How to get salon-perfect hair

There is no denying how great a fresh salon blow-dry leaves you feeling. However, while your hairstylist might make it look otherwise, to replicate this professional blow-dry at home is no easy feat. But it’s not impossible - all you need is proper technique, the right products, and a little practice. Here’s how to achieve a professional-level blowout in the comfort of your own home.  

Blow-dry prep 

Before you even reach for your hairdryer and brush, prepping hair is key and the foundation for a great blow-dry: 
- Start by wetting your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water as this will open the hair cuticles and allow products to penetrate the strands to promote deep cleansing. 
- Apply a shampoo and conditioner duo formulated to address your hair type and concerns. 
- Comb conditioned hair with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. 
- End your wash with cold water to avoid frizz. 
- Remove excess moisture - hair should be damp to minimise heat exposure. 
- Gather all your tools: hair dryer, round hairbrush, finishing cream, oil, or serum. 

Here's your step-by-step guide to the perfect DIY blowout: 

Step 1: Start by semi-drying your hair (using your fingers) on medium heat until your hair is about 60- 70% dry. 

Step 2: Next, section off your strands. This will make drying your hair much more manageable as it will keep the hair you’re not working on out of the way. You can clip your hair into four equal parts around your head and blow-dry one at a time working in a circle, clipping the others to the side. Or gather the hair on top of your crown, secure it with a clip and start drying hair in layers starting from the bottom, then release the top half of your hair and continue the drying process.  

Step 3: Wrap a section of hair around a round brush and point the dryer's nozzle downward as you brush through, pulling strands taut. Focus your blow dryer near your roots and work your way down to your ends - this will help smooth hair and create shine. Continue until all the hair in the section is completely dry, then repeat with the remaining sections until your full head is finished. 

Step 4: Once your hair is dry, apply a small amount of finishing cream, glossy serum, or oil onto your lengths and ends to seal in moisture, add shine and ward off any frizz. 
Take note: Depending on what look you’re going for, you’ll switch up what you’re doing with the blow dryer and brush. 
For a smoother blowout with polished ends, roll your hair in toward the face, wrapping your hair around your brush. For a bouncy blowout with curly ends, blow dry down the length of your hair and twist the brush to create a curl as you reach the ends. Lastly, to make your blowout last (or when your scalp starts to look greasy), spray the roots with a little dry shampoo, it will absorb the oil and sweat as well as revive flat hair. 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com