This Foolproof Hair Color Kit Lets You DIY Balayage at Home

1. Top Knot Bun

Top knot buns look good on anyone regardless of age. We first admired them on ballerinas and later found out how easy they are to achieve. To create this sleek look, you'll need a hair wax stick, a boar bristle brush, elastic hair ties, and a holding spray to keep everything together!

2. A Cute Scarf Ponytail

After the top knot bun, this hairstyle is another easy one to pull off and doesn't really require a curling iron. All you need to do is gather your hair into a low ponytail before securing it with a hair tie. Once you've done that, wrap a festive red scarf around the hair tie for a look that shows you're ready for Christmas!

3. Layered Straight Hair

Depending on your preference, you may refer to this style as straightened hair or a silk press. All that matters is making sure you have the best blowout products and tools to help you achieve it! If you have naturally curly hair, we recommend using The Doux's Press Play Thermal Set. It includes:

• PRESS REWIND Curl Retention Shampoo
• FAST FORWARD Heat Prep Conditioner
• JUST GLAZE Silkening Fluid
• SILENT TREATMENT 30-day Humidity Shield
• O.P.P. Heat Protectant Spray
• DOUX DROPS Bonding Polish
• GANGSTER WRAP Foaming Wrap Lotion

You'll also want to use a blow dryer that has a concentrator nozzle along with a round brush to help smooth your hair. After that, all you'll have to do is flat iron your hair and that's it!

4. Barrel Curls

We love barrel curls because they can look however you want them. If you want to go for a bombshell look, we recommend pin curling your hair after using the curling attachments of the T3 Aire 360 Blowout System. You'll want to section your hair so you're able to wrap individual strands around the base of the curler, preferably at an angle to achieve a spiral style like the one above!

5. Half Side Hairstyle

We love an impressive half-side hairstyle that reminds us of Aunt Zelda fromThe Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. However, you won't have to curl your hair as much with this look. All you'll need to do is french braid both sides of your hair at night and simply unravel them once you're ready to make your party debut.

6. Wavy Bob

Bobs aren't going anywhere, not that we want them to! They're incredibly flattering and have the perfect amount of body that we fangirl over. This hairstyle is super easy because you only need to lightly curl the ends of your hair to achieve an effortless look. Honestly, you can use a curling or flat iron without a problem.

7. Coiffed Bob

Don't feel like putting in that much work to look dolled up? We hear you loud and clear so we're sharing another bob option. You won't have to watch your curling iron heat up because this is strictly a job for your flat iron.

Put it on a low setting (under 400 degrees) and lightly curl the ends of your hair under. If you want to create the perfect side bang, you can add one or two curlers to it so it's held in place until the perfect time.

8. Volumized Bob

Another bob? Yes, please! This hairstyle is for anyone who wants VOLUME without having to spend all morning curling their hair. All you need to do is invest in a good roller setthat'll form the perfect curls overnight; kudos if they're thermal! Just make sure to part your hair the way you want prior to and you'll be looking like a glamorous queen the next day or night.

9. Pixie Cut

Although they can be high maintenance because of the salon upkeep, pixie cuts are fairly easy to style. You can using foaming lotion to create finger waves or created a slicked look that turns head. If you want to add a few curls to your hair, you'll need a small flat iron that can gently grabs each strand.

How do you know when to straighten your hair at home or go to the salon?

Desperate times call for desperate measures when you're due for a hair appointment and can't book one. I'm sure all of us have turned into an armchair hairstylist by giving ourselves a trim, quick haircut, or dye job. You've probably even watched a few tutorials about how to give yourself a homemade silk press or blowout. I know I've recently purchased a few things to help me maintain my hair at home, but should we be straightening our hair at home?

Lamorena says, "While it’s possible to straighten hair at home, I’d recommend going to a professional for the best results. Stylists know how to work with different hair types, adjust heat settings accordingly, and use high-quality products that protect your hair." If we decide to forego a stylist's expertise, she says we can "accidentally cause damage with uneven heat or over-processing."

Sturdivant-Drew agrees that it's best to see a stylist "for the first few silk presses," but it's not impossible to safely straighten your own hair. "If you have the right tools and products, along with research, you can achieve this hairstyle at home," she says.

How should different hair types approach a silk press?

Just like everyone doesn't have the same skin complexion or undertones, hair types can differ too. This means someone with a fine hair isn't always going to have the same routine as someone with thicker strands — which is why all silk presses aren't the same. "There's definitely no one-size-fits-all approach. The technique used depends on the client’s hair type and texture," Lamorena confirms. This isn't to scare you, however!

Sturdivant-Drew says, "The process of getting a silk press is pretty standard — prepping the hair with shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant, followed by straightening with a blow dryer and flat iron, and finishing with a lightweight oil or serum."

She and Lamorena do agree that some hair textures require a little more than others though. Lamorena says you could only need "a simple blowout and flat iron" while someone may need "more intensive treatments like keratin or a Brazilian blowout for longer-lasting results." If your hair is very curly or textured — and you're ultimately not seeing the results you want — she says chemically straightening your hair is another option. However, Sturdivant-Drew reminds me, "Stylists usually adjust heat settings based on their client's hair health and texture."

Either way, we always recommend you check with your stylist before making any permanent or lasting decisions!

What should you avoid doing before getting a silk press?

Getting a silk press doesn't always involve chemicals, but there are still things you need to avoid before your appointment. Unlike the steps you may follow at home, Lamorena wants you to "avoid loading your hair with a bunch of heavy products " because this can "make the straightening process less effective and lead to more heat being used" than you need. Also, she doesn't want you to wash your hair because "natural oils protect your hair from the heat."

It probably goes without saying, but you also shouldn't book a silk press appointment if you've already straightened your hair. "...that can make it harder for the stylist to work with and could increase the risk of damage," says Lamorena. Besides that, Sturdivant-Drew advises against "using color or relaxers should be avoided before getting a silk press" because "this could lead to a lot of breakage."

What increases a risk of heat damage with this style?

As gorgeous as silk presses are, it's possible to use "too much heat," according to Lamorena. She says, "People tend to crank up the heat on their flat irons and blow dryers, but that can seriously damage the hair cuticle, especially if your hair is fine or already fragile." Something I've learned over time is that a licensed and experienced hair stylist has better knowledge of what's really going on with our hair. They're able to have a clearer view of your scalp, roots, split ends, and more.

The other thing that contribute to damage is not protecting your hair. Lamorena implores that heat protectant products are "are crucial for minimizing damage." Even if you use the right products, you could be straightening your hair way too often. It's normal to want to have straighter hairstyles for a little while, but you should keep in mind that you don't want to overdo it.

"Not prepping or using a heat protectant on your hair will cause a lot of damage. Silk presses require a lot of heat, so it's best to use good heat protectant," adds Sturdivant-Drew. She personally prefers to use Smooth Moisture's Thermal Hair Strengthener because "their system is built for silk presses specifically." She loves that it truly upholds against heat and "adds a nice shine to the hair" once you apply it.

When would it be recommended that a client avoid getting a silk press?

Here comes the not so fun part. As much as you don't want to hear this, your hair may not be able to handle getting a silk press right now. "If your hair is already damaged, it's best to hold off on straightening. Hair that's brittle, dry, or over-processed can be further damaged by heat styling," says Lamorena. What you can do in the meantime is help strengthen your hair by giving yourself "deep conditioning treatments," according to Lamorena.

This is completely up to you and your stylish, but Lamorena suggests staying away from having your hair straightened "during really humid months...if you're prone to frizz" because "the style may not last as long."

Is there a limit to how often clients should receive a silk press?

I'm not an expert, but even I know too much of something can become a bad thing. In the case of using excess heat, I can imagine the implications of that over time. Lamorena says, "There's definitely a limit. You don't want to be straightening your hair too often," and shares her rule of thumb for textures:

• Naturally Curly or Textured Hair — Limit silk presses to once or twice a month to avoid weakening the hair or losing your curl pattern.
• Other Hair Types — Keep it to no more than once a week.

All hair types are capable of experiencing "long-term damage," but giving "your hair a break between sessions helps maintain its health," Lamorena says.

Sturdivant-Drew stresses, "Taking a break between silk presses is important in allowing your hair to recover and maintain the health of your hair. I recommend limiting your silk presses to every 6-8 weeks."

How can clients maintain this style at home during the fall?

Even though cooler temperatures means you won't have to fight against possible frizz, you still have to take care of your silk press. "Maintaining a straight style during the fall can be tricky with cooler weather, wind, and dryness in the air, but it’s doable," says Lamorena. She suggests that you use:

• Use a flat iron with adjustable heat settings to avoid unnecessary damage. Tools like the Dyson Corrale or GHD Platinum+ are solid options
• A wide-tooth comb is great for detangling without pulling or breaking the hair

"Keeping up with a regular routine and using the right tools and products can really help your style last, even through the challenges that fall weather brings," she says.

No matter what your hair type is, Sturdivant-Drew suggests "wrapping your hair correctly and using a bonnet" as they're "key to maintaining" a silk press. Similar to what Lamorena said earlier, Sturdivant-Drew believes "humidity is your worst enemy...so try to avoid humid environments as best as possible!"

Shop Other Expert Silk Press Recommendations

Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer

"Always apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools. Some favorites include Oribe Royal Blowout and Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer," she says.

Moroccanoil Treatment

"For taming frizz, try an anti-frizz serum like Moroccanoil Treatment," suggests Lamorena. or John Frieda Frizz Ease.

John Frieda Frizz Ease

Another option you can use to beat the frizz is John Frieda's Frizz Ease. It's another one of Lamorena's recommendations that will "help seal in moisture and keep your style sleek even in windy fall weather."

Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime

Lamorena says, "A good leave-in conditioner is key to keeping hair smooth and hydrated; Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime works wonders."

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day

"To extend your style without washing, use dry shampoo. This is a great option to absorb oil without having to restyle with heat," she says.

Our Silk Press Recommendations

Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Serum

This anti-frizz serum will not only keep humidity from messing up your silk press, but it'll help improve your hair's elasticity over time and will even add an extra boost of shine to it.

Wavytalk Professional Hair Dryer with Diffuser

If you decide to straighten your hair at home, you need a good blow dryer that'll work with your texture. Wavytalk has an inexpensive option that comes with a comb attachment, diffuser, and nozzle to help you dry your hair no matter what style you're wearing. It also has the right amount of heat settings that'll lessen the chance you cause any damage.

CHI 44 Iron Guard Heat Protectant

Not only do I personally love this heat protectant, so does our Affiliate Writer Meredith Holser! It's been our go-to product whenever we straighten our hair because it truly does a great job of protecting our hair from heat and has a slightly fragrant smell we can't get enough of. In my experience, a little goes a long way so you'll get plenty of uses out of it.

March 2012: Patrick & Brittany Mahomes Become High School Sweethearts

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes started dating while they attended Whitehouse High School in Whitehouse, TX which makes them high school sweethearts! During an appearance on the TODAY show, Patrick talked about the beginning of their relationship. "I think at that point we had been dating for a couple months," he said before admitting he was "just a normal teenage kid showing up at the family dinner."

May 2013: Patrick & Brittany Go To Prom

The cute teens were still going strong a year later because they went to prom together! Patrick posted a pic on Instagram the day they were set to go and it perfectly captured the early 2010s (i.e. collage instead of carousel pictures). He wrote, "
Best prom date a guy could ask for," in his caption and I think we can agree they both felt that way.

2013-2014: Patrick & Brittany Enter A Long Distance Relationship

Interestingly enough, Brittany went to college at the University of Texas at Tyler (via University of Texas at Tyler) while Patrick played football at Texas Tech University (via NCAA). It seems they were committed to stay together no matter what!

February 2, 2020: Brittany Supports Patrick After His Super Bowl Win

September 2, 2020: Patrick Proposes To Brittany

Later that year, Patrick and Brittany got engaged! PEOPLE managed to grab the cute BTS screenshots of the special moments shared on the couple's individual Instagram stories and I think I've found the perfect ring replacement to send to my fiancé. JK!

September 29, 2020: Patrick & Brittany Announce Their First Pregnancy

The couple surprised everyone with their pregnancy announcement towards the end of September 2020 with Brittany writing, "Mom & Dad, taking a small detour to the wedding❤️," on Instagram. The couple looked cute as Brittany held her sonogram picture and Patrick held her tiny baby bump.

Patrick's pale pink shirt may have been a nod to their baby's gender because their daughter was born a few months later!

February 20, 2021: Patrick & Brittany Welcome Their Baby

Patrick & Brittany's daughter, Sterling Skye Mahomes, was born February 20, 2021. Not only did Brittany share the news of her birth on Instagram, but Patrick also shared the same picture on his page. Though they didn't show baby Sterling's face, they shared she weighed 6 lbs, 11 oz.

March 20, 2021: Patrick & Brittany Share The First Photo Of Sterling

The closest baby reveal fans of Patrick & Brittany received is one where the NFL star held her in an adorable pic the month after Sterling was born. He posted it on Instagram to seemingly celebrate her being alive for a full month and it was a sweet gesture.

May 9, 2021: Brittany Gets Excited For Her First Mother's Day

On Mother's Day in 2021, Brittany expressed her excitement about celebrating the holiday as a new mom. PEOPLE reports she wrote on Instagram, "Dear Sterling, thank you for making me a mommy and being the biggest blessing EVER, Mommy & Daddy love you more than you will ever understand."

June 20, 2021: Brittany Celebrates Patrick's First Father's Day

Brittany also made sure Patrick was celebrated on Father's Day by sharing the cutest carousel of pictures featuring their family on Instagram. "Happy 1st Fathers Day!!! We love you❤️," she wrote. Fans were able to see Sterling's full face in most of the pictures and it's clear that she felt content in her dad's arms.

March 12, 2022: Patrick & Brittany Make It Down The Aisle

Despite their baby detour, Patrick & Brittany got married in March 2022. They got married in Maui, HI and made sure little Sterling had a role as flower girl in their wedding (via PEOPLE). Brittany wasn't shy about posting candid moments from the couple's big day and seemed thrill to have their daughter there! "Having your daughter apart of your wedding, just hits different🥺💕 I love you sister girl💖," she wrote.

March 2022: Patrick & Brittany Enjoyed A Romantic Honeymoon

The couple celebrated a romantic honeymoon in St. Barts (via PEOPLE) and enjoyed time in nature. Brittany concluded they had "a perfect honeymoon" on her Instagram stories which seems like it was true!

May 29, 2022: Patrick & Brittany Announce They're Expecting Again

June 26, 2022: Patrick & Brittany Reveal Baby No. 2's Gender

The couple were riding the high of preparing for their second baby because they couldn't wait to reveal the gender to PEOPLE. They both wore the cutest blue hoodies that said, "Baby Mahomes, boy or girl" with 'boy' circled in blue. Even Baby Sterling was all smiles in the first photo.

August 31, 2022: Brittany Celebrates Her Birthday With Patrick & Sterling

The couple then celebrated Brittany's 27th birthday which she documented on Instagram. She wore a cute navy blue set that complemented her baby bump while Patrick kept it cool and casual in a Fendi t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and sneakers. "Cheers to 27✨," Brittany wrote.

November 28, 2022: Patrick & Brittany Welcome Their Second Child

Shortly after Thanksgiving, Patrick & Brittany gave birth to their son, "Patrick 'Bronze' Lavon Mahomes III" who weighed "7lbs 8oz," according to the athlete's Instagram caption. Similar to Sterling's birth announcement, the couple didn't show little Patrick's face, just his feet in the cutest onesie I've ever seen. A diamond bracelet or necklace with their son's nickname was also placed right under his little body.

January 11, 2023: Patrick Becomes Co-Owner Of Women's Soccer Team With Brittany

This is one couple who isn't afraid of doing business together because Patrick joined Brittany as the co-owner of Kansas City Currents! He shared the following message on Instagram, "I am thankful for the chance to join @brittanylynne as part of the Kansas City Current's ownership team. She and the Longs have done an incredible job building a world-class organization and I am excited to join another championship-caliber club as it continues to make history."

January 29, 2023: Brittany Supports Patrick's Return To The Super Bowl

Brittany didn't waste time supporting Patrick heading back to the Super Bowl with the Chiefs again and brought along Sterling. She shared the cutest BTS video of Patrick running over to give them both a kiss before heading back on the field. She wrote, "So. Dang. Proud. OF YOUUUU❤️" as her caption.

February 9, 2023: Patrick Praises Brittany In His NFL MVP Speech

PEOPLE got the inside scoop on Patrick's MVP speech and he had nothing but kind words for his wife. "To my wife Brittany, my baby girl Sterling and my son Bronze, this crazy life that we are living means nothing without y'all, keeping me balanced, and making me appreciate every single day. No matter how I feel coming home, y'all bring me joy and make me appreciate the time that I get to spend with y'all. Thank you for always being there for me, through my good times and my bad. Love y'all," he said.

February 12, 2023: Patrick and Brittany celebrate his Super Bowl win

When Patrick and the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in 2023, Brittany made it known she continues to be his biggest supporter. She wasn't shy about heading to Instagram to let the world know just how proud she was of him. PEOPLE reports she screamed, "He did it," without hesitation.

May 1, 2023: Patrick and Brittany attend the Met Gala

The coupled attend 2023's Met Gala together in classic looks that showed they know how to dress to impress. The only thing that wasn't traditional about Brittany's look were here sky high metallic heels and sequin bardot neckline.

February 11, 2024: Brittany and Patrick celebrate his 2024 Super Bowl win

Brittany brought Sterling and Bronze onto the field before Patrick's fourth Super Bowl game and the couple celebrated together after the quarterback led his team to victory. When Patrick accepted the MVP trophy, his third in total, he expressed his gratitude for Brittany and their kids.

July 12, 2024: Baby No. 3 Is On The Way

Baby No. 3 is officially on the way as the couple have announced their family is getting bigger. Brittany and Patrick look closer than even in this carousel, making me thinking have three kids isn't so bad! "Family of 5 coming soon🥹 blessings on blessings🙏🏻🤍," says Brittany's caption.

September 8, 2024 Patrick & Brittany Mahomes Attend The US Open With Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce

October 28, 2024: Patrick & Brittany Step Out At Charity Gala

The couple stepped out on the red carpet for their 15 and Mahomes Foundation Gala in honor of their charity. They couldn't stop smiling in these pictures from the charity's Instagram story — and I can see why! Aside from the fact they're getting ready to welcome their third child, they genuinely looked excited to be celebrating their charity.

October 31, 2024: Patrick & Brittany Celebrate Halloween With Their Kids

Patrick & Brittany Mahomes had the best family Halloween costumes this year! They shared a super cute photo of them posed with their kids and let's just say the Mahomes zoo was open for business. Patrick took on the role as a zookeeper while Brittany donned a mommy kangaroo costume that featured a joey in her pouch. It was a cute nod to their growing family, but we can't forget about Sterling and Bronze! Sterling wore a pretty pink flamingo costume while Bronze looked precious as a little lion.

There's no way the Mahomes can get any cuter!

November 4, 2024 — Brittany Celebrates Patrick's 8th Chiefs Win Of The Season

Brittany reported for WAG duties at the Chiefs vs. Buccaneers game on Monday, November 4, 2024 — and cheered alongside her BFF Taylor Swift throughout the game! This TikTok shows the two celebrating one of Patrick's touchdown passes, but it appears Brittany quickly realizes and tells Taylor that "Patrick's hurt." Luckily, it seems Pat was fine after all, but it can be scary business being a WAG!

Meanwhile, Brittany posted a video later of their daughter, Sterling, sharing her own football commentary. PEOPLEreported that in an Instagram story, Brittany asks Sterling, "What's so rude?" Sterling then responds, "If they take the ball from daddy and score a touchdown by theirselves, that means they're so rude." Clearly the Chiefs love — and loyalty — runs deep in this family! 😂

Injuries aside and interesting football takes aside (I'm looking at you, Sterling!), Brittany posted to Instagram, celebrating Patrick's big win. As the only team left with an undefeated record in the NFL this year, her caption is incredibly appropriate: "8 & ZERO😎" We love to see these two winning together!

January 12, 2025 — Patrick And Brittany Are A Family Of Five Now!

Baby No. 3 is here and she's already filling big shoes with her name; Golden Raye Mahomes (via PEOPLE). Similar to her siblings Sterling and Bronze, Golden received her own special arrival announcement post on Instagram. Patrick and Brittany shared a sweet picture of them holding her cute, tiny feet above a monogrammed wooden sign.

We can't wait to see her precious face and know the couple will share more when they're ready.