We can't be the only ones who expect a blow-dry to last longer than one measly day?
By the end of this week, I'll have had three professional blow-dries.
The first I got on Saturday after my much-needed haircut; I got another yesterday because I attended the L'Oreal Colour Trophy and, come on, I couldn't not, and on Thursday I'll be testing out new products and a blow dry is part of the deal. It's a hard life I lead, I know.
I am also going to a wedding on Friday and, as much as I love not having to wash and dry my own hair, I sure as hell am not getting a fourth blow-dry for the Big Day.
Instead, I will be making sure I get as much out of Thursday's style as possible.
Because I'm such an expert now (and because I asked my stylists how to do it), I can confidently bestow tips on how to make your blow-dry last.
Washing
If you're getting a blow-dry, your stylist will likely wash your hair for you.
If you have perfected your blow-drying technique and have to wash your hair yourself, make sure it's squeaky clean; this means washing it twice.
I've been doing this myself over the past month or so, and it does make a difference.
The first wash removes all the product and general crap that has attached itself to your hair, and the second cleanses the hair.
A light shampoo will hold a blow-dry better. Only use a tiny bit of conditioner.
Set the Scene
Your hair is high and bouncy or sleek and shiny.
Advertised
You're getting smiles from handsome strangers.
You feel inspired to have cocktails with the girls even though it's 10 am on a Monday.
You never want that feeling to end. Don't let it.
Here's what to do.
Before bed, spritz your hair with dry shampoo (but don't muss it up; that's for the morning).
Take sections of hair and loosely twist the sections and pin them back.
The ideal next step is to sleep on a silk pillowcase, but if you don't have one (seriously, who actually does?) wrap a silk scarf around your head.
What, you don't have a silk scarf? Then use a shower cap.
You want to reduce the risk of sweating, which will only add extra residue so avoid any sort of physical activity, and open those windows to let the air in.
Water is obviously a blow-dry's worst enemy, so keep that shower cap on as you shower.
If, however, you want your blow-dry to last a third day, wet the front bits and use a round brush to give it an old refresh.
Spritz the rest of your hair with a shine spray; I use L'Oreal Paris Elvive Nutri-Gloss Luminiser Gloss, which also serves as a hair fragrance. Score!
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Nutri-Gloss Luminiser Gloss
