For that upcoming special event, you've envisioned the perfect hairstyle – a glamorous updo or a classic Hollywood wave. Here's the secret: a successful updo or wave starts way before you step into the salon – it starts with proper hair preparation at home.
The Foundation for Flawless Hair
Think of your hair like a canvas. The smoother and cleaner the canvas, the more vibrant and long-lasting the artwork (your hairstyle) will be. Here's how to prep your hair for optimal updo or wave success:
- Wash Wisely: For most hair types, washing your hair the day before your appointment is ideal. This removes oils and buildup that can make styling difficult. However, if you have very oily hair, consider a same-day wash for maximum grip.
- Skip the Heavy Products: Avoid piling on conditioners, leave-in treatments, or styling products before your appointment. These can weigh down your hair and make it slippery, hindering the stylist's ability to create long-lasting styles.
- Prime for Volume: For updos, consider using a volumizing mousse or spray on damp hair before blow-drying.This adds texture and lift, making it easier for your stylist to create intricate styles.
Beyond the Wash
- Blow-dry Basics: When blow-drying your hair, focus on lifting the roots for updos or creating a smooth base for waves. Use a round brush to add volume and direct the airflow in the direction you want your hair to fall.
- Condition with Care: Deep conditioning a few days before your appointment is a great way to keep your hair healthy, but avoid overdoing it. Excessive moisture can make hair limp and difficult to style.
If you're planning on using hot tools to style your hair for an updo or waves, using a heat protectant spray beforehand is crucial to keep your hair healthy and prevent damage.
For heat styling (like using a curling iron or straightener), what you actually need is a heat protectant spray. This creates a barrier on your hair to shield it from the damaging effects of high temperatures. Heat can cause hair to become dry,brittle, and prone to breakage. Heat protectant spray helps to:
- Lock in moisture in your hair, preventing it from drying out.
- Reduce frizz by smoothing the hair cuticle.
- Provide a protective barrier against heat damage.
My favourite hair protection spray
- Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Iron Smoother Heat Protection and Frizz Control Hair Spray: Providing thermal protection up to 230°C, the spray keeps hair safe during blow drying and straightening, and protects against humidity for all day smoothness and frizz control. Promoting smooth, sleek locks, it optimises the performance of heat styling tools to provide lasting style memory.
- ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray: A protective spray that shields hair from heat damage, leaving it feeling smooth and ready for styling. ghd bodyguard creates two levels of heat protection between the heat of a styling tool and the hair using polymers and conditioning agents. The bodyguard heat spray coats each strand of hair for a smoother-looking finish ready for styling.
- Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray: A hydrating styling mist that nourishes and promotes a silky-smooth appearance. A heat-activated styling mist enriched with argan oil, the Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray encourages long-lasting smoothness. The lightweight formula sets to work to protect against unwanted flyaways and static caused by humidity. A must have addition to your beauty routine, the multi-purpose mist harnesses the nourishing properties of argan oil to help hydrate hair and deliver sleek, silky-soft results.
Communication is Key
Discuss your desired hairstyle with your stylist beforehand. Knowing your hair type and any concerns you have will allow them to recommend the best preparation tips and styling products for a long-lasting and beautiful look. By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving a salon-worthy updo or wave that lasts all night long. Remember, a little preparation at home goes a long way in ensuring your stylist can create the hairstyle of your dreams.
