Blowout basics
Hey babes, it’s been a while. I’ve missed writing and missed sharing the inside salon scoops with you all.
The reason for this specific blog, is because one of the # 1 things I hear behind the chair is “I wish I could re-create this at home” or “Wow, I have no idea how you use those brushes” or “What should I do to create less heat damage at home?”. It’s our jobs In my opinion to educate our clients and hair gals on what to do when they are at home to take care of the hair that we have spent so much time giving them at the salon.
Whether you are giving yourself a fancy blowout at home, or you don’t even own a round brush, there are tips below that I feel everyone should know about blowdrying your hair at home. Little tips and tricks that I hope will help you be safer while using those heat tools.
This blog is quick and to the point, no frills. Bullet points and cliff notes, so it’s easy to skim… Take what you need, leave what you may already know. Leave a comment if anything in here helps you. Let’s get to it.
The basics:
Always use a heat protectant throughout the mids + ends (More about that below)
“Rough dry” at least 75% depending on your hair texture (Hair is most vulnerable/fragile when wet, so you want to get it closer to dry before potentially stretching it with your brushes- this can lead to snapping your hair, etc.)
Sectioning off your hair using clips so that it’s less overwhelming and for more control
Dry the roots of each section first - either by flipping your hair upside down or gently lifting each hair strand upward, which created volume. Think of it like training your hair to go where it wants. (You can also do this with cowlicks and whirls and bangs, train them even with your fingers which directions you want them to go. If you want a sleeker look, use the same technique, except hold the roots down in a taut motion, this will help smooth any curl or frizz at the root.)
Motioning the blowdryer nozzle downward (away from your scalp) will not only smooth the hair cuticle down, but it will help the water naturally roll down the hair strands in the correct motion to disperse from the hair
Favorite heat protectants and why:
My absolute favorite heat protectant that I have used is the MELU hair shield by Davines.
Here’s the deets:
It protects the hair structure from heat and from the stress of hot tools over 350 degrees. (But, like, please don’t use your hot tools over 350.) Another awesome feature: Ever had your hair be static-y after blow-dry or maybe you live in a humid area? Well, MELU has a conditioning, antistatic effect to it... Bonus, right? It leaves the hair soft and shiny hair and it’s made with natural, active ingredients. I also love this product because it’s obtained with 100% clean energy. Zero impact, essential and recyclable packaging.
Are there other great heat protectants out there? Of course… have I tried them all? No. So, I like to stick to what I have tried before promoting something that I am not educated on, you know what I mean? BUT, since Davines is a higher price point then some brands, I do like to offer an alternative price point so that there are options for everyone.
I also like Kristen Ess’ blow-dry mist. It does more than heat protect, which is so handy. It cuts down drying time, adds shine and protects against heat up to 450°F. I believe it’s around $15 or so and can be purchased through her website or at Target.
Key points about round brushes:
The smaller the barrel, the less volume you’ll get - but the more curl you’ll achieve
The bigger the barrel, the more volume and less curl you’ll get
Tension is key while trying to smooth out frizz or curl.
Think of it like a t shirt, if it’s wrinkly - we use heat to smooth it out, with an iron or a steamer or the dryer, right? So, Same with our goal with our blowdryers and hair. We want to hold the t shirt tight and flat so that we can smooth it out, same with hair strands! That round brush (or your fingers) is what is helping smooth the hair strand while the heat and water basically steam your hair.
Photos: @jaydenpboutique @aspectsofharmony Use code: CARLIE20 for 20% off JaydenP.com