Get the Right Cut:
Before you can get to styling, you must get the right cut, preferably from a stylist who really knows his or her stuff. Once a great cut is in place, styling will be a breeze. This basic cut is longer on top and tapered closely on the sides, from the ears to the nape of the neck. Long lengths at the front and crown gradually taper down at the back of the head. While Rihanna wears almost a mohawk cut, this will work as long as you have volume on top with closely cut sides. It looks best on relaxed or flat-ironed hair.
Blow Dry to Perfection:
After shampooing and conditioning, apply a heat protecting product and work through damp hair. Blow dry your hair while combing through with a Denman or paddle brush, or use a comb attachment. The trick is to make your hair as straight as possible while drying.
Apply Product:
Apply a natural oil or styling cream. A dime- to quarter-size amount should be sufficient. Just make sure to work it all the way through your hair, paying special attention to the ends.
Iron and Curl:
If your hair needs additional straightening, run over lengths with a flat iron until smooth. Use a curling iron in a 1 to 1 1/2 inch barrel size. Decide which direction you want your hair to go because this style is directed to one side. When curling at the crown, curl your hair under in sections that are about 1 inch wide. Closer to the front, curl a few pieces toward one side. To copy this look exactly, curl front pieces over so that they flip up.
Finishing:
Once your curls are cool, run through them with your fingers or with a wide-tooth comb to loosen them a little. This isn't an overly stylized look so every hair doesn't have to be in place. Use a natural bristle brush and pomade on tapered sides and back to smooth them down. Apply hairspray if desired. You're now ready to rock this hot look, Rihanna-style!
