Pro Tips & Tricks
Everyone knows and loves the feeling of newly-done hair – it’s softer, bouncier, shinier and overall healthier looking. But replicating that fresh-from-the salon look at home takes some practice. The key is having the right tools and using proper techniques depending on your hair type. With this step by step guide, you’ll be able to achieve beautiful results each time!
1. Try a Pre-shampooing Treatment!
You might think it’s strange to condition your hair before shampooing, but many treatments work better this way—just not all of them. If you use a good mask or treatment, its effects should last past one shampoo. So, if you have thin or fine hair, doing this before blow drying will make your hair limp.
If you have coarse or thick hair, adding a treatment before your blowout can help seal the cuticle and add moisture to prevent frizz.
2. The Shampoo and Conditioner You Use Have a Big Impact
Your hair routine should be approached in the same way as your skin-care routine. Identify your hair type and choose matching shampoo, conditioner, and styling products accordingly.
- For volume: Kelp & Mint Shampoo
- To add softness: Moisture Drench Shampoo
- To maintain color: Color Shield Shampoo
- To add shine: Glossing Shampoo
3. Gently Towel-Dry Your Hair to Avoid Breakage
Breaking your hair and causing frizz is much more likely when you aggressively rub it with a regular bath towel. Try using towels that are designed for drying hair instead—they absorb water better and are gentler on strands. To prevent breakage and frizz, wrap your hair in the towel and squeeze it gently rather than rubbing it vigorously.
4. Style Your Hair According to Its Type
If you have super fine hair, we recommend using a mousse or mist. If your hair is medium to thick, use a cream or oil to add moisture and smoothness.
5. A Good Dryer Is Essential
Not only is technique key when blow-drying your hair, but the dryer you use matters just as much. Choose a high-quality, quick-drying dryer with adjustable heat settings.
Additionally, the weight of the dryer is important; you don’t want something so heavy that your arms get tired quickly. Asking friends for recommendations and considering where the product is manufactured can be helpful in finding a great-quality blow-dryer.
6. Pick the Correct Brush
A round brush made with boar bristles is ideal for those with medium-thick hair because it has great tension. This creates a much smoother and shinier blowout in general. We recommend a mixed-bristle brush specifically for textured or oily hair types as it can get really close to the hairline – thus providing a better smoothing experience overall.
A strong-bristled brush is essential for detangling and reducing tension in your hair. In fact, that type of brush, along with a good dryer, are the only tools that can help transform a coiled curl into sleek, shiny strands.
A ceramic-vented round brush is best for straight hair because it heats up quickly and evenly. This provides a nice bend at the ends, volume at the roots, and a good body overall.
7. Part Your Hair
Dividing your hair into sections will make the blowout process quicker and simpler. Each section should be no thicker than an inch and a half. To start, separate your hair into five pieces (two in front, two in back, and one on top). If you have a lot of hair, you may need to create more sections.
8. Start With The Front
To avoid a rushed and sloppy-looking blowout, take your time. It’s best to start from the back since that hair tends to be more challenging.
Do the difficult part first; you’ll have more energy then, plus the front sections are easier, so if you save those for last, you might not style them as well as you’d like. If your strands are on the thinner side, begin by blowing out the top portion—the “mohawk”—to give it some initial lift and volume.
Position the dryer at your crown, point it straight up toward the ceiling while holding up that section of hair with your other hand, and then move down slowly over your face while still pointing the hairdryer upward.
9. Create Sleek or Curly Styles!
In order to achieve a sleek and straight blowout, you first need to brush your hair close to the scalp. Then, dry your hair section by section while keeping the nozzle pointed down. Remember that a velvety smooth appearance comes from brushing in downward motions; avoid upward strokes for best results.
Gently pull the brush through your hair, following with the dryer until the section is totally dry. When you reach the ends of your hair, wrap them around the brush and dry them fully. Then hit the cold-shot button to set your style.
Achieve a bouncier, curlier blowout by taking the same steps as before. When you reach your ends, take the entire dried section of hair and wrap it around a round brush, emulating using a curling iron. Hold the hot air close to it for ten to twenty seconds (or until the hair is fully heated), then let it sit on the brush until cooled (you can use the “cold shot” feature to expedite this process). Gently remove the hair from the brush when complete.
10. Use the Right Finishing Product to Make It Last
The products you use to style your hair depend on the texture and look you want, but be careful not to go overboard. If your hair tends to fall quickly, give it a little volume with dry shampoo. If you have curly or frizzy hair, add shine to the ends with a finishing serum or cream.
11. Refresh Your Hair for the Next Day With a Blow-Dryer
If you’re looking to revive your blowout, use a light layer of dry shampoo and divide your hair into sections. Sleeping on a silk pillowcase will also help keep
your blowout intact and reduce frizz. Whether or not you put your hair up before bedtime depends on how much you sweat when you sleep; if you perspire heavily, then it’s best to secure your locks overnight.