Find out the secret to achieving the perfect blow-dry with our industry tips.
Blow-drying Relaxed Hair
“My top tip for getting the perfect blowout is to blow-dry hair in the opposite direction to the way you want it to fall, this will make sure you add maximum volume. The best way to do this is by pulling the hair upwards with your brush to create lots of root lift,” explains Michelle Sultan, award-winning director at Hype Coiffure’s Battersea.
Step 1: Prep the hair with a moisturising shampoo like KMS California Volume Shampoo, which will give your mane a good foundation for the blow dry.
Step 2: Next gently towel dry your hair, making sure you don’t rough up the cuticle and apply KMS California MoistRepair Leave-in Conditioner to add instant moisture and a spritz of the MIZANI Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum to protect the hair from the heat of the hair dryer.
Step 3: Then, blast dry your tresses on a medium heat setting getting rid of any excess water, which will help to make the process a whole lot quicker.
Step 4: Now begin to split your locks into sections; if your hair is shorter then start by separating the back from the top section and try to stretch out your hair at the root gently with your fingers, as your brush won’t always be able to get right into the root.
Step 5: Take a round brush (generally the shorter your hair the smaller the barrel you should choose), I recommend Kent’s NS08 bristle brush, and blow dry with a nozzle keeping the hair as taut as you can; the tension will help to smooth the cuticle. Also, remember to point the dryer in the direction the hair grows, not against it as this will make sure your hair looks super sleek.
Step 6: Make sure your blow dry lasts all day long by giving hair a quick blast with the cool setting for 30 seconds as this will help to set your style.
Step 7: Once your hair is blow-dried to perfection, finish off by running through your tresses with a ceramic iron and then apply a light serum like MIZANI Spradiance High Gloss Serum to seal in moisture
Blow-drying Natural Hair
“Blow-drying natural hair is all about the four T’s – treatment (using a moisturising cream to protect hair), temperature control (keeping it low to medium), tension (not stretching or stressing wet hair) and technique (blow-drying about two to three inches away from the hair),” advises Charlotte Mensah, Owner of award-winning salon Hair Lounge.
Step 1: Begin by detangling hair with a large-tooth comb, starting from the ends before blow-drying as combing from the roots can cause breakage.
Step 2: Next, treat hair with a lightweight barrier such as MIZANI Thermastrength Style Serum or MIZANI Spradiance High Gloss Serum before blow-drying, this will protect against heat and help smooth the cuticle, which will boost shine.
Step 3: Then dry your hair in sections, starting at the nape and move towards the top of the head.
Step 4: To avoid scorching your hair, keep the dryer moving and avoid placing it directly on to your hair (1500 watts is sufficient for home use)!
Step 5: Make sure you’re blow drying the hair in a downwards motion as this causes the cuticle to lay flat and reflect light – giving your strands a super glossy look.
Step 6: Try to avoid applying excessive heat along your hairline because the hair is fine and vulnerable to damage.
Step 7: After applying intense heat, finish by giving your hair a blast of cool air. Hot air opens the cuticles and a little cool air will help to close them and seal in the moisture.
