The Salon Finish at Home
Blow-drying is your secret weapon for creating sleek, smooth styles or voluminous, bouncy locks—all while keeping your hair healthy and damage-free. Unlike flat irons and curling tools that blast intense heat, blow-drying is the gentler option that offers the ultimate versatility and control, allowing you to style your hair with love and care. However, we understand that many find it challenging to master that salon-finish allure. Fear not; this post is here to break it down.
Why Blow-Drying is the Healthier Choice
We all want to look fabulous, but here at The Hair Movement, we believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your hair’s health for beauty. Overusing straighteners or curling irons can apply intense, direct heat—often above 200°C—weakening your hair over time and leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Don’t get us wrong; they have their moments, but like with everything in life, less is often more. Blow-drying, on the other hand, allows for a kinder, gentler approach, especially with today’s innovative hairdryers that deliver salon-quality results using far less heat.
A quick side note: Newer hairdryers utilise advanced technologies like ionic conditioning and ceramic elements to evenly distribute heat, significantly reducing the need for high temperatures. For instance, the Kasho Intense hairdryer we use in the salon operates at a cool 60-70°C—substantially cooler than flat irons—while still delivering that smooth, styled finish we all crave. With variable heat settings, these dryers can be tailored to your hair’s unique needs, helping to protect fragile ends and maintain moisture. Feel free to ask us about them during your next visit!
The Step-by-Steps
1. Start with Proper Preparation
Never blow-dry dripping wet hair. Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfibre towel or an old t-shirt to avoid roughing up the cuticle. This ensures your blow-dry time is shorter, meaning less heat exposure and smoother results.
2. Always Apply a Heat Protectant
This should be non-negotiable! A good heat protectant is essential before applying any form of heat to your hair, even when using those fancy lower-heat dryers. It creates a barrier, minimising the impact of heat on your hair’s natural proteins while locking in moisture. At The Hair Movement, we love using So Smooth finishing cream, which has built-in heat protection along with other incredible benefits—but that’s a topic for another post!
3. Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into 4-6 manageable sections to ensure even drying. This makes the blow-drying process more efficient and helps you avoid repeatedly going over the same areas, which can lead to unnecessary heat damage.
4. Choose the Right Tools
Using the right brush is a game-changer. For sleek, smooth results, a ceramic round brush helps distribute heat and smooth the hair shaft. If you want volume, go for a larger round brush to lift at the roots while creating a polished finish.
5. Adjust Your Heat Settings
Take advantage of the variable heat settings on modern hairdryers. For most hair types, you don’t need to go above 60-70°C. If your hair is fine or fragile, even 50°C can be perfect. Remember to finish with a cool shot to lock in the style and add shine without extra heat.
6. Position the Dryer Correctly
Keep the hairdryer about 15-20 cm away from your hair and move it continuously to avoid concentrated heat on one spot. Always angle the nozzle downwards along the length of your hair for that extra shine.
7. Lift for Volume
To create natural volume, lift your hair at the roots with your brush as you dry. Flip your head upside down briefly while blow-drying for an added boost—this technique works wonders, especially for finer hair!
8. Finish with a Light Serum, Oil, or Spray
After blow-drying, apply a lightweight finishing product to smooth any flyaways and add a glossy, healthy finish. It’s a fabulous way to maintain moisture balance while keeping your style in place. At The Hair Movement, we often finish with either the Davines Oi Oil, Fight the Frizz, or Boost It Up sprays, depending on your hair’s needs.
Why New Hairdryers Are a Game-Changer
At The Hair Movement, we swear by the Kasho Intense hairdryer, designed to give you a salon-quality blow-dry with less heat. Featuring ionic technology to reduce frizz and enhance shine, plus AI temperature control to keep your hair healthy and protected from heat damage, it’s a must-have. The 3D vortex airflow dries hair faster, while the G-TRON digital motor operates efficiently, meaning less time under heat and less risk of damage. With 12 adjustable settings and a lightweight, ergonomic design, you can easily customise your blow-dry experience, keeping your hair looking its best without any strain.
Some Final Words
Blow-drying is a fantastic way to style your hair while minimising damage, especially with the newer, more efficient dryers available today. While flat irons and curling wands may give instant results, blow-drying offers long-term benefits: less heat damage, increased volume, and softer, more natural results. Using the right tools not only reduces drying time but also protects your hair in the long run.
If you need advice on which tools to use or how to perfect your blow-drying technique, let us know during your next visit—we’re here to support you every step of your hair journey!
