Drying the roots first provides for the most fullness and controls the basic shape of the style you're trying to achieve.

Never use a curling iron or flatiron on wet or damp hair.

The heat from these implements can easily exceed the boiling point of water, and that much heat can cause the water inside the hair shaft to actually boil, which in turn causes serious breakage and damage in that spot.

Wet or damp hair is more vulnerable to losing its shape.

It is best to blow dry your hair all the way dry and not leave any wetness, not even a little. Unless partial natural movement is what you are after, blow dry the hair over your entire head completely to keep the style in for as long as possible.

If you have the time, alternate between hot air and cool air while blow drying.

The hot air forms the curl or smoothness, and the cool air keeps it there. Most modern blow dryers have a cool air feature that's easy to use.

To prevent hairspray from flaking off in white specks, apply it from at least six inches away from the hair.

A concentrated blast of hairspray can make the polymers and resins go on too thickly, causing a stiff, matte bond that leads to flaking.

Never backcomb or tease hair.

There is no way around this: It is damaging, plain and simple. It also robs hair of its natural luster, especially if your hair is dyed.

Do not use rubber bands to hold your hair.

Use only soft fabric tie-backs for your hair. Rubber bands or anything that pinches the hair chips away at the cuticle, and when you remove a rubber band, it takes a lot of hair with it.

Apply a leave-in conditioner prior to your regular styling product.

The right formula can make your hair more manageable while providing an extra measure of protection during heat-styling. If you have fine or thin hair, look for spray-on formulas; normal to slightly thick or coarse hair should go for thin lotions; and those with very thick or curly hair should try creamy formulas.