Confession: I hate blow drying my hair.
It takes forever and let’s be honest here, I would rather be doing something like stuffing my face with Nutella Ravioli for the half hour.
I have heard various methods to extend a blowout, but all products are not created equal. I’ve tried ALL of them. I have narrowed it down to a few options that never disappoint.
In The Shower
Even if you have huge voluminous hair I hate you, use a volumizing shampoo. These formulas are designed to get rid of oil at the roots. Oil kills blowouts. If you color your hair, this can be tricky. Look for a sulfate free variety designed for color treated hair. Here’s the one I’ve been really liking by MOP. It’s fragrance free. That’s okay! The scent your hair retains after a fresh wash comes from the conditioner and other products that you apply. This stuff will suds and rise leaving those roots super-clean.
Before Blow Drying
I apply a DOT of volumizing product to my roots to add even more body. The more volume you have on day 1, the less limp it will be days 2, 3, and maybe even 4 if you’re lucky. Limp hair looks greasy and that’s a no from me. Unless your Kurt Cobain, don’t be caught with an oil slick on your head, it’s just gross. I used to think any kind of gel would make my hair look as hard as a Ken doll or like Cameron Diaz on Something About Mary.
Products have come a long way since the 90’s I guess. I have had the same tube of ABBA Volumizing Gel for almost a year. I literally use the size of a dime and apply it to my roots. A teeny bit goes a very long way. It’s kind of watery so I don’t even have to squeeze the tube. Get it here.
Apply a lightweight volumizing conditioned from the nape of your neck down to the ends of hair. Conditioner can really weigh hair down. Keep it away from your scalp if you want to extend that hair, girl. I have been using MOP Volume Conditioner. It smells like lemongrass -clean. It’s sulfate free which keeps that color fresh.
Before Bed
Loosely, tie hair back. Use an old school scrunchie to prevent the dreaded ponytail crease. The scalp produces oil when hair rubs around on it. Plus it won’t tangle as much leading to more brushing. Brushng leads to …you guessed it, more oil.
Every Day After
Two words: DRY SHAMPOO. I know it’s not the first time you’re hearing this. Finding the right one is SO important. Some leave powder all over your hair making you look like a crazy old lady with grey roots.
Bed Head makes a great one called Dirty Little Secret. My newest go-to is by Kenra Professional. I love their volumizing shampoo & conditioner so I wasn’t shocked that I like their dry shampoo as well. The Platinum Dry Shampoo is phenomenal. It smells great and doesn’t leave my hair white. My hair looks fresh on day 3! Side note: I’m a sucker for packaging and this bottle looks pretty on the bathroom shelf 😛
When It Starts Looking Greasy
If you really want to stretch it, on day four, slick it back in a ponytail. It always looks polished and pulled together. Nobody has to know your secret 🙂
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