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Ever left the house feeling like a walking hair commercial, only to look in the mirror by noon and wonder what happened? You start out with gorgeous hair but by lunch, your hairstyle looks completely different.
Even the pros are aware of this struggle, BUT – they’ve got a few tricks they keep close to the vest. Lucky you—you’re about to get in on them.
Forget the old-school hairspray helmet and endless bobby pins. There are a few clever moves to keep that fresh-from-the-salon look from sunup to sundown – and we list them below.
Prime Your Hair First
Ever tried to paint your nails without a base coat? Doesn’t last long, does it? Hair works the same way. Start with a styling primer or detangler to boost manageability and add staying power.
One favorite: Amika The Wizard Detangling Primer. It does a great job smoothing tangles and protecting from heat, but it also creates the perfect surface for whatever styling you have planned.
As an alternative, a little Redken Quick Blowout Heat Protectant Primer can work magic—works to smooth hair and adds glossy finish all in one.
Aim for lightweight. Especially because we’re going to be layering products to make sure your hairstyle looks amazing AND lasts all day. We talk about that next.
Product Layering
Ready for the next move? It’s all about layering different product that will work together to make your hairstyle last and look great. Stack products thoughtfully, and you’ll get that result.
When layering products, it’s important to chosoe the lightweight ones and use small amounts. A good start is a dime-sized amount of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum through damp hair. This will help tame flyaways, make your hair smoother, and add shine.
Next, if you want curls or waves, work in a small dab of curling cream. Prefer a straight hair look? Go for a smoothing cream instead. Creams are heavier than serums, so only use a tiny amount – it should go a long way.
Try these:
- For straightening: Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion
- For waves: OUAI Curl Cream
At this point, your hair will be much more manageable and ready to be styled (plus hold the hairstyle better).
But before you leave the bathroom, mist the entire style with a humidity spray like Amika The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray. It’s the final step that will help shield from rain, sweat, or a sweltering subway ride – you’re covered. A little spritz will do.
Blow Dry Like in a Salon
Salon blowouts don’t just happen. It’s all in the prep (and a little muscle).
We’ve done the prep, so now grab a paddle or round brush and section your hair—don’t skip this step! It’s the difference between a professional looking blowout and amateur one.
Then work in sections for better control. Keep steady tension as you pull the brush through—hold it taut, like you’re stretching out a sweater that shrank in the wash.
The trick is focusing on the roots and working to the ends, making sure every strand gets some love from the dryer. Crank up the heat to set the shape, and finish each section with a blast of cool air.
Once you’re done, you can finalize your hairstyle with a flat iron or a curling iron, based on what hairstyle you’re going for. Again, work in sections. It takes a bit more time, but so so worth it in the end!
Setting and Fixing in Place
Once you style your hair, use a lightweight finishing spray or mist to keep everything in place.
Hold the spray eight to ten inches from your head and give a gentle, even coat. The key is to focus on the areas most likely to lose shape, like your part, crown, or ends.
Touch-Ups When Needed
No matter how much prep you do, sometimes life happens. Wind blows. You over-enthusiastically hug a friend. That’s where your mini arsenal comes in.
Pop these in your bag:
- Pocket comb or mini brush for quick restyles.
- Mini hairspray for precision fixes on the go.
- To tame any flyaways, use a teeny-tiny amount of hair oil – rub it between your finger and lightly touch parts of your hair where frizz appears. It will help tame it and make your hairstyle looks polished again. You can keep a travel-sized bottle of hair oil in your purse, next to a mini hairspray!
Slip away to the restroom, do a swift fix, and bam—back to perfect hair mode. All it takes is a bit of prep, a bit of practice with a hair dryer and the right products.
