Stepping out of the salon after a great blow-dry can give you a confidence boost, but you don't need to break the bank to get gorgeous tresses. There are a few simple tricks you can try at home for a salon-worthy blow-dry – and Hairtrade.com have shared their top tips with us…
There are easy ways to recreate a blow-dry at home
Wash your hair twice
A blow-dry lasts longer when you have clean hair, so shampoo your hair twice – try a clarifying shampoo for a cleansing boost.
Watch out for excess conditioning
Use a conditioner to detangle and hydrate your hair, but don’t overdo it. Too much conditioner, especially near the scalp, will speed up oily hair. Start using it from halfway down your hair and towards the tips. Try finding conditioners which do not contain sulfates or parabens as these are better for your locks.
Towel dry your hair first
Drying your hair straight from the shower will not only take forever but will put unnecessary heat damage on your hair and dull the shine. Towel or pat it so it’s about 70 per cent dry before you blast it with the dryer.
Make sure to protect your hair from heat before styling
Use a heat protection oil
To seal in moisture and prevent damage use a heat protection oil as opposed to a cream or spray as it is lighter and won't weight down your blow-dry.
Dry your hair upside down
Drying your hair with your head tipped over will apply lift to your roots, increasing volume and definition. It might look a bit big when you finish but it will slowly deflate over the next few days without losing volume and texture.
Use cold air to finish the 'do
Once you’re done with the blow-dry, finish it off with a cool blast of air. The cold setting helps to seal cuticles and prevent frizz disasters later on.
Use a hairdryer to give your tresses a boost
Add a boost of shine
For a blow-dry that looks professional you'll need a hair shine spray. Try to pick a product without silicone as an ingredient as it will make your hair look artificial and greasy.
Avoid sweating and water
Moisture is the biggest enemy of your blow-dry so if you want to keep it for as long as possible, stay away from water. If you want to go to gym, use an absorbent headband and when showering wear a protective shower cap at all times.
Sleep on silk
The smooth surface will allow the hair to slide and not rub, keeping it in pristine shape. These pillowcases are good for the overall health of your hair too, because the can help keep split ends at bay and prevent breakage.
Make sure to refresh your 'do
The secret to making a blow-dry last is to do little refreshers every now and again. You just need to do this do the front parts of your hair, especially if you have bangs or a fringe. Make sure to use extra heat protection on these parts.
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