Blow Drying

Make frustrating, at-home blow-outs a breeze by learning at home blow-dry basics.

"I can't blowdry my hair at home!" This is the number one complaint most of you have after a day at the salon. Even though you're educated about styling products, tools and techniques required for a flawless finish some claim you still don't get the hang of it.

Michael Raccanelli, owner of Centre Stage Hair Design in Thornhill, Ontario, says don't get frustrated. Ask your stylist to walk you through it. "When it comes to blowdrying, patience is the number one thing you need," he explains. "Practice makes perfect."

Raccanelli's recipe for a flawless blow-out? First, he tells his clients to towel-dry hair (it should be 85 per cent dry before blowdrying it), then apply a small amount of smoothing lotion. After applying product, let hair air dry as long as possible to set the style. He cautions them to devise a game plan before turning on the dryer. Dividing hair into sections helps achieve a uniform finish and makes hair more manageable.

If it's a smooth look you're after, begin working at the nape of the neck, wrapping the first section of hair around your brush. Blowdry it with a steady stream of medium heat until dry, then depress the cold button on the blowdryer and blast it with some frosty air to seal in smoothness.
"Once the first section is done, you should move to the next section at the nape and repeat," Raccanelli says. "Once the underlayers of hair are complete, move to the crown and fringe areas, and style using the same technique. If you want a ruffled look, ask your stylist about blowdrying hair upside down, a technique that produces a sexy, tousled finish."