Just my thoughts while we wait for who use these items.

The only way to keep a style for a long period of time is finding the right hairspray that works for you.

Everything I know about hot tools I learned on YouTube (also plumbing, sewing, etc.). I think a flat iron is really versatile, both being able to smooth areas out or impart a wave. I have a 1-inch BaByliss Pro flat iron. I just got my hair cut pretty short and layered and it's really easy to target a flat spot or add some lift at the crown. I tried one of those wands that you wrap your hair around and all I did was burn my fingers.

I love my Chi Spin and Curl! It automatically pulls in a section of hair and wraps it around the barrel. Then it beeps when it's time to release. Check it out in this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/fW8AP4YXrAQ

I have a Chi straightener which works well. I can get lift & it smooths any frizzies.

I have a T3 curling iron that I love. I smooths nicely when curling. I use a Babybliss flat iron for straighter styles. I use a Dyson hair dryer. I want the airwrap! My hair is fine, but thick and has gotten progressively thicker and curlier in my 50s. It's like a totally different head of hair and I'm relearning how to handle it.

If your hair is frizzy, is it curly? If so, have you gone down the curly girl styling rabbit hole?

I use a normal 1" flat iron to curl my hair. It takes a little practice but I like it because this makes it a 2-in-1 tool. I got rid of my curling iron.

The school of thought is that you should buy a decent brand, because cheap ones can have uneven temps and can also be inaccurate (hotter than what the dial setting indicates). Also, irons cool off with each pass, so better ones recover faster. If an iron is too cool, you have to make more passes. The more passes, the more damage you can get. The rule of thumb: set it as low as you can get away with, but high enough that one pass works. (Source: The Beauty Brains, a beauty science podcast where they explain how this stuff works. I love them.)

Anyway..... that said, I don't have the fanciest iron because I pretty much only style my bangs so I'm not super worried about damage. I have a Bedhead and really love it. I bought another iron to keep in my suitcase -- a Conair Infiniti-- and I have to say, cheapness matters! It snags my hair sometimes, so I wouldn't recommend it. I love the Bedhead though.

PS: my bedhead iron has curved edges, which makes it way easier to get the curl right the first time. I also have an easier time styling hair closer to the roots w/o getting that weird dent line. The downside is that it can burn some types of countertops though (you can set it on a tray or silicone mat). I don't think they make the Bedhead one anymore, but I did find this Chi with a curved edge.

Amy, your hair looks thick and somewhat wavy - well I'm meaning it doesn't look stick straight. At your length I bet the long wave/curls would look great. Sorry that I don't know how to do those! Ha! I have to disagree about hairspray, at least for some people. I think the texture of our hair has something to do with it too. My hair has natural wave (it used to have more wave to it. I'm not sure if age or letting my hair go grey has changed that.), and if I were to curl it, it would hold the curl without hairspray. I've never used a flat iron but I have watched them used in my salon, and I believe they use some type of heat protecting spray. Not sure if that helps any with hold. I should ask my gal to style mine with a flat iron sometime and see what it does. My hair is still pretty thick though, so I have it layered. Not sure if a flat iron would work well with that. Sorry, I'm just rambling about hair; I don't have a good recommendation! Let us know what you end up with.

I would also suggest considering a CHI product, though I cannot suggest a specific one. I don't do much styling wise with my hair, but I love my CHI hair dryer and bought a CHI flat iron for coping with occasional misbehaving curls or cowlicks. I like how gentle it is and easy to use for a novice like myself.

I've watched videos, but I've never really figured out how to make waves or curls on my hair with my flat iron.

Any tips?

I can't explain it better than YouTubes. It took watching many different ones. It's sort of like curling ribbon by running it along the edge of scissors. Find a YouTube where the person has natural hair similar to yours in length, texture, etc. It will make more sense. And find someone whose voice and manner you like or else it's torture.

ETA: As someone mentioned above, go with the lowest temp that yields results. I'd rather have no style than fried hair.

My hair appears fuller than it is bc it is wavy in some places more than others and also seems parched.

Thanks to all who gave your experiences and suggestions!! I truly appreciate it.

I found this video that makes me lean towards the flat iron this girl is using. I definitely have more hair than she does. Or maybe it is just because of my texture of hair.

Let me know your thoughts. She even goes so far as to show after a workout and the next day.

I found it helpful!

I've watched a lot of her videos. She's good.

Atk: how’s your face??

I would want a bit more curl and the ends curled not straight like that

Sue, it is improving but still dry and splotchy. i think it will look better soon

Atk: I can’t help with flat irons, but I think my hair is similar to yours. Somewhat fine, thick, wavy and likes to frizz. Tons of body. For me, the first step to a good style is getting my hair in good condition. I’ve recently been using Olaplex#3. I don’t use it regularly but when I do I see an immediate improvement in shine, control and silkiness. I also use their shampoo and conditioner. you would be surprised at how much these products will calm down your hair.

Also, WRT style, many years ago I embraced the ”studied disarray” look. I never go for perfection and I accept a Shibui or Shibusa affect. It saves my sanity.

I also have frizzy hair and I live in hot/humid Florida.

I bought something similar to this. It is a hot iron but has bristles which straighten and curl your hair at the same time.

The one I bought was on QVC and is Calista. It comes in sizes depending on how long your hair is.

I saw this one on Amazon and will order it because its a lot cheaper than the Calista and has a smaller barrel.

I like it because it instantly straightens and I can get curls which look good. Unfortunately, if I spend any time outside, the humidity just makes it frizz again.

I looked at Amazon but couldn't find the one I ordered, but there are so many. What I wanted was not a blow-curler but rather a hot iron with bristles.

Take a look.

Jane

https://www.amazon.com/Curling-Voltage-Portable-Ceramic-Anti-scald/dp/B07F7W39W6/ref=sr_1_62?crid=26GIIASY4GJCF&keywords=hair+hot+iron+brush+calista&qid=1659588722&s=beauty&sprefix=hair+hot+iron+brush+calista%2Cbeauty%2C114&sr=1-62

I have every hair device known to man! My current favorite is the L'ange Le Duo. It is a flat iron, but it has a barrel shaped outside which for some reason makes it way easier for me to use for curling. Google some videos-it;s amazing. But if you get it, don't ever pay close to full price. They advertise heavily discounted sales prices all the time. It has a lot of heat settings also, I try to stay with 320. The trick to staying power for curls is product on hair first, mousse type stuff. When your hair is "dirty" with product, the curls will last forever. If I am just straightening then I use smoothing product.

I have watched Justin Hickox videos but have not tried his recommendations yet:

You guys are a wealth of info! Thank you all! I think I am going to look into the L'ange. I was concerned that you should not use product before using a flat iron.

I also was thinking of just going old school and getting some hot rollers! haha

I will keep you all posted.

I also was thinking of just going old school and getting some hot rollers!

I tried that. No good, unless you are going to an 80s party.

There are some good L'ange Le Duo YouTubes. I like the design with the rounded barrel.

Yes, product before, and product after. Heat protectant is product.

Before I cut my hair I tried some velcro rollers. Horrible. 1) See Zalco's comment. 2) Velcro's ability to tangle your hair is not funny.

I bought the L'Ange Le Duo! Can not wait to get it!

I think hot rollers with claw clips and old school barrel curling irons have their place, and are good for older women with short thinning hair. Using a volume /setting mousse and a heat protector spray prior to styling, the end result can be hair that looks fuller and holds its curl/wave.