How to get the perfect blow dry at home

Nothing makes a gal feel quite as special as a new hair do, so the best tool we have in our beauty repertoire is the ability to tame our tresses with a professional strength blow dry. We have a step-by-step guide to get your mane looking amazing with our easy guide to the home blow dry.

Step 1

Wash and lightly towel dry your hair. Apply a volumiser or mousse at the roots and a protectant along the hair shaft to guard against heat and damage.

Step 2

Prep your hair dryer, placing the nozzle on your hairdryer to give the air more direction. Switch to a warm setting, not the maximum - slow and steady is better than hot and heavy when it comes to a blow dry.

Step 3

Use the clip to section off and pin the damp hair, leaving a row to begin with at the base of your hairline at the back of your head. Take a two-inch wide section at the nape of your neck and wrap your hair around the barrel of the hairbrush. Face the dryer downwards so the air is shooting down the hair shaft. Pull the brush away from root to end, following this with the dryer. Switch the dryer to a cold setting and repeat to set the hair. Facing the air down smoothes the cuticle, while cold air closes it, meaning smoother and glossier hair for you.

Step 4

Work up and around your head, repeating this process. When you get to the crown of your hair, lift it up vertically. Spend a minute with the nozzle aimed upwards under the brush to dry the roots. Then aim the nozzle down and give it a shot of cold air. After this, keep the brush in for 30 seconds to maintain volume and body.

Step 5

To finish, shake your head upside down for body and apply styling products appropriate to you hair type and the effect you want - whether this be hairspray for hold and volume or smoothing serum for dead straight, shiny locks. Finishing cream or serum can complete the look, rub it between your palms, hang your head upside down and glide your hands through the last two inches of your hair. For curly hair use a dedicated product for sleeking and straightening.