How you blow dry your hair is extremely important if you want to have volume, fullness and shine. This is a guide full of all of the wonderful tips you need to make the most of your blowdry:

First, the perfect blow-dry always starts with a proper shampoo and conditioner - Pick one that is appropriate for your hair texture, density and condition. It is a common misconception that conditioner will weigh your hair down and keep you from getting the volume you want. This will only be the case if you pick the wrong conditioner. Find ones that increase volume and shine...they are out there. Have your stylist prescribe you the proper products. And if you are still worried about the conditioner weighing your hair down, only put the conditioner on the middle part to the ends of your hair. Keep the conditioner off the scalp area, it's the newest hair anyway so it does not need the conditioner. Once you have decided on a shampoo and conditioner, follow these steps for blow dry success!

1. For volume, Overdirect the hair – meaning blow dry your hair in the opposite direction that it is going to lay. 

2. Use the right products – gels, root lifting sprays, mousses, working and finishing sprays. Don't be afraid to use a combination of products but don’t overuse them. A general rule of thumb – the finer your hair, the less product you can use.

3. Use the right tools – invest in a good dryer. Find one that is tourmaline charged and ionic. These will help make your hair smoother and shinier by helping dry the hair from the inside out. Proper brushes are another key component to the perfect blowout. There are vent brushes, cushion brushes, boar bristle, ceramic, round flat...you name it. each one does something different and you may need a combination of these to achieve the look you want.

4. Pay attention to how you place your hair while its cooling. The cooling process is actually when your hair will set in whatever direction/shape you are working it.


Now you can put that info to use and have longer lasting, gorgeous hairstyles simply from a blow dry.

P.S. For those with curly hair who want to wear it curly - Curly hair can be a blessing and a curse. Again the emphasis is starting out with a good shampoo and conditioner. Moisture is the best friend to curly hair. If curly hair is too dry it will look fly away and brittle. I almost always recommend a leave in conditioner. A proper cut is also critical. A cut with too many short layers can easily turn into an ever loathed bell shape..so instead opt for internal layers to reduce bulk and help create a softer more flattering shape. Use a curl enhancing product and apply while hair is wet. Never towel dry curly hair, it can rough up the cuticle making the hair fizzy. Apply the product with a wide toothed comb to ensure it distributes evenly through your hair. Take small sections of your hair and twist lightly around moving around your head in 1-1 1/2 inch sections. This may sound tedious but only takes a few minutes. Its kind of like twirling your hair and leaving it mid twirl. The best thing for curly hair is to let it air dry but, if you must dry it, use a diffuser on a warm temperature dryer and low speed. Cup sections of your hair in the diffuser and leave it there. Do not twirl the diffuser let the air work into the section of hair. Do this several times around the head until it is about 80% dry. Let the rest air dry. Never dry hair 100% with a dryer as it will become frizzy.