How to get the most out of your salon blow dry

It’s a fact that a blow dry is one of life’s best inventions. The easy route to hair nirvana, it’s the perfect antidote to manic mornings when you’ve hit snooze one too many times, plus let’s face it, groomed-looking hair that you don’t need to lift a finger to create, is a real no-brainer. The only hitch? Keeping it looking as fresh as the moment you step out of the salon, because as it turns out, everything from your hot yoga class to how you sleep, can sabotage your style. To guide you through the potential perils and ensure it lasts as long as you need it to, we spoke to Brogan Locke, senior session stylist at SHOW Dry Wimbledon…

By Georgia Day

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• 1 Longevity starts in the salon

  Believe it or not, much like when you book in for a cut, it’s a good idea to have a consultation with your stylist before your blow dry. According to Brogan, it ensures that the type of blow out you plump for is best suited to your hair type and lifestyle: ‘Caucasian hair will last much longer around humidity compared to Afro hair, while naturally curly hair will allow a wave to hold for a longer period of time than straight hair,’ he says. Once you’re in the salon chair, it’s important to focus on building the foundation of your blow dry. Remember, any dirt, oil, or product residue that’s in your hair will impact how well it comes out and how long it lasts, so a thorough session at the backwash will make all the difference; it’s why most stylists will recommend two shampoos. Conditioner is great for detangling and manageability, but it can be tricky if you have very fine hair that’s prone to greasiness. If that’s you, just tread carefully: ‘I would recommend conditioner but only the slightest amount applied to the very ends and rinsed thoroughly,’ advises Brogan. To tame flyaways and add a final polished flourish to set you up for the week, ask your stylist to spray a small amount of finishing spray on their hands and smooth it over your hair, rather than apply it straight from the can. This method avoids heavy-handedness and means your style won’t sink before you’ve even left the chair.
• 2 Life-proof your style

  Done well, a good blow dry should last for around three days but normal life (aka exercising, showering and sleeping) can wreak havoc on your freshly styled ‘do. ‘To avoid your hair going flat, sleep with a satin pillow case or a pair of loose cotton knickers around your head to help to minimise morning bed hair,’ advises Brogan. If you have to exercise, try and keep sweating to a minimum. If you just can’t bear the thought of swapping your usual spin class for a spot of gentle yoga, spritz your hair with dry shampoo before you workout as it’ll help create a barrier that will absorb any excess moisture. Even better, pull your hair into an updo so that the base of your style isn’t compromised by an invariably sweaty neck; a loose plait or top knot curled around itself and secured gently with pins will ensure your style isn’t dented while you get your glow on. In the shower, a cap or microfibre towel wrapped around your head will help avoid frizz, the inevitable consequence of moisture hitting your hair. Resist the temptation to touch your hair frequently too, as natural oils in the skin and the intense conditioning ingredients in hand cream can coat strands, causing them to look limp.
• 3 Add some product power

  When it comes to products to give your blow dry staying power, dry shampoo is king, especially where an oily hairline or roots are concerned. Brogan recommends SHOW Dry’s Dry Shampoo, which contains tiny particles of Tapioca powder: an ingredient that absorbs grease rather than simply dispersing it. To preserve your blow dry properly, application of your chosen product is key. Take small sections of your hair and mist the underside, ensuring you spray a couple of inches away from your roots to avoid overload. Repeat all over and gently massage in well with your fingers. Keeping the product mainly at your roots will not only refresh your style, it’ll add some body back in, too. If you’ve never tried one before, now’s a good time to stock up on one of the latest crop of hair perfumes – a liberal spritz each morning will disguise that unwashed hair smell, fast. If you’re nearing the end of your blow dry but want to eek an extra day out of it, try switching up your style and use heated tongs to create loose waves. A textured look is far more forgiving than sleek lengths and will actually hold better in unwashed hair, giving you the appearance of an artfully tousled ‘do, until you can get to the salon.
• 4 Need-to-knows

  Tools are your friend: Fullness is the hallmark of a blow dry, so keep a tail cob in your handbag and backcomb your roots whenever you feel your style needs a little oomph.

  Be prepared: Rain (and especially drizzle) is the enemy of the blow dry so don’t leave home without an umbrella, EVER (just make sure it’s wide enough to successfully cover your whole head).

  Use products with caution: If your hair needs some extra polish, apply serums and oils sparingly and to the ends only. Anything too heavy in your roots or lengths will cause a build-up, which will make hair droop.