Styling Tips

The esteemed ladies of ABC's The View have chosen the Joico K-PAK ReconstRx VaporIron as one of the best hair products of 2010. If you found a VaporIron under your tree over the holidays, or if you plan to gift yourself with the top thermal styler of the year, here are some tips on making the most of your new tool from Joico International Artistic Director Damien Carney.

1. Manage your temperature

The VaporIron features an adjustable temperature control--from 284 degrees to 410 degrees--so you can pick the best one for your hair type and the style you want. Fine strands? Dial it down! Thicker strands, on the other hand, can withstand more heat. Also, says Damien, set the temperature higher for a smoother look, set it lower to produce a soft curl or to maintain body.

2. Don't forget to fuel up

Conventional thermal tools deplete hair of protein, lipids and moisture, says Damien, but the unique VaporIron VaporFuel additive restores these critical elements and protects hair from damage. It features Joico's exclusive Quadramine Complex for reconstruction; antioxidants to protect against free radicals; essential fatty acids to restore shine and flexibility and highly effective botanical moisturizers.

2. Take your time

The fuller your texture, the more important it is to work slowly and carefully when smoothing strands with your VaporIron. Pin up all of your hair except for the bottom, and start smoothing small sections (1/4 inch at the most) from scalp to tips. Unpin subsections as you work up to the top and around the sides. "If you invest the time to work through all sections carefully at the beginning," says Damien, "your hair will be 'set,' shiny and healthy for days!"

4. Straight is just the beginning

Thanks to its beveled ends and triple-dipped ceramic and silicone plates that glide through the hair, the VaporIron can create a variety of waved and curled shapes. To produce a subtle wave, Damien first divides hair into narrow sections. Next, he grasps each section by the tip, opens the plates of the iron, wraps the hair around the plate and feeds the hair through without closing the plates, twisting the strand slightly. He then releases the section, cups it lightly in his hand until it cools and allows it to sit undisturbed. Once he shapes all of the hair this way, he works a small amount of nourishing, shine-enhancing Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil between his hands, and gently rakes through curls with his fingers.

5. Hairline touch-ups

Extremely curly or fuzzy textures love the VaporIron--it minimizes curl reversion, even after 12 hours in 90% humidity! To keep the hair that is closest to the scalp--around the front hairline and parting--polished and fuzz--free, Damien gently smooths sections with the back of the iron after straightening all strands. Then he mists hair with Design Collection Humidity Blocker for additional, humidity-busting insurance.