I love getting my hair blowdried. Don’t get me wrong, I love my curls too, but going to the salon and walking out with a smooth, classic blowdry is one of my favourite things.
I try and replicate the look at home but it’s never the same.
Now just to clear up any potential confusion – when I say blowdry, it’s the same as blowout.
I talk about O&M a lot because they are a great Australian brand and I’m so excited to see them making waves overseas. You can also now buy their products on Net-A-Porter! When I told them I was heading to the States, they invited me in for a blowdry at their new salon in New York.
O&M.nyc salon is in the meatpacking district in NYC and is very cool. That kind of effortless cool so that it feels like it’s been there forever even though it’s brand new. I walked in with some of the messiest bed head hair ever (the before photo really doesn’t show how awful it was) and I walked out with the softest, smoothest hair thanks to William Scott Blair.
I also picked up a few tips on how to get a better blowdry in your own hair.
3 Tips for a Better Blowdry (or Blowout)
- Prep your hair with the right product. You don’t need to use a lot of product, but use a smoothing product that also offers heat protection. I like Goldwell Hot Form. If you also want to add more volume (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?!) O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz adds volume and heat protection in one.
- Use good brushes. I used to think brushes didn’t make that much of a difference until I bought a Mason Pearson brush. For a smooth blowdry, you need to create tension in your hair and professional quality boar/nylon bristle brushes make a big difference. Use a round brush and always angle the nozzle of your hairdryer down your hair from root to tip.
- Use the cool shot button to set your hair. In the salon they have endless brushes and I see stylists leaving my hair wrapped around the brush to cool and set the waves while they do the next section. Unfortunately I don’t have 10+ brushes at home so I use the cool shot button to set each section before moving on the next. You change your hair’s shape when you heat it and as it cools it stays that way. If you cool your hair rapidly while it’s wrapped around your brush, you’ll keep that wave in your hair all day.
You can find O&M.nyc salon in New York at 55 Little West 12th Street (+1 212-255-2445).
What’s your best tip for achieving a salon blow dry in your own hair?
Caryl Anne says
These are excellent tips! I love the feel and look of my hair when I leave the salon, but it seems impossible to get that same look back once I leave. I’m definitely going to give these tips a try! Thanks for sharing!
marijka says
Be careful about using your Mason Pearson brush with a blow dryer — mine came with specific instructions that the heat would ruin the brush (loosen the bristles maybe?). Too bad, though, since it’s the only brush I’ve ever had that can handle my super-thick hair!
Thanks for the Goldwell tip; I’ve been using Proof for a while and love their products, but am always on the lookout for something new! 🙂
Hair Romance says
Good point Marijka. I sometimes use mine with my hairdryer but not for all of my hair, just for the front sections.
Callie driskill says
I love your blog, I’m a hairstylist in Austin and when I blowdrys my own hair at him I blow dry it upside down to give maximum volume and then I use a boar bristle brush so the hair doesn’t get frizzy!!! I’m also a fellow blogger I give hair tips all the time: http://www.champagneandchignons.com
Hair Romance says
Hi Callie! Love your blog name, I’m going to check it out now! The boar bristle brush makes such a difference doesn’t it? Thanks for the tips xx
Danimezza (@Danimezza) says
William is the wizard, he’s amazing. I went in June earlier just after it opened and I’d definitely go back x
Hair Romance says
isn’t he great Dani? Can’t wait to go back xx
Louise says
Such gorgeous curls – I’m always blow drying in a hurry – ending in a fluffy mess – so will make sure I remember these tips next time!!! love all your tips 🙂
Hair Romance says
Thanks Louise! It takes a bit longer to do a good blowdry but if it gives me good hair for a few days, it’s worth it 🙂