BY ZOE FOSTER: I know I said I wouldn’t be doing no more videos but can’t a girl change her mind on a whim and go back against everything she said? Of course she can! She’s terrific at it! Should do it more, in fact!
(Mostly I’ll keep to written Q&As but this one demanded video illustration, which some of them obviously will, and which will be dealt with accordingly. Conversely, some answers will require interpretive dance, which is a terribly exciting idea but also a very unlikely one.)
But who cares about all that! All we really care about is why Laura can’t get a lovely, sleek, obedient finish when she uses her styler to straighten her hair!
I’ll tell you why she can’t: it’s because she has not yet mastered the ancient art of… diagonal wizardry!
(Dramatic thunderclap and smoke.)
Zoe is an author, columnist and porridge fan. She was beauty director of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s BAZAAR and PRIMPED and then collated all the best tips and tricks from her time in these roles for the beauty bible, Amazing Face. She is currently the dating columnist for Cosmopolitan magazine, although her best advice in this arena can probably be found in the dating and relationship guide, Textbook Romance , which she co-wrote with Hamish Blake. Zoe has published three novels, Air Kisses, Playing The Field and The Younger Man, and she rates them among the best novels ever written in the history of the written word. Find more info on her here, or supervise on her daily procrastination here and here.
Please understand that Zoë cannot respond to ALL your questions – but never fear, there are readers that are bound to know the answers, so don’t be afraid to ask – and answer!
Do you straighten your hair? What tricks do you use?







Comments
138 Comments so far
Isn’t this an oldie?
loading...
Thanks Zoe…finally I now know how to use my hair straightener properly…you are fab !!
loading...
I tried this the other day and couldn’t believe how much better my hair looked after straightening!
Before watching this video I had kind of given up on straightening as my hair always looked so dead and dry by the end of it but this diagnonal technique really seems to work.
Zoe, you have made my week!
loading...
I really want to try a salon straightening treatment – but one that has been cleared of having any “bad stuff” (formaldehyde – but other formaldehyde-like stuff as well) in it. Do you know of any?
loading...
Thank you Zoe, my hair is a little shorter than yours and I’ve been struggling with the curl under at the end, but struggle no more thanks to your video!
loading...
Thanks Zoe! I definitely need the visual of the video – I can’t “see” it by myself! Thanks!
loading...
Thank you Zoe! Did my hair and it looks lovely and smooth not dry and dead. Please keep up the videos. I am a complete dumbass when it comes to hair and makeup. I also loved your eyebrow video, mine are looking much more stylish now although I am extremely envious of yours, they are what I covet! Also noticed “the ring”, it looks divine.
loading...
Yay! I love Zoe videos! Yay!
loading...
Zoe.
1: more videos!
2: pictures of that stunning ring.
From your friend,
C
loading...
ZOE FOSTER! YOU. ARE. GENIUS.
loading...
thanks so much fo this!!! have just started straightening my hair due to a change in style, and i did this yday morning before going out for breakky, amazing results!!! no flicky fly away ends, but sleek, blown out looking hair without having to do all the work of a blow dry!!
loading...
Thanks Zoe tired this yesterday as I had a 21st to go to and as soon as I walked in the hosts partner asked if me if I went to the hairdresser to get my hair lol. Love your tips.
loading...
Zoe, great clip as always, can you recommend a fantastic straightener by any chance, I have a ghd and it so ordinary, someone mentioned cloud nine and there is another brand made by the original ghd guy but don’t know the name of it. Any suggestions. I have thick hair, a little wavey xxx
loading...
My best friend/hairdresser swears by the Cloud 9 one.
loading...
my best mate has a NHD (new hair day) and i reckon hers is way better than my GHD, and she has really thick wavy hair
loading...
Hi Nat,
Cloud Nine is the brand from the original GHD guy, I have veeeery thick wavy hair and my hairdresser strongly recommended getting one (having said that I’m still using a cheap WAHL one but am planning to upgrade soon)
Jen
loading...
Zoe – you rock! this is the best hair tip I have heard and was telling EVERYONE who gave me a hair compliment today! thank you
loading...
Thanks Zoe. As someone who has straightened her hair since she was 14 (11 years now), I did not know this and will be trying it next time I straighten my hair. As a lass with very fine hair, straightening the whole lot can definitely make it look flat.
As recommended in your book I went and bought some dry shampoo the other night. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this stuff for so long! Thanks again!
loading...
I was about to grow out my bob because I couldn’t get it looking right. This morning-gorgeous! Sleek and salon looking. How have I been straightening my hair for 10 years without knowing this?
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!!
loading...
Zoe
Because I’m a little beauty challenged, would love a video of using a straightener to get curls….
Perhaps I ask too much. But ask I shall
loading...
Ooooh yes me too please!
loading...
Great idea! I’ve seen some on the net but still can’t manage to pull it off. Zoe’s tips would be the best no doubt!
loading...
Zoe, I did my hair last night copying your technique and guess what…. I got compliments! Thankyou, something so simple that you have taught us! I often leave the hairdressers only to wash my hair the next day and then wonder how they manage to do that. Thanks again and PLEASE keep your videos coming!!!
loading...
Ok, while we’re on the topic…
My husband bought me a ‘Jilbere De Paris’ hair straightener from Myer for my birthday. Not impressed, especially since I specifically requested a GHD.
Should I re-gift it and buy myself a GHD? It feels really narrow, but came with a comb, a mat and four hair clips…
I had a love affair with my Silver Bullet (sounds like a vibrator!) for 6 years til my 18 month old tossed it in the bath (it was off and unplugged and cool, thank God, but how could I be so stupid?) and the Silver Bullet was still going to go at least another 6 years.
Fucking annoying when he doesn’t listen…
loading...
I dropped the same hint to my husband a few years ago about getting me a GHD and I ended up with a Vidal Sassoon! It isn’t too bad.
loading...
Perfect timing, had just washed my hair – just watched this and now just straightened it and it is looking beauuuuuuuuuuutiful! Unfortunately because it is looking so magnificent, it has been made glaring obvious that I am in need of a bit of a style so making an appt with my hairdresser tomorrrow!!
loading...
Miss zoe, puh-LEASE keep up with the delightful vids, I adore them so! This is not to say that your written answers aren’t also fabulous, but the videos have the advantage of pretty colours, moving shapes and sneakily checking out what you’ve done with your eyeshadow.
loading...
Couldn’t agree more!
loading...
please, please, please, please, PLEASE!!!!!
loading...
I can’t believe I have been straightening my hair wrong for 17 years! Hubby walked past as I was watching this for the second time. He asked what/who I was watching. After some explanation of who the wonderful Zoe Foster is, hubby commented on how gorgeous you are. He hardly ever makes those kinds of comments and I now know that I can watch your videos (repeatedly) without him getting annoyed lol
loading...
This explains everything. Can’t wait to give it a go!
Hadn’t thought of hair spraying first – and have never been told to. So much to learn…
loading...
Make sure it’s a heat-protection spray, though… not regular, hold-in-place hair spray
loading...
Thankyou thankyou thankyou Zoe
Had my hair trimmed and then straightened for the first time (believe it or not) and was thinking how the hell do I do this myself. Am going to buy a straightened this weekend. Can anyone suggest a good brand besides the exxy ones?
Thanks again
loading...
A hairdresser once told me: find a friend you don’t really like and give them your straightener.
A cheap straightener is the most destructive and torturous item you can use on your poor hair. Invest wisely and use protective products : )
loading...
I was in the same position as you are Me Myself I. My hairdresser told me to make sure I bought one with ceramic plates and variable heat (so you don’t need to have it at full heat). I’ve been using my VS Sassoon one for over a year now and it hasn’t damaged my hair (although I don’t colour mine so it’s in pretty good nick as it is).
loading...
Thanks Ellie. How much? I was looking at about $100. Can’t justify $300 ha ha. I too don’t dye my hair and wasn’t planning on doing it everyday, so hopefully won’t dry out too much!
loading...
its about $!00
loading...
Zoe, does this work on very long hair. My hair is half way down my back and has a slight curl (Grrrrr!!!) so I’m always battling to get it poker straight!
loading...
Thanku !! I have always wondered why my straightened hair looked rubbish!! Hurray!!
loading...
Did any of you, by the way, notice my Invisalign in this vid?
No?
What about my cute lisp?
Oh, you did notice that.
Carry on.
loading...
Too busy looking at your glorious eyebrows & wondering how long it will take mine to grow in ( been a year & ends still seriously sketchy)
loading...
I just got my eyebrows done by the gorgeous Lien in Randwick & I love them!!!
loading...
No too busy hoping you would keep your hand still long enough to check out your ring properly!
loading...
I noticed a lovely ring!
loading...
Me too…must admit I spent most of the time watching Zoe’s left hand. might have to watch it again to get the full visual. It looks like a gorgeous ring (or at least the shiny blur that I could see looked lovely)
loading...
Love your videos! And your writing!!! Basically just love you!! Thanks! That is a great tip – will def try it next time.
loading...
Ooh, thank you for this. My hair is just a little longer than yours, Zoe, and it often looks RUBBISH despite the GHD, spray, and deep brown colour. I’ve been doing WRONG.
On a side note, I’m sad to hear that interpretive dance seems to be out of the question. Many of my beauty/style quandaries can only be expressed this way.
loading...
I should have proofread this.
loading...
Please keep up the video’s Zoe, I LOVE them. X
loading...
I agree!! I have missed them and with each one I learn something! I have been straightening my hair the wrong way for at least a decade.
Better late than never, thanks to your video.
loading...
Beautiful engagement ring Zoe, again congratulations!! And thanks so much for the tutorial, can’t wait to try it. Have a great weekend!!
loading...
I couldn’t stop staring at the engagement ring also! BEAUTIFUL! Love your videos Zoe.
loading...
Do more videos Zoe! Love love.
loading...
Yes please!!
loading...
is that a pimple on the left side of zoe’s face, (right when your looking at her) OMG GIRLS SHES NOT PERFECT!!
loading...
And! What about the badly blended blush! Practice what you bully, Fosters…
loading...
I had a pimple on my chin recently (a rogue hormonal one since ceasing the pill) which practically needed its own blood supply — massive.
I totally did not notice either spot or blush.
loading...
See what you’ve done Zoe? You’ve made us all beauty Nazis. But I didn’t notice the blemish it at al. Having said that I didn’t notice your new engagement ring either. I’m a bit slow on the uptake. I was just watching your lovely hair straightening technique!
loading...
yeah, i noticed this too, after always thinking zoe has such perfect skin, i was like woah, she’s just like one of us!
loading...
aww… poor zo, i remember the interview she did with fifi box on radio and zoe said that girls always get so scared when they go near her but its really her that is always getting scrutinised.. so true.
loading...
Seriously??!! What a mean comment.
Very disappointed that with everything Zoe has done on this site to enlighten us all with her brilliant tips and tricks for looking great – you had to bring up the fact that she has a blemish (which I personally did not notice…) and make some quip about her not being perfect.
Nice.
loading...
The blush is pretty bad. I was wondering why you’re so orange!
loading...
Oh Dana? Zoe gets paid for this. I don’t think she’s sitting there doing this for her own fun.
loading...
Fair point Mel. I guess I missed the fact that this is her work and not something she does for fun. I guess being in the public domain does put you out there for criticism.
But still… I thought the original comment was a tad unnecessary!
loading...
“. . . wouldn’t be doing no more videos . . . ” !!
Language, miss!
loading...
huh? She doesn’t say that..
loading...
Read the first line of copy…
loading...
Ohh I was listening to the video.
Lucky she has you to point out her errors hey
loading...
i think zo was trying to make a emphasis on the link, because that link leads you an aricle with a vid.
but i dunnoo… it couldn’t of been just a general typo
loading...
Often I use deliberate bad grammar to make things fun for myself. What a cool cat!
loading...
I do this too. I love malapropisms the most. My latest is “exuberant” instead of “exorbitant” (always gleaned from real-life situations). I make an exuberant number of deliberate errors in my speech, but it’s embarrassing when people don’t realise I’m dead-panning and think I’m FOR SERIOUS.
loading...
Hi Zoe,
I had a rubbish day at work (patients dying all over the place) and your video just made me smile and wriggle my toes with glee. Beach and then an appointment with my styler.
xx
loading...
Miss Joyful! Surely you need a scotch on the rocks also!
loading...
Holy Mackenroe! That rock! I’m pretty sure that’s the best beauty fix the world has ever seen… its so distracting! Congrats zoe!
loading...
OMG! how did I live before seeing this video? My hair will be salon perfect not kinky! thanks heaps!
loading...
I love your videos Zoe, please keep doing them! After all, beauty is VISUAL and we need to see you do all these fancy tricks. But oh crap, you write so wonderfully as well. What’s a girl to do?!
A hairdresser once CURLED my hair with straightening irons. I watched ever so carefully as he did it and I felt very red-carpet worth afterwards. Alas, I have never been able to achieve the same results myself. Do you know to do it Zoe??
loading...
Get on Youtube. There are dozens of videos teaching you how to curl your hair with a straightening iron. I watched one the other day as my daughter wanted curls and amazingly they came out surprisingly well!
loading...
the GHD website has some great videos on how to curl, do everything really…very easy to follow!
loading...
I’ve had my purple GHD for a bit less than 2 years but it’s starting to misbehave. It doesn’t heat up like it used to. I now have to go over the same section of hair a few times to tame it but it’s still not as straight as my hair used to get. Has this happened to anyone else? Could it be product build up on the plates? Does it need to be serviced?
loading...
I’ve had my GHD for 6 years and it’s still as good as new! If you’ve been straightening on wet hair you may have ruined it…otherwise, maybe you got a dodgy one :S
loading...
I’m just about to get a Cloud 9 as my purple GHD is faulty. One of the plates no longer heats up. Pretty disappointing.
loading...
Contact the supplier – they have a 2 year warranty
loading...
Mind blown! Thanks so much!
loading...
i just got my hair cut from bra strap length up to 1.5inches below my ear lobes & was only wondering the other day why i cannot manage to straighten my hair as well as the hair dresser, so THANKYOU ZOE. you’ve solved alllllll my problems (well close to all
)
loading...
Yay!! Thanks for another video. I love your writing but if you had never done the videos I never would have learned how to use concealer around my eyes properly and I wouldn’t be getting all the compliments I’ve been getting lately from friends..”Your looking good”. Little do they know its all smoke and mirror tricks i learned from you. Cheers x
loading...
So excited to see you using a Cloud Nine iron!
Love your work Zoe and keep the videos coming
loading...
oooo I’m going to try that tonight.. got a big night in planned.. facemasks and pedicures baby, and now hair experimenting..
I’m a part-ay animal!
loading...
The video was great …. and your rock SO impressive – loved the glimpses! Alas my engagement ring is but a pebble!
loading...
THANK. YOU. You are the reason I know how to do makeup now and actually like doing my makeup! And now, my hair. I was one of those straight down straighteners – oops. It’s all so simple.
loading...
Oh! So that is how you do it.
loading...
thank you!! always wondered why my hair looked better at the hairdressers, even though we both have a GHD…will be trying this out tonight!
guys I am such a GHD fan. 6 years on and it’s still as good as new! Pricey, but I use it every 2/3 days, for the past 6 years – sooooo worth the money
loading...
Thanks Zoe! Love your videos. Please keep ‘em coming.
loading...
I just had to watch this on my phone because work blocks youtube videos, but THANK YOU ZOE! I am going to try it out on Monday!
loading...