After spending big bucks at a salon, you should expect your hair to look perfectly bouncy and radiant. And it's an added bonus that you don't have to wash or even run a brush through your mane for days afterward because your stylist just knows how to work hair magic. But there's no reason why your hair should turn into a pumpkin after you wash it. Stylists are trained and fabulous, but they aren't fairy godmothers. You can do (almost) all of the things they can at home and re-create gorgeous, salon-worthy hair in your very own bathroom. Here are 5 tips for achieving the best hair you can get.
Image via SodanieChea/Flickr
Invest in the Best Shampoo & Conditioner
You wouldn't spend a lot of money to buy a car and then fill it with water instead of gas, would you? The same holds true for paying a salon to give you a great cut and color and then using a cheap shampoo and conditioner at home that strips your hair of moisture. Invest a little money in better products, like Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo ($24 at Sephora) and Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner ($24 at Sephora). You'll be amazed at the difference it makes.
Choose the Right Brush
All brushes are not created equal — you need to determine your hair type and the look you're trying to achieve before using one. Here are some simple guidelines:
Large round barrel brush — ideal for creating smooth blowouts.
Small round barrel brush — helps create volume for short, fine hair.
Wide paddle brush — keeps long, straight hair sleek and doesn't add volume.
Brushes with wood bristles — if you brush your curly hair (which isn't recommended by most stylists), this type of brush will help reduce static.
Pointy-handled dressing brush — helps tease hair and create perfect updos.
Don't Wash Your Hair Every Day
Unless you are an athlete, your scalp probably doesn't generate enough oil to prevent you from skipping a day or two of washing. If you hate how your hair looks when it isn't freshly washed, try a dry shampoo or play with updos, ponytails, and braids that will allow you to go longer between shampoos.
Great Blowouts Require Patience
Many of us want to rush through the steps we need to take in order to get a great blowout. But if you dedicate a few extra minutes three times a week to doing it the right way, you'll have better-looking hair that will last a few days. Here are some easy steps:
1. Start by coating wet hair with a straightening or thickening product.
2. Divide hair into sections and hold each in place with small clips until you're ready to work with that section.
3. Before you even pick up a brush, dry hair for a few minutes using just your fingers — this ensures you dry your roots thoroughly, which can be difficult to do with a brush. Pull hair down from the roots and hold your dryer over each section of hair.
4. Using a round barrel brush, point dryer nozzle downward as you pull the brush through your hair from the roots.
5. Press the cool button for the last few seconds that you dry each section in order to lock in your style.
Products Are Priceless
Most stylists use serums and gels prior to drying your hair. If you love the way your hair looks after your salon visit, ask for a list of products that they've used! If you're a newbie to hair products, a thickener like Pantene Volume Root Lifting Spray Gel ($4.99 at Pantene.com) is a good way to start. And don't be afraid to play with shine serums, mousse, thermal-protecting sprays, and curl-defining cremes!
