Hairstyling Tips 101

Whether you’re stuck in a style rut, or just need a little inspiration, CLOUD NINE is here to help. We’re leading the healthy hairstyling revolution, giving you the tools, products, and tips to help you style your hair without causing damage. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily, we’ve got the perfect solutions to protect and nurture your hair’s natural beauty.

In this guide, we’ll run through each of the four hair types – straight, wavy, curly, and coily – and give our top styling tips. So scroll down to your hair type and see what’s in store.

Not sure which hair type you have? Check out our expert’s guide to hair types to find out.

STRAIGHT HAIR

Straight hair – sometimes called type 1 hair – is naturally smooth and sleek, but can lack volume or texture. It tends to get oily quickly, which can leave it looking flat if not styled properly. However, with a few simple tips, you can bring out the best in your straight hair. 

Haircut tips for straight hair

Choosing the right haircut can make all the difference. Here are some recommendations for straight hair:

• Face-framing layers add dimension and movement, giving straight hair a more dynamic look. Layers can add texture to updos as strands of hair can be loosened around the face, ears, and neck when styling.
• Blunt cuts can give a sleek and modern appearance, especially for hairstyles above the shoulders. A blunt fringe can be a great way to frame your face.
• Avoid too many layers, which can make hair look flatter. If too much volume is removed from straight hair, it can look limp and straggly. Stick to subtle and strategic layers, particularly around your face, for an elegant look.

Styling techniques for straight hair

Straight hair can benefit from techniques that add volume and texture:

• To add volume, blow-dry your hair using the CLOUD NINE Airshot, focusing on lifting the roots.
• Create texture by using the Curling Wand to create soft waves or curls. Wrap small sections of hair around the mineral-infused barrel and release after a few seconds. When all sections are curled, run fingers through to separate strands before spraying with a setting spray to keep the style in place. If your straight hair doesn’t hold a curl easily, try pinning each curl in place for a few minutes, then spraying with hairspray to encourage the curls to set.
• For a sleek, straight style, use the Original Iron, which comes with our innovative Revive Mode™ technology to style hair gently. All our straighteners come with Variable Temperature Control, with the Original Iron having 11 customisable temperature settings. Feel confident that you’ve adjusted your straightener to your hair’s perfect heat setting by checking out our Temperature Calculator first.

Product recommendations for straight hair

To keep your hair light and bouncy, choose:

• Lightweight mousses and sprays to avoid weighing down your hair.
• Dry shampoo for when your roots are a little oily and need a volume boost.
• A heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion before using any heat styling tools to protect your hair from damage.

WAVY HAIR

Wavy hair – sometimes referred to as type 2 hair – sits somewhere between straight and curly with a natural wave pattern that’s a little prone to frizz. Wavy hair needs more moisture than straight hair, so with the right haircut and styling techniques, your waves can be shiny and beautifully defined.

Haircut tips for wavy hair

Layers are the best way to show off your waves, especially if your hair is on the longer side.

• Two-step layers that are widely spaced can help enhance your waves, adding bounce and stopping your hair from looking too heavy. This cut works really well as an updo, with a few shorter tendrils pulled out to frame your face.
• Ask your hairdresser for a dry cut if your hair is very wavy, as this allows them to work with your hair’s natural wave pattern. A wet haircut might work best for finer, straighter hair.
• For short wavy hair, try the bixie cut, which is a cross between the pixie cut and bob style. Keep the fringe longer to frame the face, and show off your natural volume.

Styling techniques for wavy hair

To bring out the best in your wavy hair:

• Use the Curling Wand to enhance your wave pattern and add definition. Take small sections of your hair and wrap them carefully around the ceramic barrel. Once all sections have been curled, run the Luxury Dressing Brush through your waves to separate the strands for a glossy wavy look.
• When drying, use the Airshot Pro with its magnetic diffuser attachment to define your natural wave structure. Apply a wave-defining cream when your hair is still damp after washing, and use a ‘plopping’ or ‘scrunching’ motion as you dry your hair. Check out our Comprehensive Guide to Using a Hair Diffuser for more tips.
• To smooth your waves, the Original Iron is perfect for the job. Style your hair on a low heat setting for gentle straightening without damaging your hair's texture. To work out the best temperature for your hair, go to our Temperature Calculator before styling.

Product recommendations for wavy hair

Look for products that enhance and keep your waves frizz-free throughout the day, such as:

• Curl-enhancing creams which help maintain definition.
• Anti-frizz serums or leave-in conditioners like Magical Remedy to keep frizz and flyaways under control.
• Always use a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion before heat styling, whether drying, straightening or curling.

CURLY HAIR

Curly hair – sometimes called type 3 hair – ranges from loose curls to tight ringlets, but all curls tend to be prone to dryness and frizz. Without the right care, curly hair can lose its definition, but a curl-friendly haircut and thoughtful styling techniques can help bring out the best in your curls.

Haircut tips for curly hair

The right haircut can make all the difference with curly hair:

• Layers help distribute volume and maintain your hair's shape – without layers, curly hair can take on a ‘triangular’ appearance. Ask your hairdresser for some ‘internal layering’, which means cutting some of the volume away from the hair underneath the outer layers to avoid this triangular shape
• Ask for a dry cut – sometimes referred to as a ‘deva’ cut, this haircutting style enables your hairdresser to snip your curls according to their natural pattern, making them less hassle to style.
• Avoid blunt cuts, as these can make curls sit awkwardly, and can be hard to style as curls can vary in length and pattern from day to  day.
• For tight curls, growing your hair longer can reduce shrinkage, keeping your curls manageable. In the (seemingly endless) growing phase, ask for some internal layering and very minimal trims to keep your hair in great condition while it grows.
• If you’re thinking about a fringe, remember that curls have bounce. Fringes should be cut longer than where you want them to sit.

Styling techniques for curly hair

For curly hair, your styling routine needs to focus on definition and hydration:

• Use curl creams to define your curls, or try the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand for adding extra shape and definition.
• Blow-dry your curls using the Airshot Pro with its magnetic diffuser attachment or air-dry to maintain curl structure. Check out our guide on how to use a diffuser for more tips on how to get the best out of yours.
• If you prefer a smooth, polished look, blow-dry straight with the Airshot Pro using the Precise-Drying Nozzle, and then style with the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro for curls or waves.

Product recommendations for curly hair

Curly hair needs rich, moisturising products to keep it on the right side of frizzy:

• Curl creams and gels help define and hydrate your curls – look for natural ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and shea butter.
• Use deep-conditioning treatments like Magical Remedy to keep your curls moisturised. The beauty of Magical Remedy is it can be used as a conditioner, leave-in treatment or hair mask, so you can use it in a way that responds best to your hair’s needs.
• Avoid regular use of products with harsh chemicals like sulphates and drying alcohols. Instead, buy shampoos, conditioners and creams specially made for curls that contain natural oils such as jojoba, argan, and coconut.

COILY HAIR

Coily hair – or type 4 hair – is made up of tight curls in a zigzag pattern. It can get very dry and is prone to breakage, so it’s important to style your coils in a gentle way to protect their moisture.

Haircut tips for coily hair

The right haircut can make styling your coily hair much easier:

• Regular trims prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy. Even if you’re trying to grow your coils, you still need to snip the ends off every few months to prevent split ends, damage and dryness travelling up your hair.
• Adding layers to afro hair can enhance its shape and create more movement. It’s a great option if you want a classic, rounded shape.
• With type 4 coily hair, the shape often matters more than the length of the cut. Think about getting a haircut that focuses on shaping and framing your face rather than just trimming length. 

Styling techniques for coily hair

You can look after your coily hair by using protective hairstyles and carefully managing the heat you use on your coils:

• Protective styles like braid-outs, twists, or buns help reduce breakage while helping your hair to grow – just be careful not to pinch or pull on the scalp.
• For maximum volume, use the Airshot Pro with its magnetic diffuser attachment to create a bold, natural afro look.
• If you want a straight, sleek look, start by blow-drying straight with the Airshot Pro and Precise-Drying Nozzle, then reach for the Wide Iron. It’s ideal for smoothing larger sections of hair and has our innovative Revive Mode™ technology which uses Axial Vibration technology to glide gently through your hair, creating a smooth and soft look. 

For more tips on straightening your type 4 coils, head to our guide on straightening afro hair.

Product recommendations for coily hair

Keep coily hair moisturised and your springs well-defined with products specifically designed for type 4 hair:

• Try thick, creamy moisturisers and oils to help lock in hydration. Our Magical Remedy can be used as a conditioner, leave-in treatment, or hair mask – making it the perfect type 4 hair product.
• Butters and gels with natural ingredients like argan, jojoba and coconut can provide hold and definition for different afro styles.
• Avoid regular use of harsh chemicals like sulphates and silicones as these can strip natural oils away from your hair. 

If your hair is on the super-coily end of the spectrum, check out our 4c hair guide.

TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES FOR ALL HAIR TYPES

CLOUD NINE’s range of dryers, straighteners, curlers, and brushes are designed with healthy hairstyling in mind and can make a big difference in your styling routine:

Hair dryers

Select a hair dryer with Variable Temperature Control and a range of airflow settings like our two expertly designed models. Packed full of expert haircare technology, choose from the Airshot and Airshot Pro.

The Airshot

Our Airshot hair dryer is perfect for all hair types – its long barrel makes it perfect for adding volume to longer hair. Its Variable Temperature Control and different air flow settings allow you to style your hair gently, plus the Cool Shot button gives you the option to blast your hair with cool air at the end of your blowdry for ultimate shine and hold.

The Airshot Pro

The lighter, more powerful Airshot Pro hair dryer has even more haircare technology. With Variable Temperature Control, you can choose from three different heat settings to style at the perfect temperature for your hair. Dry straight with the magnetic Precise-Drying Nozzle or click on the Diffuser if your hair has a wavy or curly texture. Once finished styling, switch to Self-Clean mode and watch as the hairdryer motor reverses to blast any dust or buildup out the back of the dryer – prolonging its lifespan.

Straighteners

When choosing a straightener, make sure you go for a tool that is packed with haircare technology, for long-lasting style. All CLOUD NINE straighteners are designed to not only help your hair look fantastic but also care for it in the long-term, meaning you can have years of gorgeous – and healthy – hairstyling ahead.

The Touch Iron

The Touch Iron is perfect if you’re always on the go. It heats up instantly, meaning no waiting around, and is ideal for quick touch-ups or a full style in minutes. Its three touch-controlled heat settings make it super easy to use, giving you sleek, smooth results without the fuss.

The Original Iron

A classic for a reason, The Original Iron is a must-have for everyday styling. Its Sericite-infused plates glide smoothly through the hair using our signature haircare technology, Revive Mode™ making it great for straightening or creating soft waves. Plus, Variable Temperature Control allows you to control the heat of your straighteners, which is a must-have for healthy hairstyling.

The Wide Iron

If you have thicker or longer hair of any hair type, The Wide Iron is your go-to. Its wider plates mean you can style larger sections of hair in less time, making the whole process quicker and easier. You’ll still get sleek, straight results but without having to keep going over the same section multiple times. It has the same innovative haircare technology as our premium straighteners, including Revive ModeTM, Sericite-infused plates, and Variable Temperature Control.

The 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro

Whether you want straight hair or soft waves, The 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro does it all. With its curved ceramic plates, it’s designed for styling without any snagging or pulling, giving you smooth, polished results for any look. The most premium tool in our collection, it comes with our innovative Revive Mode™ which uses Axial VibrationTM technology to take extra-special care of your hair.

The Slim Iron

For shorter styles, fringes, or precise styling, The Slim Iron is a great choice. Its narrow ½ inch plates give you better control, making it easier to get into those tricky areas. It’s also brilliant for adding definition to shorter hair or creating sleek, smooth finishes on finer hair types. 

The Cordless Iron

The Cordless Iron is perfect for styling on the move. Whether you’re travelling or just don’t want to be tethered to a plug socket, this straightener offers the same great results as traditional irons but with the freedom to style anywhere. It's compact, lightweight, and charges up easily, making it the perfect tool to pop into a bag or suitcase.

Curlers

Choosing the right curling iron can make all the difference in getting beautiful, healthy curls without damage. The optimum barrel size is around 1inch, giving you a few curl options – wind tightly for springy coils and wind loosely for wavy styles. A ceramic barrel and adjustable heat settings are also must-haves, so you can control the temperature and avoid heat damage.

The Curling Wand

The Curling Wand can be used on all hair types – to use on curly or coily hair, simply blow-dry it straight first. From loose waves to tight curls, it’s perfect for creating a range of styles. The CLOUD NINE Curling Wand heats up quickly and evenly, thanks to its Sericite-infused barrel and you can adjust the temperature to suit your hair type – check out our Temperature Calculator to work out the best heat setting for your hair type. As with straightening or drying, we recommend using a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion to protect your hair from damage.

Brushes

Finding the right hairbrush can really change how your hair behaves and looks. Whatever your hair type, CLOUD NINE has a brush that’s gentle and doesn’t cause any pulling – for healthy, tangle-free hair.

Luxury Texture Comb

If you’ve got thick or curly hair, try a wide-tooth comb like the Luxury Texture Comb to detangle your hair, helping to prevent breakage and keeping frizz in check.

Luxury Paddle Brush

For fine hair, a nylon and boar bristle brush like our Luxury Paddle Brush is a great choice, spreading natural oils and giving your hair a gorgeous, healthy shine. 

Luxury Dressing Brush

Whether you’re smoothing out flyaways, teasing for a bit of volume, or adding shine to your finished style, the Luxury Dressing Brush is perfect for the job. Its bristles help distribute your hair’s natural oils, leaving your hair looking shiny and healthy. It's also gentle enough for daily use, making it great for everything from a sleek updo to detangling without causing breakage. 

Wet Hairbrush

Whether in the shower or just out of the shower, the Wet Hairbrush is the perfect detangler for wet hair. Its contoured shape and flexible bristles are also kind to your scalp, making it a win-win.

The Hot Brush

Whether you're freshening up your look in the morning or giving yourself a quick refresh before heading out, The Hot Brush makes styling super simple and fuss-free. It’s perfect for taming frizz, smoothing out second-day hair, or adding a little volume or bounce without a full blowdry. The heated ceramic bristles gently glide through your hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and polished with minimal effort. 

BATTLING FRIZZ

Frizz can affect all hair types, but there are ways to manage it:

• A cool water rinse after washing and a silk pillowcase can help reduce frizz overnight.
• Our Magical Quick Dry Potion is great for managing frizz while protecting your hair from heat.
• After styling, use a small amount of Magical Remedy to tame flyaways and keep your look smooth. 

Visit our Haircare 101 guide for more frizz-fighting advice.

Healthy hairstyling is within reach for everyone, no matter your hair type. With the right tips, tools, and CLOUD NINE products, you can create any look you love – while keeping your hair happy and healthy.

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