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It’s a simple matter of ergonomics. We just can’t get to the back of the head and use the same amount of tension as the pros.
Women embrace the blow dry bar, shelling out $35 for the one-time style ($25 on Tuesdays) or $60 for a monthly membership, guaranteeing a magnificent mane.
“A professional blow out is the equivalent of getting a mani-pedi,” says Jenny Beaudin, who owns Blown Away with sister-in-law Julie Burris. “We can paint our own fingernails, but it never looks the same as when you have it professionally done.”
In an ideal world, dropping in for 45 mintues of pampering is sublime, but there are times you want to dip into your product stash and try it at home. Here’s what you need to know, straight from the pros.
Wash: Not once, but twice, ideally first with a clarifying shampoo to remove product residue and pollutants. If you don’t have two different shampoos at home, use the same ones twice. After shampooing, condition.
Prep: Don’t apply too much of one product or layer too many products. Instead, figure out what kind of product is right for your hair–a good guideline is the thicker the hair, the thicker the product. And if you know it’s going to take a while to dry, a product with thermal protection is a bonus.
The Technique: The curlier the hair, the wetter the hair should be when you begin drying. Tackle the hair in small sections, beginning with the front and top of the head and drying with a downward motion. Once completely dry, lock in the section by hitting the cool shot button, which allows the cuticles to be sealed. It may take a while, but if you do it right, you may not even need your flat iron. Once complete, finish with your choice of hair spray or texturing spray to hold the look.
Tools of the trade
Hair Dryer: Bite the bullet and invest in a professional salon grade dryer with multiple heat settings, including a cool shot, which is essential to seal the hair cuticle. A good dryer will help cut down on drying time and frizz. Pro dryers may top out at over $300. Blown Away is a fan of the Bio Ionic 10X Ultralight Speed Dryer.
The Brush: Use a round brush, one with natural boar bristles or a combination of boar and nylon to reduce damage. If you think a brush like that won’t get through your hair, it’s because you’re drying too much hair at once.
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