Want a smooth-looking hairstyle fast? Editor Trudi Brewer shares her tips on how to get a salon-looking blow dry for the party season ahead.
Top tips
Once a week my hair gets a volume blow dry. It saves me time in the morning (as this way of blow drying lasts at least four days), and calms my naturally, wavy and often frizzy locks. When it comes to mastering the art of blow drying, here are my tips and the top tools to help you get a great -looking blowout at home.
Make sure you put at least 20 minutes aside to blow dry your hair. Don’t rush this, and never leave the roots damp, always make sure your hair is completely dry to ensure the end result lasts for days.
Choose a hair dryer with some oomph. I suggest at 2100W minimum, also ensure your hair dryer comes with multiple heats and air settings. Hot air smoothes the hair while cool air sets your style. Use the nozzle on the hair dryer to direct the heat downwards onto the hair to avoid a frizzy end result.
Towel dry your hair and use a paddle brush to remove the excess moisture. Move hot hair through the hair using the paddle brush, brushing from side to side. Once hair is about 80 percent dry, then start sectioning it, and using the round brush.
Section the hair with a clip and dry the hair in sections. Begin drying the lower layers first at the nape. Use a round brush, and dry the roots first in small sections. Don’t forget to direct the airflow down the hair shaft to maintain a smooth-looking end result
Finally, add a little backcombing at the roots to give the hair lift and maintain that bouncy volume.
My favourite Tangle Teezer tools
Tangle Teezer Wet Detangler, $24.
For brushing wet hair (ideal for combing through styling products or leave-in conditioner) this brush is brilliant . The ergonomic handle makes for an easy grip when wet making it the perfect in-shower mate.
Tangle Teezer Paddle Brush, $44.
The widely spaced teeth help take hair from wet to almost dry, in a few minutes. It's great for speeding up your blow dry time. I use this brush to get my hair almost dry, before I add the volume with a round brush.
Tangle Teezer Round Brush, $39.
This brush is a gem. It's great for thick, mid-length hair for creating excellent volume. If you're worried about hair getting tangled, the teeth don't tug on this brush, and as hair dries each section rolls out of the brush in seconds - it’s genius.
Tangle Teezer Back-Combing Hairbrush, $20.
This innovative brush has two-tiers of teeth allowing you to gently backcomb the hair at the roots, which prevents any breakage. The result, no matted look, or knots, and the backcombing brushes-out in seconds.