Mariah Carey’s sleek honey blonde mane in the new video for her Rick Ross-assisted single “Triumphant” is divine. Though Mimi’s gorgeous, smooth hair was likely whipped by a team of talented hands, a little at-home hair training is all you need to achieve the same look. When rocking a straight look, you should focus the bulk of your efforts on protecting your hair from heat damage and following a regimen that continually kicks frizz to the curb. Mind these top five tips.

1. USE A SILKENING CONDITIONER

As all expert stylists routinely tell us, “great hair begins at the bowl.” This means you should be using a softening shampoo and a great conditioner like Jane Carter Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner. Prep your tresses for an easy blowout by smoothing your hair cuticle.

2. DON'T SKIP YOUR LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

To protect your hair from heat-damage, you should always use a leave-in conditioner before blowing out your mane. Do double duty by using KeraCare Leave-in Conditioner, which helps detangle and blow-dry to perfection. Naturals should try Hair Rules Blow It All Out – a spray that helps blow out multi-textured hair.

3. USE AN ANTI-FRIZZ SERUM

You should not only use a great serum to achieve straight hair, but to maintain it. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Serum fights frizz for days after using. It’s formula coats your hair shaft and seals in your sleek look while flat-ironing. Use a few drops just before ironing and throughout the week to combat cowlicks.

4. GET A FLAT-IRON THAT REALLY WORKS

Though a great straightening tool can be a bit of an investment, it’s totally worth it. Favorites like FHI Heat tools and CHI Ceramic flat irons are always a good choice, but you should definitely check out the affordably-priced Infiniti Pro by Conair. Found at your local Target, this little iron reaches up to 455 degrees and shuts off automatically.

5. PROPERLY WRAP YOUR HAIR

For those that wrap their tresses at night, this can make or break your style. Make sure to use a satin scarf and a few bobby pins if your hair is so fluffy and fab it won’t stay in the circular shape. Once wrapped, twist your scarf around 360 degrees to further flatten and tighten your wrap. This also catches any loose hairs or sections that you may not have brushed or combed flat.

BONUS: MORE RULES TO REMEMBER

  • Use blow-dry attachments that have a built-in metal plate for instant smoothness.
  • Blow-dry down and at an angle, and flatiron in slow, steady swipes.
  • Slightly curled hair wraps better than bone straight tresses.