How To: Secrets for Sexy Sleek Hair

Tippi Shorter, Aveda’s artistic director for textured hair, shares her secrets for sexy sleek.

Wet Vs. Slick

For a traditional wet look, start with damp hair, then apply a water-based high-shine gel for hold. Slick styles can be done wet or dry using a few dollops of oil, pomade or shine serum.

Essential Oils

A hydrating oil is the most important part of a satiny do. It penetrates to keep hair moisturized inside and out.

The Right Tools

Smooth unruly strands with a mixed-bristle brush.

Faux Finish

Dab oil on ends and then run a flat iron over hair to create texture without water.

This article was featured in the June 2014 issue of ESSENCE . Pick it up on newsstands now.