Say goodbye to lifeless hair with these blow dry tips…

There is nothing like blow-drying your hair and having fabulous, voluminous tresses. However these don’t normally last for long. Within a matter of hours it is flat, limp and lifeless and you’re wondering just why you bothered spending the time. But this needn’t be the way! Here are some of our top tips to make that blow dry last that much longer…

Step 1. Wash your hair twice

If you want a blow dry to last you need to have very clean hair. Shampoo your hair twice and try using a clarifying shampoo to cleanse your locks.

Step 2. Watch out for excess conditioning

Use a condition to detangle and hydrate your hair, but don’t over do it. Too much conditioner, especially near the scalp, will speed up oily hair. Start using it from the half of your hair down towards the tips. Also try picking reliable conditioners, which do not contain sulfates or parabens as they are better for your hair.

Step 3. Towel dry your hair first

Drying your hair straight from the shower will not only take forever but will put unnecessary heat damage on your hair and dull the shine. Towel or pat it so it’s about 70% dry before you blast it with the dryer.

Step 4. Use a heat protection oil

To seal in moisture and prevent damage use a heat protection oil as opposed to a cream or spray as it is lighter and won’t weight down your blow dry.

Step 5. Blow dry upside down

Drying your hair with your head tipped over will apply lift to your roots, increasing volume and definition. It might look a bit big when you finish but it will slowly deflate over the next few days without losing volume and texture.

Step 6. Use cold air to finish the do

Once you’re done with the blow dry, finish it off with a cool blast of air. The cold setting helps to seal cuticles and prevent frizz disasters later on.

Step 7. Make it shine

For a blow dry that looks professional you’ll need a hair shine spray. Try to pick a product without silicone as an ingredient as it will make your hair look artificial and greasy.

Step 8. Avoid sweating and water

Moisture is the biggest enemy of your blow dry so if you want to keep it for as long as possible, stay away from water. If you want to go to gym, use an absorbent headband and when showering wear a protective shower cap at all times.

Step 9. Sleep on silk

Preventing the dreaded bedhead is possible when you have a silk pillowcase. The smooth surface will allow the hair to slide and not rub, keeping it in pristine shape. These pillowcases are good for the overall health of your hair too, they’ll help keep split ends at bay and prevent breakage.

Step 10. Refreshing your do

The secret to making a blow dry last is to do little refreshers every now and again. You just need to do this do the front part of you hair, especially if you have bangs or a fringe. Make sure to use extra heat protection on these parts.