Tips for Blow Drying Curly and Straight Hair

One of my oldest and dearest friends worked her way through college as a cosmetologist. She knows hair. She can work wonders, nay miracles, with hair. She has won numerous awards for her cut and styles. And she loves my hair... just not anymore. To be frank, she has never been a fan of my hair unless she styles it because I am a wash and wear gal. It's curly... what more is there? Don't let her see that statement... because there is more, plenty more.

I am past forty and still have not decided how I want to wear my hair. I am still somewhat apprehensive of putting product in my hair. (I know... she can make it look fabulous!) Not to mention that as I am becoming older, my hair is becoming thinner.

So... I decided that I was going to start, really start, putting forth an effort to style my hair. I would, could, at the very least, blow dry my hair and tame my curls. That sounds fairly simple, right? In theory, yes. In practice, not so much... and here I am giving my teenage daughter a hard time about her hair! (That happens to be just like mine!)

So... That weekend we were home visiting my parents, and I dropped by for a visit and some instruction from my old and dear friend. My daughter was in tow. All I wanted was a quick review on how best to blow dry my hair so that it would not resemble a poodle or a frizz fright mess.

She sat both of us down in her purchased from an estate sale salon chairs and proceeded to educate us on proper hair drying techniques. As she plucked and waxed our eyebrows... oh so much fun.

Here is what we learned.

Tips to blow dry curly hair- Do not channel Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor

Tools- Use the right dryer (really... not the same Vidal Sassoon one I have had for years... practically since college?) Curls should not be distorted by too much power. 1400 watts is more than enough... a dryer with less wattage is just as good. So... do not go after more power! Stick with low or medium settings. High heat is overkill. Use a diffuser. Look for one that is concave, not flat in the middle as this will aid your curls in taking a natural shape.

Tips to blow dry curly hair- note to self -dime size does not equal a dollop

Products- Layer. Do not just use a conditioner...use a leave- in conditioner. A gel product is preferable to mousse, but that is not carved in stone. Use sparingly to shape curls and prevent frizz. Follow up with a shine serum to add shine and hold.

Tips to blow dry straight hair- Now you can channel Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor

Tools - Look for a hair dryer with 1800 watts at least. Medium heat can predry your hair. (Really predry?) High heat manipulates your hair's shape and cold heat sets the style that you have worked for by predrying, and manipulating your hair.

Use a round brush. Medium or large barrel is best. One can cause one's hair to flip, curl under, make waves or be stick straight with the proper brush. Clip hair into different sections to prevent from overdriving which can cause flyaways.

Tips to blow dry straight hair- think of dessert

Products- Mousse is preferred over gel. It can add thickness and volume. Cream can also be used to smooth or soften dry and damaged hair. Hair spray adds lift and sets the style. (Did not the blast of cold air from the hair dryer also do that?)

Okay... she tested me after she educated me. Was I listening? Did I pass? I think so, but then again... you should see my hair now. I think I just need to get a hair cut.