more defined face-framing shape.
Allow the curls to cool before brushing them out. Choose your technique according to the finish you want:
- Separating the curls with your fingers preserves more definition.
- A wide-tooth comb creates softer, more uniform waves.
- A brush creates a polished, glossy Hollywood wave finish.
Work a small amount of Four Reasons Professional Silky Oil between your palms and gently open up the curls. Keep your touch light to preserve the volume you have created. Finish with Four Reasons Professional Dry Shine Spray for shine without a heavy feel.
PRO tip: The more you brush, the softer the curl pattern becomes. Always start gently. You can brush more if needed, but definition is harder to bring back once it is gone.
2. Curly bun: a statement updo
A voluminous curly bun looks beautifully detailed, yet it can be created efficiently. Because the finished style is pinned up, there is no need to curl the entire length of the hair while it is loose.
Prep the hair with Four Reasons Professional Blow-Out Mist. Apply Four Reasons Professional Root Booster at the roots if you want extra lift around the front and crown. Once the hair is dry, protect it from heat with Four Reasons Professional Heat Shield.
Tie the hair into a ponytail before curling. Leave out a separate section around the face and at the front to style later. Working with a ponytail saves time and reduces unnecessary heat styling in areas that will be hidden in the finished look.
Allow the curls to cool, then gently separate them with your fingers. Avoid stretching out the curl pattern too much, as the curves of the curls create the bun’s volume. Arrange the curls around the base of the ponytail and pin them in different directions. Leave some of the curves visible to keep the bun airy and multidimensional.
Finish by styling the loose sections at the front. You can leave them softly framing the face, sweep them back into the updo or use them to create a more polished shape at the front.
PRO tip: Do not open up every curl in the same way. Keep some curls more defined and soften others more generously. The variation in texture makes the bun appear fuller.
3. Classic blow-out: volume starts with tension
A classic blow-out combines lifted roots, a smooth finish and big, bouncy movement. Good preparation and consistent tension make all the difference.
Apply Four Reasons Professional Blow-Out Mist to damp hair. Spray Four Reasons Professional Root Booster particularly around the crown and parting, as well as anywhere you want the strongest lift. While blow-drying, direct the airflow from roots to ends and lift each section well away from the scalp.
When finishing the shape with an iron, maintain steady, even tension throughout the section. Instead of simply wrapping the hair around the iron, gently direct the section forwards and upwards as you work. This smooths the surface and creates a large, rounded movement. Use sections that are small enough for the heat to reach the hair evenly.
Roll each warm section back into shape and secure it with a clip. Allow every section to cool completely before releasing it. Cooling the hair in clips helps set the shape.
Remove the clips only once the hair feels completely cool. Open up the shape with your fingers or a brush, then finish with Four Reasons Professional Volume Spray. If needed, add a light mist of Four Reasons Professional Finishing Spray to hold the movement without creating a stiff finish.
PRO tip: Direct the sections at the crown slightly away from the direction in which they will eventually fall. This overdirection creates extra lift at the roots and gives the finished look a more airy feel.
