Walking out of the salon with freshly styled and dried locks can be such a confidence booster. I find even if I walk out of the house in sweats, I feel a million times better if I’ve done my hair. However, these visits to the salon are few and far between unless you live in the vicinity of a great dry bar, I’ve learned some tips and tricks on how to get that salon blowout at home for special occasions and the odd photoshoot here and there.
Depending on your hair type, you’ll want to look at different products to achieve the results, however one thing is common no matter what type of hair you have and that is- quality styling tools mean healthier, happier hair. Ever notice why the tiny blowdryers in a hotel leave your hair looking frizzy and fried even if you are still using your normal styling products? Looking for a good quality, professional grade blow dryer or styling tool- although a bit more expensive can pay off with healthier, shinier hair. Professional grade blow dryers for example have more powerful motors which can decrease drying time and stress on your hair. Other dryer/styling tool combos like a hot air brush, integrate technology like ceramic-tourmaline plates with integrated ion generator to seal in the hair cuticle.
So given you have the right tools, here’s my step by step approach to achieve super smooth, salon results at home:
STEP ONE- Add a volumizing mousse or spray to the crown of your towel dried head. I typically use Bumble and Bumble Thickening- Full Form Mousse.
STEP TWO- Add an anti-frizz serum to your hair from the mid length of your hair to the ends. I love the Orchid Oil Treatment from Redavid hair.
STEP THREE- Start blow-drying—but for now, just use your fingers to comb through your hair as you direct the nozzle of your dryer downward. If you’re not in a rush, you can even skip the blow-dryer altogether at this point and just let your hair air-dry 80 percent of the way.
I achieved amazing results with this Kenneth Bernard blowdryer
STEP FOUR- Clip up the hair on your crown and section the lower half of your hair in thirds around your head. Dry sections one by one with a large round brush, roll the brush up and back from your hairline, keeping the nozzle of the dryer as close to your hair as possible without touching (and potentially singeing!).Finally, dry the top third, one half at a time, lifting at the roots for as much volume as possible.
STEP FIVE- Finish hair off with a light hold hair spray- to allow for body and movement. I love this Layering Hairspray as it allows you to build in hold and volume by adding multiple layers, so no worries of ever adding too much on the first blast! Plus it smells amazing and not like some of the other “stale” hairsprays you can get at the drugstore. Also if you want to smooth your ends or any fly-aways use a small amount of smoothing creme at the ends.
