DIY your blow dry!
Can’t get an appointment, or just desperately missing a swishy ’do? Get a smooth, sleek look at home with the help of celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed
step 1 – prepare & protect
“It’s so important to prep hair beforehand with a heat protectant spray – you wouldn’t go into the sweltering sun without applying SPF, so it’s the same principle! After combing though damp hair, spritz liberally, lifting the hair as you go to ensure even coverage.” VO5 HEAT PROTECT SPRAY £4.40
step 2 – brush up
ADAM SAYS: “To avoid getting too much heat all in one go, wait until your hair is about 80 per cent dry before using your hairdryer. Start at the roots, using a vented brush, and move it along the hair, following closely with the hairdryer. The nozzle should always follow the brush and face in that direction. For a supersleek finish, pull the brush through while drying ends with warm air on a medium setting. Go over the same section several times until fully dry and smooth, finishing with a cool blast at the end. Simply press the cool button on your hairdryer, and the cold air will seal the cuticle. This gives shine, longevity in the blow-dry, and incredible hold.”
step 3 – fix and finish
ADAM SAYS: “Finally, get rid of flyaways for a smooth, professionallooking finish. Good hairdressers never apply hairspray directly onto hair. Spray onto your fingers and gently press the hairspray onto the roots using your palms. Start at the parting and then smooth out.”
GHD FINAL FIX HAIRSPRAY £9.95
STYLING TOP TIPS
• Remember to only use a hotter setting for finishing touches.
• The cool button often gets ignored, but it can make all the difference for a smooth finish.
• Use a larger brush. You’ll find it easier to use and it will create better movement in the hair.
• Practice makes perfect. It may feel tricky using a brush and a dryer at the same time, but once you find a rhythm, your hair will look all the better.
• Brushing hair straight while drying gives a sleeker finish. Angling your brush away from your face, and letting the bottom few inches curl round the edge of the brush while drying, will add a gentle wave and extra volume.