Ever wondered why, despite your tenacity, dexterity and stash of salon-worthy products and tools you just cannot seem to get the same immaculate finish, body and long-lasting results of a professional blow dry? Well, Errol Douglas, A-list hairstylist and Moroccanoil Ambassador explains where you might be going wrong, and what you should be doing for that perfect polished blow out. . .
ALL WASHES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL
“Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is more important than you might think. You need products that clean and hydrate without any harshness and without weighing the hair down. It’s a crucial balance. The temperature of the water is also vital – make it luke warm to cool (if you can bare it during the colder months). How water opens up the scalp’s sebaceous glands which can cause the scalp to get greasier, faster.”
We love Aesop Nurturing Shampoo & Conditioner from £17, Aveda Shampure Shampoo Shampoo & Conditioner from £4.50, Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo, from £8.75
GO EASY ON THE PRODUCT – LESS IS MORE
“Overloading the hair with too much product will cause it to flatten and drop fast.” explains Errol. Once you’ve chosen your styling product, “The trick is to apply to damp hair. Squeeze out excess water, patt dry with a towel and avoid rough drying. Place the product in the centre of you palm and warm it before applying first at the roots, through the middle and to the ends.”
We recommend LivingProof Prime Style Extender £17, L’Oreal Elnett Heat Protect Spray £5.99, Moroccanoil Oil Treatment £30.45
WORK BACK TO FRONT – LITERALLY
“Divide the hair into two sections, start at the back and work your way forward. This creates a strong foundation for the blow dry making it longer-lasting. To create a swish and add some movement to the ends, pin the section you’re not working on up. Or for a dramatic, poker straight finish (very this season) leave the section to drop and hang naturally.”
Ideal tools are the TigiPro Sectioning Clips £8.25
TENSION IS A GOOD THING
“A blow dry is the one time when you can add tension and pressure to the hair. A super sleek end result is entirely down to firm pressure with the right brush. It creates root movement, lift and the polished finish.”
SWAP BRUSHES AND ADD TEXTURE
“Swap your barrel for a paddle brush to create a clean, high shine finish.”
Add gloss using a styling serum, oil or give ends a modern-matte finish using one of the texturising sprays or powders.
Our favourite brushes include the Moroccanoil Medium Ceramic Barrel Brush £13.85, Aveda Large Wood Paddle Brush £15.73 and texture-givers, Bumble and Bumble Semisumo £21.50, Fudge Head Shine £7.11