how i straighten my hair : d.i.y professional blow dry!

I imagine most of you will already have perfected your blow dry technique. Heck, we have to do it often enough don't we girls? Nonetheless here's my tried and tested blow dry routine.

I have long, naturally wavy hair and although it's pretty fine I have a lot of it. When I was at school, flat, poker straight hair was in fashion. Big hair, waves and curls weren't really something to aspire to and I think that has always stayed with me even though the fashion is so different now. Somehow I just don't feel like my hair is 'done' if it hasn't been blow dried straight - I can't get enough of the smooth, glossy finish. I even blow dry then reinstate the curl with a tong so I can be sure the wave is absolutely perfect!

Products

It's fair to say I've tried more than a handful of styling products over the years. In fact, there probably isn't a well known brand I haven't tried.  When it comes to make up once I've found something I like I tend to stick with it. Hair products? Not so much. I'm always on the look out for something new - that ever elusive holy grail product. Having said that, there are several that have been repurchased time and time again. If you're blessed with really curly hair you'll need a straightening balm or else you'll be fighting a losing battle - the Bumble and Bumble BB Straight really works but is a little heavy for my hair. Next on my list to try is the Tigi Catwalk Blow Out Balm!

From L-R: Moroccanoil (I'm on to my second bottle! Full review here) // Redken Extreme Anti-Snap (repurchased numerous times - featured here) // Frizz Ease Serum (I prefer the original version to this) // Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide // Redken Satinwear 02 // Bumble and Bumble BB Straight Blow Dry and finally, Kerastase Ciment Thermique (featured here).

One of my readers said Ciment Thermique didn't work for her at all so as always, don't take my word for it - do plenty of research before splashing out as this is a pricey one. If you do decide to try it rest assured that it'll last you an absolute age. A little goes a very long way.

Volumising and Finishing

Hair can lose it's natural volume and bounce when you pull out the wave or curl through blow drying. I think some kind of volumising product is useful for almost every hair type. A finishing spray is also essential for a touch of added shine and hold. 

From L-R Tigi Bedhead Superstar Queen for a Day (featured here) // GHD Fat Hair Lotion  // Tigi Bed Head Headrush shine spray (featured here) (each of these has been repurchased numerous times and are all firm favourites) // Lee Stafford Dehumidifier

First things first, it goes without saying that you'll get the best results when your hair is in tip top condition. Curly hair is naturally dry in comparison to straight and requires a lot of extra attention. You'll need to invest in a moisturising shampoo and conditioner and undertake regular intensive treatments (Aussie 3 Minute Miracle is still one of my all time faves!). For the most part you should save heat styling for special occasions as ultimately it will damage your hair. I'd also recommend that you avoid bleach if you have curly hair and regularly heat style as the combination of all three is usually too much.

The Tools

These three tools revolutionised my life! An ionic hair dryer with nozzle attachment (2000w+ for the best results and to prevent frizz), a top of the range straightening iron (this is the GHD Metallic Ruby Styler...absolutely amazing and beautiful to look at too) and a large round natural bristle brush.

GHD Hair Straighteners (Rich Ruby / Metallic Collection) c/o GHD

I've found I can only get good results by using a brush like this. It creates the perfect amount of tension to pull the hair taut whilst you direct the hairdryer nozzle downwards and blow the curl out. The metal versions of these brushes, which are cheaper, don't work as well and are more damaging to the hair. If you have very little wave to contend with a paddle brush might be sufficient.

Technique

I towel dry my hair, use a wide tooth comb to gently detangle, then work in whichever product I'm using. At the moment it's Kerastase Ciment Thermique, a treatment for damaged hair which is activated by heat and is protective. I'll also spray Tigi Bed Head Superstar onto the roots. Next I clip half my hair up (using sectioning clips or a standard claw clip) so that I can work on the bottom layer first. Being fine, my hair dries super fast so I leap straight in. Depending on your hair type you may prefer to blast your hair until it's around 70-80% dry before working on each section. 

Section by section I use the brush to pull the hair taut, pointing the hair dryer nozzle downwards to smooth the cuticle. Take care not to over-dry or hair will look frazzled and dull. For the top layer, it's important to pull the brush upwards and outwards in order to retain volume. If you have very curly hair that dries quickly you might get the best result by drying out the top layer and fringe first before clipping up and continuing on from the bottom. Lastly, I usually blast all over with a cold shot of air which professionals claim 'sets' the style.

Once dry, I return to the bottom layer to skim the iron over section by section being careful not to go over each area more than a couple of times. When I get to the top layer I never straighten the roots, simply starting half way down the shaft through to the ends. This means I keep the all important volume. A quick spray of Headrush and I'm done. On rainy or windy days the Lee Stafford Dehumidifier spray is useful.

Are you a whizz at blow drying? Any more tips to add?