Achieving salon-worthy hairstyles from the comfort of your own home is an art that can be mastered with the right techniques and tools. While professional stylists wield their expertise to create red-carpet-ready looks, you too can replicate their magic. The secret lies in understanding the fundamentals of hair care, investing in quality products, and honing your styling skills. From voluminous blowouts to sleek, straight tresses and defined curls, this post will aim to help you to become your own hair guru.
Preparing your hair for styling success
Hydration: The key to healthy, manageable hair
Healthy, hydrated hair is the foundation for achieving a professional finish. Invest in a nourishing shampoo and conditioner to replenish moisture and prevent dryness, breakage, and frizz. After shampooing, gently squeeze excess water from your hair using a microfiber towel or turban, which minimises damage and frizz compared to traditional terry cloth towels.
Leave-in conditioners: a styling essential
A leave-in conditioner is a must-have in your hair care arsenal. Not only does it provide an extra boost of hydration, but it also acts as a heat protectant, creating a barrier between your strands and styling tools. Ensure even distribution by applying the conditioner from mid-lengths to ends while your hair is still damp.
Investing in the Right Tools
The importance of quality tools
Achieving salon-worthy results at home hinges on using the right tools. Invest in high-quality hair appliances and brushes designed for your desired style, whether it’s a sleek blowout or beachy waves. Look for advanced features like ionic technology, which helps regulate heat and minimise damage, and adjustable temperature settings to cater to your hair type.
Straightening irons and blow-dryers
For smooth, frizz-free tresses, a high-quality straightening iron or a blow hair dryer from mdlondon is essential. Look for models with ionic technology and adjustable heat settings to protect your hair from excessive heat damage. When blow-drying, use the nozzle attachment and direct the airflow downwards along the length of your hair to minimise flyaways and frizz.
Brushes and Combs
Invest in a round brush for creating volume and a paddle brush for smooth, sleek styles. Additionally, a wide-tooth comb can gently detangle curly or coily hair without causing breakage or frizz.
Achieving voluminous locks
The power of mousse
Every professional stylist’s secret weapon for creating volume and bounce is mousse. Apply it section by section before blow-drying, ensuring even distribution from roots to ends. Avoid concentrating solely on the top or ends of your hair for optimal results.
Blow-drying techniques for maximum volume
When blow-drying for volume, focus on the crown section at the top of your head. Direct the hair straight up and back with a round brush, lifting the roots for added height and body. Finish with a texturising spray for extra oomph and hold.
Mastering the sleek and straight look
Nourishing masks and serums
To achieve an ultra-smooth, polished finish, start with a nourishing hair mask to infuse your strands with maximum moisture. Follow up with a lightweight serum applied to damp hair, paying special attention to the ends to prevent dryness and frizz.
Blow-drying and straightening techniques
When blow-drying for a sleek look, use the nozzle attachment and direct the airflow downwards along the length of your hair. This minimises flyaways and frizz. When straightening, select the appropriate heat setting for your hair type to avoid damage while effectively taming frizz and achieving a glossy finish.
Taming flyaways
To combat flyaways and create a polished, halo-free look, mist a toothbrush with hairspray and gently brush over the hairline, parting, and ends as needed. This technique ensures a flawless finish, even in photographs or video calls.
Embracing natural curls and waves
Moisture, moisture, moisture
For naturally curly or wavy hair, locking in and layering moisture is crucial. Divide your hair into sections and apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner and curl cream to each section, ensuring every strand is properly saturated. Thicker hair may require thicker product textures for optimal definition and frizz control.
Air-drying and diffusing
If time permits, allow your hair to air-dry for maximum definition and frizz control. If you’re in a hurry, use a diffuser attachment on your blow-dryer to speed up the drying process while maintaining volume and shape. Flip your head upside down and focus on the roots for added lift.
Finishing Touches
Avoid touching your hair until it’s fully dry to prevent frizz. Once dry, finish with a light oil or shine mist for added lustre and definition.
Achieving professional results at home is a rewarding process that empowers you to express your unique style and experiment with different looks. By incorporating these expert tips into your self-care routine, you’ll elevate your hairstyling game and become more confident in your abilities. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try new techniques and products to discover what works best for you. With the right approach and a little patience, you’ll soon be turning heads with salon-worthy hairstyles that reflect your personality and creativity. Happy styling!