The Allure of the Salon Blowout

There really is something about that salon blow-dry that feels magical, right? If I were sent a Venmo dollar every time I heard "It never looks like this when I do it!" well...I'd be able to retire early, that's for sure! Let's unpack the why of it all.

What sets us apart at Hair Creations is the training for something as seemingly simple as a blowout. What seems easy and straightforward requires a few crucial steps for the most long-lasting result. Product, Technique, and Detail Work.

The Foundation

First, product choice and application are important for supporting the blowout you're going for. The choice made will depend on hair type, density, texture, and the desired end result. Knowing how much of a product should be used or, just as importantly, when a certain type of product should not be used, can make or break the style turning out as well as lasting long enough to get through an event or a special weekend.

As I write this, I find myself flashing back to a time when I assisted someone who needed last-minute help with the hair she had done herself for a special event. She had actually done everything right. She applied a primer to hydrate and detangle; she pre-dried her hair before using her round brush; she sectioned and styled while working from the back to the front... but then she reached for the one thing you never should if you want your voluminous blowout to last... oil! While oil can truly be a styling aid for managing frizz, adding shine, and creating a stylish piecey separation to your look, it absolutely deflates a blowout that you want to have body and movement. That's when the pro stylist can be your bestie. We just know those sneaky style snuffers!

Technique

Earlier in my career, when I first invested in my hairdressing education, I spent many hours mastering the blow-dry. My educators stressed the importance of each step. Method over speed was the first step. The thinking, like all things craft-focused, is that you need to become proficient in each part of the process, and then the speed at which you perform will come naturally. This was so impactful on the trajectory of my career - more to come about that in a future post - that I made Flat Brush Blow-Dry and Round Brush Blow-Dry Set the very first part of my mentorship program when I hire new stylists.

Hair Creations stylists focus on the technique of blow-drying, which has two main parts. The Pre-Dry and The Styling. Spending the proper amount of time getting the roots completely dry, using the fingers to smooth out growth patterns and stubborn areas, and getting the hair ready for finish work cannot be overstated. If you want the blowout to actually hold up, this first step is honestly the most important. Hair Creations stylists understand that the hair is now in an ideal state for styling with a brush and blow-dryer. The brush work is all about proper sectioning of the hair and going slower with the brush than you think. When you've been in the salon for your blowout, you've probably seen steam. Steam is the product that dissipates into the air and seals the cuticle layer. That's a good blow-dry coming your way!

Detail Work

It may sound trite, but I truly believe "the love is in the details". Craft hairstylists believe in that to their core. There are so many helpful tips and tricks we love to share with our Hair Creations clients to help them achieve greater success when styling their hair at home. From how to set the hair into place with your fingers - never a brush - to add shine and prevent frizz, to using clips while the hair is still warm to create a hair set for added root lift and movement, there are so many little details that help ensure a blow-dry that will last for days!

Experience the Difference

If you've made it this far, hopefully you've learned a few helpful tidbits to aid you with your at-home styling. I wish you a lot of success...and if your arms feel tired already just thinking about it...remember we love doing your blowouts. Giving you that kind of joy never gets old, and you might just love it even more than when you do it at home!

Whether it's for a big event or just because you deserve to feel magical, we've got you covered.

Book your appointment at Hair Creations today!