Tired of dealing with errant baby hairs? Here’s what you can do to tame them

One of the biggest problems with baby hairs is that they are too short to clip up and too frizzy to let loose. If you, like us, have spent too many precious minutes tamping them down in the AM, you’re probably already looking for an easier solution. To help you out, we spoke to two hairstylists to share the secrets in their beauty arsenal. Whether you want to set them and forget them, or incorporate them into your hairstyle, here’s all that you can do with your baby hairs.

1. Choose the right tool

Whether you’re looking to style your baby hairs or brush them down, the pointy end of a rat tail comb, a toothbrush or a mascara wand are your best bets, since they all give you the precision you need to flatten each strand. “Some people also use a natural fibre paintbrush to settle down any flyaways. And clear eyebrow gel can be used to hold tiny hairs as well,” says Mumbai-based hairstylist, Kalyani Nayak. An easy way to avoid stubborn baby hairs is by using the right comb. “Always use soft bristle brushes. For example, WetBrush’s offerings work through damp hair without without causing much damage,” says Nikhil Patil, style director, Jean-Claude Biguine Salon And Spa. Nayak also suggests that you ditch harsh, regular brushes and switch to wooden brushes, which have wooden bristles to keep the frizz away in any weather.

2. Use hairspray

“Hairspray is a quick and easy way to style the baby hairs. Spray on a toothbrush and then gently brush on to tiny hair. You could also spray it on to the hair for more hold, and then brush it in place,” suggests Nayak.

3. Tamp down baby hairs with cold air

Chances are that your baby hairs are damaged and dry, which is why they refuse to lie flat. Using heat styling products will only make your hair drier, so you should use them sparingly. “We don’t recommend heat styling. However, if necessary, use the dryer on medium heat and full speed. Direct the nozzle down, and then finish with a cold blast to close the cuticles and set them,” suggests Patil. Baby hairs are also a lot finer than your normal hair, and blasting them with hot hair for too long might actually fry them. Instead, hold the hair in place against your forehead with your fingers to make them lie flat in that direction with as little heat as possible.

4. Spray it with water

If your baby hairs are looking a little messy, you don’t have to wash your hair just to tone it down. “Spray water evenly across your hairline. Use a natural fibre brush or a wooden toothbrush to comb the hair in the same natural direction near the hairline,” says Nayak.

5. Apply a styling cream

Products with a stronger hold, such as pomades and pastes, are best for those with curlier or thicker strands. Opt for a nourishing formula that hydrates your hair while smoothing the frizz. “Since baby hairs are super fragile, you want to coddle them instead of damage them more. Use a hydrating product like Olaplex No 6 or Moroccanoil to tamp it down without being sticky on the forehead,” suggests Patil.

6. Protect the strands against more breakage

“Maintaining the natural texture of the hair is very important. A good way is to start using silk pillowcases or tie a silk scarf on the hair to protect the texture of your hair,” confirms Nayak. Silk helps to retain much-needed moisture that prevents dry strands and keeps them from getting frizzy while you sleep.

Also read:

Yes, there is actually a right way to sleep with wet hair

10 shampoos for curly hair that promise a shiny and frizz-free mane

Experts reveal the trick to drying hair naturally, minus the frizz