How to get a salon-worthy blow dry at home

Everyone loves a blow-dry that leaves hair voluminous and shiny, and the good news is that achieving this at home is not an impossible dream, as long as you follow a few fail-safe tips.

As usual, it all starts with proper prep. Begin with a shampoo and conditioner combo that targets your hair’s needs: frizz control, volume, split ends, dryness, oiliness, curl, colour. After your shower, remove excess moisture to leave hair damp. I love a wrap such as The Bamboo Shop’s Hair Turban ($50), which absorbs more moisture than a cotton towel and is gentler on your hair.

Tools are also key, and we recommend using a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush such as The Wet Brush Pro Deluxe Detangler ($25), starting from the ends and working your way up.

Always apply a heat protectant such as Aveda Brilliant Damage Control ($54) before blow-drying. This helps prevent damage by sealing off cuticles to create a smooth, shiny finish as well as providing a protective barrier. If your hair is parched, reach for Davines OI All in One Milk ($56), which is part heat protector, part treatment.

With prep complete, grab a barrel brush – boar-bristle brushes are great because they create a smoother finish than plastic or synthetic ones – and make sure your dryer has its nozzle attachment on for directing heat. We like the combination of a Moroccanoil Ionic Ceramic Thermal Brush ($41) with a Parlux 3800 hairdryer ($290).

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Start by rough-drying hair using your fingers on medium heat until it’s about 70 per cent dry. Then separate your hair into two-centimetre sections using hair clips. Starting from the sections closest to your face, remove the first clip, roll the hair around the brush and guide the nozzle down the hair; always dry hair in a downward direction to avoid disrupting the cuticle and adding frizz. Keep the brush in your hair and don’t remove it until the section has cooled; always use the medium setting on your dryer to encourage bouncy hair and avoid over-stretching it.

Patiently repeat, section by section, until you’ve finished (are your arms tired yet?). Finish with an all-over blast of cool air to close the cuticle and lock in bounce. Ironing the ends will ensure a salon finish.

The final step is a finishing cream. Take a dollop of product – we like SachaJuan Finish Cream ($27) – about the size of a five cent piece and work it into your palms, then apply from mid-lengths to ends. This will help seal in moisture and prevent frizz.