The Perfect Blow-Out

One of the best parts about going to the salon is the way you look when you leave.  Your hair has incredible shine, it’s smooth and styled.  Many believe that it is virtually impossible to re-create a salon look at home.  If you want a salon blow out at home, you have to keep three factors in mind: products, blow dryer and brush.

A client once said to me “how come my hair at home never looks the same as it does in the salon? Are you keeping it secret?” I am here to tell you there are no secrets that I am not willing to share.  The first step of any blow out is using the right products in your hair.  Most think that you can use any type of shampoo, conditioner or styling aid, but the truth is every head is different.  True, many products can do the same thing, but not the same for everyone.  Naturally curly hair tends to be very dry, so a hydrating shampoo is necessary.  What would happen if a curly head used volumizing shampoo? They run the risk of damaging their hair since most volume shampoos actually pull out moisture from the hair; this causing the hair to swell causing the look and feel of extra volume.  The next step is finding the right styling products.  Think, what is your desired end look? Volume? Smooth? Curls? Most heads do not need more than two styling aids; pre-drying and a finisher.  Apply the recommend amount and move on to the blow drying. I recommend Pravana’s Straightening Crème for a smooth look.

Whatever type of blowdryer you use there are two things to make sure of.  Number one; there should be a concentrator nozzle on the end and number two; make sure it has a cool shot button.  A concentrator nozzle is very important because this controls air flow.  If the hot air from the blow dryer is not being controlled the cuticle tends to be pushed in the wrong direction.  Air flow should always be directed down the cuticle; away from the scalp.  This allows the cuticle to lay flat, causes less damage and increases the natural shine to the hair.  A cool shot button is always the last part of every blow out.  When using heat your hair becomes pliable, cooling the hair helps “set” your look.  This is the same reason that you should always do a final rinse with cold water.  The more closed your cuticle is the less likely your hair will be damaged.   FHI makes a great blow dryer, very powerful and lightweight.

When choosing the right brush for your hair the rules are simple, flat brushes create flat looks, round brushes create round looks.  What type of look are you going for? On my clients I use a Marilyn boar bristle round brush throughout the back and sides because most want movement, and usually a flat brush across the fringe.  As far as round bushes go, I suggest using a boar bristle brush with a wood or ceramic handle.  Any type of metal or plastic brush can hold too much heat, and cause damage.  And a boar bristle brush also grabs onto the hair better and can increase natural shine.