Introduction: Professional Hair Styling Made Simple
Achieving a great natural hairstyle is not as hard as you think, especially if you follow some basic rules and dedicate some time to drying your hair the correct way. A professional blow dryer can really help you have great looking hair and in less time than conventional blow dryers, making it an essential investment for anyone serious about their hair care routine.
Essential Preparation: The Foundation of Great Hair
Start by towel drying your hair, making sure you tap and not rub your hair to prevent damage and breakage. Rubbing creates friction that can damage the hair cuticles, leading to frizz, tangles, and split ends that make styling more difficult.
Once you remove the excess water, use the right products according to your desired result, and try to use products with heat protection to shield your hair from thermal damage.
Remove your blow dryer's nozzle and set the heat to low so you don't burn your hair and scalp. High temperatures can cause permanent damage to the hair shaft and scalp, resulting in dryness, brittleness, and potential hair loss.
Starting with lower heat settings allows you to achieve your desired style while maintaining hair health and integrity.
Customizing Air Speed for Different Hair Types
According to your hair type, use the right air speed for optimal styling results.
- For flat, thin, or limp hair, use high speed to add volume and lift from the roots, creating body and movement that makes hair appear fuller.
- For thick, coarse, or frizzy hair, use low speed to maintain control and prevent additional frizz while smoothing the hair cuticles.
- For natural curls, use low speed or a diffuser attachment to enhance your curl pattern without disrupting the natural texture or causing unwanted frizz.
Mastering Root Drying Techniques
Start by drying the roots of the hair moving in circular motions, covering the whole surface of the head, using your fingers to lift and guide the hair away from the scalp. This technique ensures even heat distribution and prevents hot spots that can damage your hair.
- For volume, dry from underneath or flip your hair upside down while drying to encourage lift and body at the roots.
- For flatness and sleek looks, dry from above, smoothing hair downward with your hands or a brush to create a polished, controlled finish.
Once the roots are dry, you will realize that almost all the rest of the hair is dry too, as moisture travels from the roots down the hair shaft. This efficient method saves time while ensuring thorough drying throughout your entire head of hair.
Styling Techniques for Different Looks
Carefully while the ends are still a bit damp, detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb, shaping the desired parting and style. Damp hair is more pliable and easier to manipulate into your preferred shape, making this the perfect time to establish your style foundation.
Continue to dry the length of the hair using your hands to shape it according to your desired look.
- For straight looks, stretch out the hair by pulling it downwards with your hands while directing the airflow down the hair shaft, and dry completely to 100% for maximum sleekness and shine.
- For wavy looks, slightly rotate the hair using your hands and push upwards to promote more waves and texture, drying completely to set the wave pattern.
- For curly looks, use your diffuser attachment and keep drying the ends while molding the hair to the desired shape, but only dry to about 80% to maintain natural curl elasticity and prevent over-drying.
Finishing Touches for Professional Results
Use a finishing product and your wide-tooth comb to add shine, texture, and hold to your completed style. The right finishing product will lock in your style while adding the final touches that make the difference between amateur and professional-looking results.
Expert Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair
Always dry your hair before bed to prevent damage from friction against your pillow and to maintain your style overnight. Sleeping with wet hair can cause breakage, tangles, and an unkempt appearance in the morning.
Use colder water to wash out conditioner or treatment products, as this helps seal the hair cuticles and add natural shine while locking in moisture and nutrients.
Use UV protection products to protect your hair and scalp from sun damage, which can cause color fading, dryness, and structural damage to the hair shaft. Just as you protect your skin from harmful UV rays, your hair needs similar protection to maintain its health and appearance.
Consult your hair stylist on which products are the right ones for your specific hair type and styling goals, as professional advice can help you choose products that work best with your hair's unique characteristics and your lifestyle needs.
