When people think about smoothing, they immediately assume it’s about removing curl. Not necessarily so, says Joico International Creative Director Damien Carney. To spotlight this brilliant Graduation Line Layers cut, Damien made for certain the cuticle was smooth and polished by using the new Joico Smooth Cure line. This non-chemical smoothing system infuses hair with essential fatty acids, proteins and amino acids as it repels frizz for up to 72 hours. Win a FREE J-Cut DVD set from Joico & Damien Carney!
STEPS
Shampoo and condition strands with Smooth Cure Shampoo and Conditioner. The sulfate-free shampoo gently cleanses while reducing frizz, leaving hair dramatically softer and more manageable.
Apply a few drops of Smooth Cure Leave-in Rescue Treatment to damp hair. This concentrated, heat-activated treatment replenishes lost protein and produces stronger, smoother hair that remains protected from damage and resists the adverse effects of humidity.
3. Begin in the nape; working with a Denman brush and nozzled blow dryer, like the Joico Qaudraion Pro-Dryer. Brush hair from left to right, then right to left, using the shape of the head to shape the hair in the short nape section.
4. Work up the back in this manner. As the hair becomes longer, switch to diagonal sections, place the brush at the scalp, and draw the brush and the dryer along the lengths in tandem. Keep the nozzle close to the hair and following the direction of the cuticle to keep the strand sealed. At the end of the section, turn the brush under to create a slight curve.
5. Work to the crown in this manner and then complete the sides.
Return to the occipital and re-section the hair as before. Mist the first section with Smooth Cure Thermal Styling Protectant. This spray seals in the Rescue Treatment, fights curl reversion and protects from humidity and thermal damage up to 450 degrees.
Comb the Thermal Styling Protectant through the strand, then position the Joico K-PAK ReconstRx Vapor Iron close to the scalp and glide it along the strand, curving the iron at the end of the section. Repeat until the strand is completely dry.
Continue working in this manner until all sections have been smoothed. Mist with Joico K-PAK Protective Hairspray.
“This Graduation Line Layers technique from the J-Cutting collection is a classic that works with any hair type—straight, curly, wavy,” says Damien. “But regardless of the natural texture, the hair truly shines when the cuticle is smooth and polished.”
