For the best blowdry:
The right preparation is essential. Always shampoo and condition your hair with the correct products for your hair type before blow-drying. This will determine how successful the outcome is Always use the nozzle on your hairdryer when blow-drying as it helps to direct the air down the cuticle encouraging the hair to lie flat Hold the hairdryer as high as possible in order to keep the air flow direction forward and down to avoid tangling When blast-drying hair, concentrate on drying the head initially and then the ends afterwards Use the right pre-styling products for the effect you want to achieve. For example if you want your hair to look full with volume, use a volumising mousse before blow-drying. On the other hand if you want a sleek, smooth finish take a large round brush and pull hair down and straight whilst blow-drying with the nozzle directing downwards about 3 inches from the hair/brush. Apply a silicone-based product, i.e. serum to finish
When blow-drying, never hold the dryer directly onto the hair. Hold it about 10cm away from the roots, to avoid heat damage. Avoid the nozzle making contact with the hair for a smoother finish The right tools are also necessary for the perfect blow-dry. Avoid using metal brushes, which can get really hot. Instead use wooden handled bristle brushes which don't retain the heat Remember to section off your hair when blow-drying. It makes it much easier to work with and if you're working on one section at a time, you can use the right technique to achieve the right look for that particular section - i.e volume at the roots, sleekness at the ends Work your way round your head in the correct order – back section (divided into 3 sections), side panels, fringe, top and crown area last You can also use straightening irons, tongs or other styling tools to help you achieve your finished look. So if you want a very sleek look, blow-dry your hair straight, but remember you can go over the hair with straightening irons for extra sleekness
Blow-dry tips for different hair types:
SHORT HAIR
Comb hair into position then blow-dry each section using a bristle brush. Mess up afterwards with wax for added texture and a sexy bed head look.
MID-LENGTH HAIR
Apply product for desired result i.e. mousse for volume. Remember to use the right brush size for the result required; i.e. a smaller brush for tighter curls and bouncier waves, or a bigger brush for a sleeker look.
LONG HAIR
Apply a leave-in conditioner and a smoothing product if you are blow-drying for a sleek look. Use a large bristle brush for sleekness and run the hairdryer from roots to end. Direct nozzle downwards for a straight blow-dry, and avoid the nozzle making contact with the hair as this will allow for a smoother finish. Finish with serum for extra shine.
CURLY HAIR
Use a leave-in conditioner and curl enhancing products. Keep applying throughout the blow-dry to achieve non-frizzy ends. Tip head upside down and only dry the roots all the way through. Then blast the ends, this stops the hair frizzing up.
FINE HAIR
Never overload the hair with products, which can make the hair look lank and even thinner. Dry each section quickly then onto the next section so as not to over-dry the hair.
THICK HAIR
Use a leave-in conditioner and a silicone-based product to create a sleek smooth finish.
Akin's favourite blow-dry product:
Wella High Hair Crystal Styler, £6.45, 0800 390565 – provides shine whilst also strengthening the hair's fibre and giving a controlled blow-dry.
Fast-fix for serial oversleepers:
Simply blast the roots in different directions with the hairdryer to revive the hair and sort out any bed-head! Blow with hot air first then cool air to seal the cuticle.
