Can’t afford a salon blow-dry before every big night out? Who can? (Not me, that’s for sure!).
Just because you don’t have the cash to splash, it doesn’t mean you have to put up with second-rate strands.
Emiliano Vitale, Creative Director at Sydney’s E Salon, gives us his insider tips on achieving a professional-looking blow-dry, from the comfort of your own home.
Before you begin:
Having the right hair dryer with various heat and speed settings is an essential! I like the VS Sassoon Ultimate Salon Dryer as it is lightweight, easy to use, and comes with three heat, and two speed settings. It also combines a high torque fan system™ for ultra-fast airflow, with nano tourmaline ceramic™ to ensure reduced frizz and enhanced shine. And in case that’s not enough, it also comes with a volumising diffuser with two settings for adjustable airflow.
Step 1: The key to a great blow-dry is clean hair. Once you have cleansed and conditioned your locks, thoroughly rinse your hair leaving no residue, and finish with some cold water. This helps to seal the cuticle and add incredible shine to your hair.
Step 2: Blow-drying off any excess moisture in your hair is vital when achieving a salon-perfect style. Position your hairdryer so that the airflow is directed down the hair shaft, as opposed to upwards, as this will ensure the outer layer of your hair stays smooth, giving you that sophisticated, polished, ‘just left the salon’ look.
Step 3: Apply a small amount of your preferred styling product (this is where your hairdresser is vital, as he/she will recommend what is right for your hair type and condition). To create a salon-perfect blow-dry at home you will need to use product!Ӭ
Step 4: If your hair is bobbed or naturally smooth, the goal here is to have the correct sized round brush to suit your length (your stylist will recommend this for you). When drying, do not lift too much from the roots, as this creates an old-fashioned look. The key is to ‘grip’ your hair to the brush at the roots, then work both your brush and hairdryer down towards the ends. Using a small, concentrated nozzle for precise heat and ensuring that the airflow is always directed downwards will help you achieve amazing shine. Finish your styling session with a light spritz of finishing spray for added hold and extra shine. (Try: Schwartzkopf Professional OSiS+ Elastic – Flexible Hold Hairspray).
Key Tip: Patience is vital in creating the perfect blow-dry so make sure you set aside enough time to do the job properly! It’s also a good idea to start with the back sections first, so you can finish with the ‘easier’ front section before you become too tired!
What are your best blow-dry tips?
