Ok, so these tips are NOT from me as I am NO expert on blowing out my hair. It’s usually hit or miss with me so I end up reaching for my flat iron.
What is the secret to getting the perfect blow out? Well to start you definitely have to use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. I haven’t yet found my “holy grail” in hair products but I have learned what consistencies work best for my curly hair. I definitely stay away from volumizing shampoos and conditioners of any kind. They tend to make my hair more fly away and I already have volume so I don’t want my hair to be even puffier! I like products that are made for “sleek” styles or take away frizz. These products tend to be heavier, almost coating or weighing down the hair a bit which I like. But if you have thin hair that this is probably not what you’re looking for.
The shampoo and conditioner I’m currently using is from the Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner.
My absolute favorite trick is taking an old fluffy make up brush and spraying it with hairspray then using the brush to tame fly aways! Brilliant!
For some reason I’ve misplaced the concentrator of my blow dryer which definitely helps to prevent flyaways and create a smooth surface. So here are my results:
Not perfect, but not terrible either. I think I need more practice and I hope I can locate my concentrator as it really does help with blow drying.
Overall I’m impressed with how well this technique worked. Since my hair is shorter now I think it looks best either curly or straight and not in between so I think I will still be using my flat iron when going straight at this length. However, with longer hair I think this technique would create a nice soft, smooth and wavy look.
What are your blow out techniques? Have you tried any of these products?
***Disclosure: Shampoo and Conditioner were sent to me for review consideration****
Blow outs are something I’ve been trying to perfect for about 12 years now. I have naturally curly hair, but I blow it out almost every day.
My technique:
1) Shampoo with either clarifying shampoo or sulfate-free shampoo (TIGI Bed Head Superstar), depending on whether I’ve recently gotten a salon keratin treatment on not (If I have, I use the latter).
2) Condition with something moisturizing or smoothing (like Redken All Soft or Organix Coconut Milk).
3) Wrap hair in ultra-absorbent hair towel.
4) Comb hair and put in styling cream. My HG styling cream is Living Proof No Frizz Straight-Making Styling Cream. It is unbelievable.
5) Blow dry using T3 Featherweight dryer–love this thing. I start with my bangs and comb/hold with my hand to get the right shape. I dry the rest with a large round brush. While I’m drying, I pull the top sections up and dry the roots, ending with a cool shot to lock in a little volume. I also use a cool shot for the ends so they don’t get frizzy.
6) Flat iron all but ends with a Sedu 1″ tourmaline iron.
7) Curl ends slightly with 1″ or 1.5″ curling iron. I love my $10 Conair irons!
Whew! It sounds like a lot, but I have it down to a science now. Hope that’s helpful. Living in a dry climate helps a lot for me, too. I struggle when I visit the East Coast in the summer.
I like your hair both straight and curly–you are lucky it looks great both ways!
I never blow dry my hair…I don’t even own a real blow dryer…you did a great job though…I think a lot of people are always scared of blow drying…I am because I would always hear how bad it is for your hair..
I will eventually. My hair is straight so I’m not in a hurry to get one.
Awww thanks SPG! It definitely took me a while to figure my hair out. Since I’m the only one with curly hair in my family no one could teach me how to do it! Much of elementary school was spent with a scruncy in my hair 😛
Your hair always looks amazing Cee! What do you do on a regular basis?
Air drying it ok to prevent frizz! You may still need to just add a touch of product though. On days when I’m not leaving the house for a while I usually let my hair air dry with product in it. But usually I’m rushing and I hate leaving the house with sopping wet hair 😛
I hear ya, but sometimes it’s a neccesity 😛 Most days I wear it curly – too lazy to blow it out!
LOL you don’t need to, your hair is already nice as it is!
I really like it Mary Ann! Been using it every day 🙂
Oh no, he did?!? Are you going to get a new one?
Is your hair really curly? yes blow drying long hair when it’s curly, or even wavy can be such a pain! Since my hair is really curly I still think long hair is easier for me only for the fact that I can toss it up into a bun 😛
I love your hair SL especially the colour, so pretty!
You’ve never seen me with straight hair? There are a few posts I recall with my hair straight, but generally I’m too lazy to do it 😛 I usually can manage to straighten it for a couple weeks after getting my hair cut and coloured but then I just get really lazy!
I have no techniques bc I have zero know-how 🙂 I love the smell of HE products – my favorite is the purple with the swirls. So envious of how your hair can go from curly to straight and vice versa while looking so good!
I’m always on the hunt for better products for blowdrying my hair… My hair is neither curly nor straight, so I have to force it to go one way or the other. I don’t particularly excell at blowouts, but these tips from Herbal Essences may really help! Thanks for sharing 🙂
xox,
Cee
http://cocoandvera.blogspot.com
Thanks for introducing me to this line from Herbal Essence! I used their products a long time ago but couldn’t tell much of a difference, so I switched. I think we have similar type hair, albeit mine isn’t as curly, but I think it’s about time I give them a shot again 🙂
As for blowing out my hair, no suggestions here 🙁 I usually let it air dry, which is probably not great for frizzy hair.
I’m all about the blow dryer 🙂 and the technique. But some of my friends swear on hair products. Great to hear from you Elaine, and no worries – I myself have been super busy and try to keep up with everyone over twitter or pop over and sometimes can’t leave comments. It’s great to keep in touch any way we can.
xoxo
Red Soles and Red Wine
I hate blowing out my hair…..
i don’t do blowouts because i’m too lazy!
Thanks for the review Elaine! The Tousle Me Softly looks like a product I’d be interested in. 😉
Thank you for the infor. You look good with straight hair. I let my hair air dry ever since my son broke my hair dryer.
I’ve never seen you with straight hair! It’s so cute on you too!
When my hair was longer, I just wore it curly because it was so hard to blow dry it and not look frizzy. Now that it’s short, it’s so much easier!
Great tips!
My blow out techniques are non-existent. I can never blow dry my hair like my stylist does. I do use a round brush and let my hair air dry for a while before I blow dry it with the heat. And I usually wash and dry my hair at night so it’s not as puffy the next day. That’s my system. I think I’m too lazy to do otherwise 🙂
Your hair, however, looks really great straight! I don’t think I’ve ever seen it straight. But you’re right, might look a bit better with a straightening iron because of the length.