We all have those days when getting out the blow-dryer so our hair looks half-way decent is the last thing on a very long to do list, especially if you’ve fallen into the habit of blow-drying your hair every day. This is not only bad news for your hair (think of the hair damage!), but it can also take up time that can be better spent elsewhere during your morning routine.
To help you cut back on your hair styling time, give your locks more of a break between heat styling, and to give you a blow-dried style that will last, all you need to do is try these easy blow-drying hair tips!
Prepare Your Hair
The key to a keeping and creating any hairstyle is well prepared hair.
Hair Treatments
If you’re a regular user of your blow-dryer then you should already be using hair treatments at least every month or every week depending on the condition of your hair. If you’re not then now is the time to get into the habit. Just smooth a mask or treatment on your hair while hanging around at home, or use a night time leave in mask designed to work while you sleep to keep your locks hydrated and in tip-top shape so they're ready to style!
The Right Shampoo and Conditioner
The right shampoo and conditioner can either be the right one for your hair type (such as one designed for fine hair) or the kind designed for the style you want to achieve, such as sleek and straight shampoos to encourage your locks to lie flat. Either way, using a shampoo and conditioner that will clean, nourish and condition your hair so that it is easier to style and will look healthy is what you need.
Hair Styling Products
If you want a hairstyle that looks good, is free of hair frizz, and most importantly, will last you a few days, then hair styling products are what you need. The most important one to use when heat styling is a heat protection product which will limit damage to your hair strands. After that, try hair mousse or a straightening balm to help your blow-dry get off to a great start. Just remember to keep in mind that you only need a small amount of any hair styling product and it’s much easier to add some more to your hair than to remove any product if you’ve added too much!
Blow-Dryer
While you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a top-quality hairdryer, it does make it easier to style when you have a blow-dryer with the following features:
- A nozzle attachment – so you can focus the heat and air directly where you need it.
- A cool shot button – to set your hairstyle.
- Variable heat temperatures – so you can adjust the settings for your hair type or the style you want to create.
Hair Brush
As well as your blow-dryer you’ll also need a round hair brush to create lift at your roots and to help pull your hair taunt as you dry.
Hair Pins
If there’s only one tip you choose to follow when blow-drying your hair it should be dividing your hair into small sections and clipping away the sections you’re not working on with hair pins. Blow-drying your hair in sections is the only way to get a result that will last and a finish that will look great!
Blow-Drying Your Hair
When it comes to actually blow-drying your hair, the best way to do it is to take your time. This might sound silly since these tips are supposed to save you hair styling time, but the way to do that is to blow-dry your hair right the first time. That is what will keep your style in place, cutting down the need to re-style poorly blow-dried hair every few days.
Styling Time
The bare minimum you should spend blow-drying is at least 20 minutes, but take your time and take longer if you need to. It might be more time consuming, especially when working with your hair in small sections, but it delivers a better result and will give you a long lasting hairdo.
Work In Sections
Blow-dry one section of hair until it is completely dry, keeping a one-inch space between your hair and the end of your dryer, and then move onto the next section.
Use Your Brush
Use the right sized round brush (small for short hair, medium for mid-length hair, large for long or thick hair), and use it to pull your hair smooth and hold it taunt as you direct your blow-dryer down your hair shaft.
Blast With Cold Air
Finish your look by turning on your cool shot feature and setting your speed to the lowest setting and then blow the slow, cool air over your entire style to set it into shape.
Finish with Hairspray
A touch of hairspray should provide enough hold and will not weigh your hair down. For a longer lasting blow-dry, steer clear of shine serums which can make your hair limp and greasy looking, especially the day after styling.
With these tips you should be able to give yourself a really nice blow-dry at home which will last. To keep your style refreshed, avoid excessive moisture, use a shower cap when showering, and spritz your hair with dry shampoo to keep oily locks at bay and extend the time between hair washes.
