While hairstylists make a salon-blow dry look effortless, most of us struggle. Think tugging, tangling and tired arms. However, with the right tools, it’s easy to master, and the results are so satisfying. In the quest to make a DIY blow-dry more attainable at home editor Trudi Brewer shares her step-by-step guide.
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Prep is everything
Freshly washed hair is the key to a bouncy blowout. Also, choose a shampoo and conditioner duo formulated to address your hair type and concerns. For example, if your hair is prone to frizz, needs more volume, or needs heat protection to protect the colour, this will help boost your style. Next, prep hair with a volume-boosting cream like mousse and heat-protecting spray. This helps hold your blow dry for days while protecting each strand from the heat.
Never blow dry soaking wet hair
Remove excess moisture. Wrap your hair in a towel; I rate the microfibre Manicare Rapiddry Hair Turban; it’s brilliant for removing excess water - fast. Damp hair is easier to dry and minimises heat exposure to avoid frizz and damage over time. Less time spent blow-drying also means the overall process will be speedier, so your arms won't get too tired.
Tools are everything
Always invest in salon-quality brushes; they deliver volume and a professional result. The size depends on the length and texture of your hair. The smaller the round brush, the tighter you can get the curl. The larger the round brush, the bigger your curl and the more volume you can get. Ensure the brushes you buy have a heat-activated ceramic barrel. This speeds up drying time, locks in moisture and smooths every section of the hair for a polished-looking finish. While the ionic bristles are infused with negative ions to reduce frizz.
Lady Jayne Salon Professional Brushes
Lady Jayne Professional Medium Ceramic Radial Brush, $34, the ionic bristles are ideal for medium-length layered hair. Lady Jayne Professional Large Ceramic Radial Brush, $55; the large barrel smoothes mid-length and long hair. Lady Jayne Professional Porcupine Radial Brush, $30, the combination of boar and ionic bristles, are ideal for thick hair that needs smoothing. Lady Jayne Professional Paddle Brush, $31, suitable for speed drying and detangling wet hair.
Dry hair in sections
Using the medium heat setting, part your hair into sections and dry each section with the nozzle pointed downward. Then, using a round brush, over-direct each section to give lift, concentrating the heat at the roots first. Keep the round brush in the section, so the ceramic barrel dries the hair; wait a few seconds before you remove the hair from the brush to all the section cool down and lock in the shape. Then, patiently repeat this process section by section until your hair is completely dry.
Add the polish
Once your hair is dry, tip your head upside down and blast your hair with the cool setting on the dryer to lock in the volume and any smooth frizz. You can spritz in a humidity-blocking hairspray or shine-boosting spray to give your blow-dry longevity. Once you master the art of the DIY blow dry it will last for at least three days.
How long does a DIY salon-looking blowdry take?
With the help of the Lady Jayne Professional Salon Brushes, I have got my DIY blow dry down to nine minutes. See how to in this reel.