DIY Blowouts

by Kerry Andersen 

The best part of going to the salon for a cut or color service is knowing you’ll also receive a professional blowout. When experts style our hair, the result is always fuller and more polished and just seems to last longer. With a bit of know-how, it is possible to recreate a salon blowout at home by utilizing a few tips and tricks from the pros.  

 Signatures Salon owner Cortney Blalock says the secret to a beautiful blowout starts before you even turn the hair dryer on. “Using the right foundational products customized to your hair type and texture makes all the difference and that starts with a good heat protectant to shield your tresses from heat damage and to prevent frizzing.” She adds, “If you’re looking to pump up the volume of your hair, start by layering on a thickening product and work it fully into your strands. Be sure to apply styling products evenly and don’t forget the back of your hair.” (Blalock recommends Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Spray and Go Big Treatment).  

The critical next step to duplicating a salon blowout is to section your hair off into smaller pieces using clips to hold hair up at the crown, back, and sides. From there it’s all about patience and using these key techniques:  

• Use a round brush to dry just one small section at a time. 
• Always work from front to back drying the most visible sections first.  
• Start by aiming the air flow at the root and pull up and away from the head for a voluminous and bouncy look.  
• Be patient and fully dry each section before moving on to the next. If you leave moisture behind, your hair will fall flat later.  
• Look for a blow dryer with a ‘cool shot’ button to set your hair as you go.  

Blalock says it’s important to use your dryer on full power and high heat for best results which make the heat protectant step so critical. Using the nozzle tip on your blow dryer will keep hair from getting too close to the heat. Pro tip: As soon as you finish blow drying, wrap your hair around rollers – Velcro rollers are easy to use and don’t require clips. Remove the rollers when your hair is completely cool for easy full volume and soft waves. 

The final step is to set your style with hairspray to make it last longer. Signatures uses Oribe’s Thick Dry Finishing Spray for an extra voluminous look. Blalock recommends booking a consultation with your favorite stylist to find the right hair care routine for your specific length and texture so you can keep your crowning glory looking beautiful between hair appointments. 

Find Signatures Salon at 803 W. McNeese Street, Lake Charles. Open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Follow Signatures on Instagram @signaturessalon, online at www.signaturessalon.biz , or 337-478-4433.