7 Hair Hacks To Give Yourself A Salon-Worthy Blowout

“When you want that expert finish, it’s little things that make the difference,” says hair stylist Belle Cannan. “Using a scalp detox treatment or a clarifying shampoo once a week to lift out any build-up of product will really revive your hair. Plus, a hydrating treatment is excellent for getting that silkiness on the lengths, as it plumps up the hair.”

“For great volume, applying dry shampoo at your roots is a top trick, even on just-washed hair,” says Cannan. “Spray it on, then dry it in with your hairdryer. You can use a volumizing spray at the roots as well, but also use a bit on the ends, as this gives the hair some texture. I prefer a volumizing product rather than a mousse, as the effect looks more modern.”

There’s a reason that experts use clips to split hair into several sections when blow-drying. “It cuts down on drying time and keeps hair separate and easy to manage,” says hair stylist Charlotte Mensah. This is especially key for locks that are curly or unruly. “It also prevents damage caused by over-drying sections, so you’ll get a softer, smoother blow-dry in the end.”

Rough-drying is great to get hair dry quickly, but it also disrupts the cuticle and can cause lots of static and flyaways. Mensah advises using a nozzle on the end of your hairdryer to direct heat exactly where it needs to be. “It’s essential for a smooth look, as it keeps hair from getting too close to the heat.” Direction matters, too: “Be sure to blow-dry your hair in a downward motion – this will cause the cuticles to lay flat and reflect light, giving strands a super-shiny appearance.”

Stick to a medium setting when blow-drying with heat – if it feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your hair and can cause damage. “Always give your hair a blast of cool air after applying intense heat,” says Mensah. “Hot air opens the cuticles and cool air closes them, which helps to seal in moisture.” It will lock in your style for a salon finish that will last longer, too.

“Lengths and ends that aren’t smooth are the giveaway for a home blow-dry versus a professional one,” says Mason Josh, hair pro at Hari’s Hairdressers in London. “The best way to achieve a salon standard at home is in two steps: dry your hair smooth first, then tong it to add movement. It takes longer, but it’s worth it for a finished, more elevated look. Be sure to tuck the ends in when tonging loosely – less is more here.”

“If you have blonde hair and are wearing a dark evening outfit, or conversely have dark hair and are wearing something light, then the ends of your hair will really show, so it matters that they are properly ‘finished’ if you want to look polished,” says Cannan. “People are wary of using oil, but a little bit of light, natural oil on the ends gives that beautifully radiant, mirror-shine finish. I call it my magic in a bottle, and everyone should use it either on damp or dry hair.”