Some people love getting a facial or a massage, but for us, it is a blow-dry. Let’s face it, the feeling of skipping out of the salon with freshly-blow dried hair is unmatched. There’s something about it that gives confidence, making you look chic and feel invincible.
Whether you prefer sleek and stick-straight hair or curly and full-bodied, whether your tresses are long or chin-grazing – a good blow-dry can make you look well put-together in a matter of minutes. As the regular salon visits have been sorely missed by many, we’ve curated the step-by-step guide to achieving salon-level blow-dry results, at home!
Give Yourself A Salon-Worthy Blowout At Home
Who else is missing those bouncy, natural waves or silky-straight strands that look effortlessly in place? Keep on reading to know the definitive guide to transforming our flat, lifeless locks into voluminous, bouncy waves.
The Pre-Blow-Dry Prep
- Brush your hair for at least 5 minutes as brushing produces oils and helps keep your hair cleaner for longer. Do it if your hair tends to get greasy or if you have thick hair.
- Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water as it opens up the cuticle allowing products to penetrate the strands and promotes deep cleansing. Shampoo your scalp well to remove the dirt and excess oil.
- Condition your hair. Make sure you use a conditioner that suits your hair type. Masks are more nourishing and great to detangle. Rinse your hair well after shampooing (towel drying works best) because if the hair is too wet, it will dilute the mask. If you have more time on your hands, wrap it up in a hot towel to open up the cuticles to better penetrate the product. If your hair tends to get greasy or is thin and frail, opt for a lightweight conditioner and work it on mid-length and ends.
- Always detangle in the shower. Detangling your hair with a comb when you have a mask on has the potential of the mask touching your scalp, making it heavy and oily quickly. Try to leave your scalp alone while combing. Use a wide-toothed comb and work the conditioner through your hair. End your wash with cold water to keep frizziness at bay and gently towel dry your hair. Avoid being harsh during this process as it can lead to static and frizz.
- Use a heat protectant. A sea salt spray is probably the best as it adds grit to the hair without weighing it down and gives you the volume and versatility to style in numerous ways.
Steps To Blow-Dry Your Hair At Home
Tools you’ll need
- Hairdryer
- Medium to large round brush (it helps create shape and make ends flip)
- Styling products like texturising, volumising, thickening spray or smoothing cream
- Finishing products like oil, hair serum, spray or cream.
Step 1: Semi-dry your hair before your actual blow-dry. Try removing at least 80 per cent of the moisture before you start styling. Then, section the hair on top of your crown and secure it with clips. Begin with drying the underneath layers using a brush and high heat. Point the dryer’s nozzle downward to help smooth hair and create shine.
Step 3: Decide the look you want to create. Remove the clips and use it to hold the dry underneath layers away. Twist it and clip them into a bun to add waves or a very loose low ponytail for a straighter look. For curls, roll them under using a round brush, blast with heat, and at last set it with cold air. For a straight finish, pull the brush through while drying ends with warm air, then set with cold air.
Step 4: Choosing the right brush is key to a great blowout. Use a large round brush to dry the hair gently and maintain a distance between the brush and the dryer. The brush is like a paintbrush that will draw the shape you desire. The most crucial step? Always dry your hair in the right direction, i.e., from top to bottom.
Step 5: Work the top section. Aim the nozzle at the roots in order to add volume, then work toward the ends, using the brush to pull hair forward and out.
Step 6: Always cool down. The cold feature adds shine and smoothes the hair down if it has gone frizzy.
Post-Blow-Dry Tips
After that mammoth task of getting fabulously blown-out hair, it will be tragic to watch it get washed away the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh: To keep the volume and the hold, use a setting spray to keep your hair shiny all day and a weightless serum formula to minimise the flyaways and frizz.
So, whether you’re attending a sophisticated soiree or knocking back Jager bombs, give yourself a salon-like blowout and make them swoon!