Every time I wash my hair, I have to blow dry and straighten it. I have been doing this since middle school. I HATE blow drying my hair. I would give anything to have it dry naturally into some sort of socially acceptable style. It wouldn’t have to be straight, even a wave or curl would be okay with me. However… when I leave my hair to its own devices it dries curly underneath, half wavy/frizzy on the top layer. It just looks crazy.
So when these ‘Blow Dry Bars’ started popping up in South Florida I was super excited. Basically, it is a blow dry only salon. You go in, get your hair washed, and then styled. No cuts, no color. Usually there is some sort of ‘Style Menu’ showing you different ways they can do your hair. Unfortunately, there was never one close enough to make it convenient. Until now. They recently opened a ‘Just Air’ blow dry bar less than 5 minutes from my house!
I got an invite to the grand opening, and when I RSVP’ed they invited me to come in for a blow dry! So I decided to go Friday morning, before work so my hair would look fab for the weekend. The salon is BEAUTIFUL & relaxing!
Erica started by washing my hair with a quick scalp massage (love those) and then I was off to the blow dry chair. She used 3 products on my hair, starting with Keratin Complex Lift Off Root Amplifying Styling Gel. Next, she used Moroccan Oil Hydrating Style Cream. She blow dryed my hair a little until it was damp. Finally, Erica sprayed some Keratin Complex Straight Day Styling Spray. Then she went to work! Erica did some crazy, twisty technique thing with the brush, that left me with bouncy curls at the bottom of my hair, but smooth and straight on top. It was magical. When she was done, my hair looked amazing. Like Victoria’s Secret bombshell amazing. I can’t believe she did this without using a straightener or a curling iron.
I was actually embarrassed to walk into work, but after everyone stopped giving my crap about my fancy do, the compliments started pouring in. All the ladies told me how fabulous & healthy my hair looked, and I had to agree with them.
If you have a special occasion, like a birthday party or baby shower that you just want to feel fantastic for, check out Just Air. Since they open early, it is also nice to go in before work one day and enjoy a little pampering. It is totally worth the $35 bucks and it lasts for days. My hair was still perfect on Saturday, even after I had put it in a bun when I came home from work Friday night and slept on it.
If you don’t have a Just Air near you, Erica did share some secrets to a perfect blow dry.
- Apply product properly. Erica says almost everyone uses some sort of product before blow drying, but most women do not use it the correct way. She says people are worried about their scalp getting greasy so most of the time they just put products in the ends of their hair. (that’s what I always did) But that’s bad, because then the top of your hair is not protected from the heat and your hair ends up looking frizzier because you are not taming flyaways. She taught me the right way to use certain products and I have totally been applying them wrong.
- Dry your hair beforehand. Make sure your hair is about 60-70% dry before you start styling your hair. Erica says this reduces damage and you don’t have to work as hard. Since you want to keep the hair taught while drying, so if it is still really wet that just means more work for you.
- Get a square brush. Apparently round brushes are OUT when it comes to blow drying. I had NO idea they even made square brushes. Erica says it holds onto the hair much better than a round brush, giving you more control.
What are your secrets to great hair?
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Wow,is that you?? Thought I was looking at a picture of some bombshell model! 😉 So jealous,wish one was around me!
Hahaha!! Yes, its a very different look from my normal greasy ponytail! 😉
Get a square brush. –I am worried about getting it stuck in my hair!! yikes!
It had slightly curved edges, so I think you would be okay. She did crazy stuff to my hair and it didn't get stuck once! 🙂
Your hair is gorgeous! Okay I have a million hair and skin care products so how have I never seen a square brush before?! Now I'm going to have to run to Cosmo Prof and find one! As you can see I will use any excuse to purchase these products too!
Yes, they did an amazing job! I had NEVER heard of a square brush either! I think I may go back and buy all the products they used as well, since my hair seemed smoother for a few days even after I washed it. (I love products too!!)
A square brush?! WOW I have never seen one before but I am definitely curious! I'd love to try it!
Also, what did she say was the proper way to apply product? I too apply product just on the ends because I fear the style won't last and it will get greasy sooner! LOL
So she rubbed the product in her hands then sort of combed her fingers through my hair starting at the top. She lifted my hair up while she was doing it, so she was only putting the product on my hair, not on my scalp. (does that even make sense?? I can't think of a better way to explain it! lol)
I usually use hair straightener. But this method is magical, I will definitely try out.