Sunday 24 July 2016

The Art of the Blowdry


This month in the salon, we’ve been inspired by the gorgeous pastels of a Miami summer, which got us thinking about gorgeous Floridian women.  From Faye Dunaway to Megan Fox and Aryana Grande the thing these ladies have in common is long, smooth hair.  But how do they achieve this in the humid atmosphere of their native state?

The answer is - the not so humble blowdry.  Many techniques and products can be used to create a glorious finish every time and we’ve dedicated this blog post to sharing some of our best tricks and tips.

In the salon we have fallen in love with Angelo Seminara’s Your Hair Assistant range.  Created especially for blowdrying, from prep shampoo and balm to volumising powder, this range will help make your perfect blowdry a reality. 























In the salon the YHA prep shampoo and conditioning balm has become Becki’s basin favourite. Becki describes how she creates a smooth finish…

“There are certain elements that depend on your hair type.  A smoothing shampoo and conditioner are always the best place to start.  I love the Your Hair Assistant prep shampoo and prep rich balm, and use these whenever I get the opportunity.  After a quick towel dry I use humidity resistant spray, which will work to set the style.  I would also use a heat protective spray at this stage.  The one I turn to most is Oi Milk.  This will give your hair extra protection when using a hair dryer or straighteners.   

Next I would use relaxing moisturising fluid as a smoothing lotion.  Now it’s time to start drying.  Rough dry with a paddle or vent brush.  This will speed up your styling and stop your arms getting too tired.  Once the hair is 80% dry divide into sections.  If you have thick or wavy hair I would suggest making the sections quite small to make it easier to get a great finish.  Dry each section with a big round brush and a nozzle on your hairdryer. 

If you have been thorough with your sectioning and kept tension your hair should be beautifully straight now. 

During training we’re taught to get the results using a brush and dryer, avoiding using straighteners.  However, if you have got to this point and want your hair to be straighter and smoother still repeat the process of sectioning and then straighten.  You will have already used a heat protector spray so no additional haircare product is needed at this stage. 

Your hair will now be perfect and I would finish with Oi Oil as a serum, locking in shine.
Always remember, the must-use product when completing a finish like this is heat protection.”













































































Another great look that can be achieved with a blowdry is the big volume finish. Pippa shares with us how to create this style...

“I would start with a deep cleanse shampoo such as Davines Solu.  Then Momo shampoo and conditioner to give moisture and help with shine.

Wrapping your hair in a towel is the best way to absorb excess moisture without disturbing the cuticle.  After this apply 3 drops of liquid gold, AKA Oi Oil; rub gently through the mid lengths and ends and then comb through gently with a wide toothed comb. 

My styling product of choice is Davines More inside volumising mousse.  Now we’re ready.  All this prep is important to make sure your blowdry looks good and lasts well.

To help get added lift, tip your head upside down and blast the roots with a hairdryer, using your fingers to ensure the air gets all the way through.

In salon I would then use a large round bristle brush to blowdry added volume, smoothness and curl into your hair. If, however, you are styling your hair at home I would use this opportunity to brush through with a paddle brush to finish off the drying.  And then use large Velcro rollers to give yourself the ‘cheat’ salon blowdry.  Leave the rollers in for 10 minutes to 1 hour.

When you take them out ruffle your fingers through, fix into position and spray.  I would use Davines More Inside firm hold hairspray.”































































































































In the salon you will see us using all sorts of bottles and wonder ‘what on earth are you using and why?’  Always feel free to ask us and we’ll share these styling secrets with you.  Ask us about our PreScription card at your next appointment.

There are so many other things that you can do to achieve a salon finish at home. 

We offer Kerastraight services in the salon.  The ultimate treatment lasts for up to six months, which is wonderful.  The only downside is that it takes up to 3 hours to complete the treatment in the salon.
The KS Boost however is a £25 treatment that can be added to a blowdry or cut and blowdry in the salon.  It’s smoothing effects last for up to one month.  We spoke to one of our clients, Sharon, who regularly uses the KS Boost treatment.

How does your hair feel after the KS Boost treatment?
Lovely! It feels like it’s in really good condition.  Really soft and shiny.

You usually have KS boost every 9 weeks, how long do you feel the effect of the treatment in your hair?
It feels healthy for the whole time.  I straighten it less too.

What change have you made to your haircare routine as a result of having the KS Boost treatment regularly?
I still straighten it because I’m overly fussy!  I definitely need to straighten it less, I still colour it but now I feel my hair is protected.

How do you style your hair at home?  How long does it take now and how long did it take before you used the treatment regularly?
About 10 minutes blowdry and 5 minutes straightening.  It took about half an hour before. Plus it’s quite a nice relaxing treatment over a coffee and a friendly atmosphere!  I would definitely recommend it.

 For more information on the Kerastraight treatments we offer check out our previous blogpost here.