How to Make Your Blow-Out Last Even Longer
If you can't get through day three of a blow-out without a hat, you'll appreciate New York City salon owner
Lisa Chiccine's guide to making your style last for the long haul.
Photo: Courtesy of Scünci Scrunchie
Day One
Pre-blow-out, avoid heavily moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and styling products—they typically contain strong conditioning agents that weigh down hair. With a fresh style, you don't have to think about maintenance till nighttime: Before bed, if your hair is long enough, pull it into a high pony at the crown of your head with a scrunchie, which will prevent dents and creases. You can also wrap your ponytail around a Velcro roller and secure it with a styling clip. And swap your cotton pillowcase for satin, which creates less friction, so you'll be less likely to rough up your style.
Scünci Scrunchie Bow Ties, $3 for two; Walgreens stores
Photo: Courtesy of eSalon
Day Two
Hold off on using any styling products for as long as possible to avoid buildup, which will flatten your hair. If you wake up with some frizz at the hairline, mist the hair around your face with a spray bottle and then blow-dry with a small, round brush. Going to the gym? Bravo! Again, pull your hair back into a pony or a bun, and wear a sweat-absorbent headband. When showering, make sure to use a plastic cap with terry-cloth lining—it's the best combination of fabrics for shielding your hair from moisture and steam.
eSalon Everlasting Locks Style Saving Shower Cap, $14; eSalon.com
Photo: Courtesy of Klorane
Day Three
It's time to break out the dry shampoo. Try a powder formula, which gives you more control than a spray. The key is to use it sparingly; never apply it directly onto the hair. Instead, sprinkle it in your palms and rub between your fingertips, then massage it into the roots. If your ends are drooping, add bounce by wrapping them around Velcro or hot rollers.
Klorane Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, $20; KloraneUSA.com
Photo: Courtesy of T3 Micro
Day Four
Repeat day three. Give your style a boost with Velcro or hot rollers at the crown.
T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe, $119; T3Micro.com
Photo: Courtesy of John Frieda
Day Five
The best tactic is to switch up your style. If you have long hair, slick it back into a sleek high ponytail. Wrap the ends of the pony around a wide-barrel curling iron to create tousled waves, which will conceal dullness. For shorter hair, mist with a sea salt spray before roughdrying to create a piecey, textured look. Still collecting compliments? Congrats, you made it!
John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray, $9; drugstores
Styling MVPs
For a great blow-out, you need great tools. Chiccine recommends a lightweight blow-dryer with a wattage of 1,700 to 1,800 (for powerful airflow and reduced drying time), a cool button (finishing with cool air helps lock in style), and a thin nozzle (to direct the air). For the most volume, use a round boar-bristle brush with a wooden base.
From the
November 2016 issue of
O, The Oprah Magazine
