The Perfect Blow Out

Do you love the look of an enviable salon blow out but can't bear the sticker shock price tag? David Dieguez, creative director of Blow (NYC's "blow dry bar" that specializes in straight styles for busy women and those lucky enough to have a standing appointment), shares 6 steps and his own pro tips to perfecting a fabulous blow out at home.

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Step 1: Treat Hair for the Desired Results
Eliminate tangles by combing hair with a wide-tooth comb (to prevent breakage), and then work in an anti-frizz, conditioning or volumizing product, depending on your hair's specific needs.

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Step 2: Finger Dry First
To speed up your blow out, finger dry roots with medium heat before you tackle straightening strands. Hair should be damp, not sopping wet, when you begin to dry, says Dieguez.

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Step 3: Stick with Extra Small Sections
Twist and clip hair into manageable parts. "It's best to work with the smallest amount of hair to avoid being overwhelmed," says Dieguez. The smaller the section, the straighter the results. Plus, twisting and securing hair close to your head will keep it damp until you're ready to dry the area.

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Expert Tip: Try A Lightweight Dryer
Investing in a lightweight hair dryer not only means relief from arm fatigue, but less of a workout means you sweat less around your face, which makes for sleeker results. A dryer with ionic ceramic technology will also get the smoothest results in the shortest time.

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Step 4: Use A Round Bristle Brush
Blow dry sections with a double boar bristle round brush that grabs hair for optimal tension. Dieguez says boar brushes achieve the smoothest and shiniest finish. Point the dryer's nozzle downward to eliminate frizz and help polish hair.

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Expert Tip: How to Tackle Hard-To-Reach Sections
Don't let tricky areas like the nape frustrate you. For any area you find challenging, section it down even further. Concentrate air on the roots first and then spend extra time on the ends where results really show, says Dieguez.

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Step 5: Completely Dry Hair
The trick to maintaining a blow out is getting absolutely all of the moisture out. Always go straighter than you normally would because when you step outside, the heat and humidity will instantly add back a little texture and volume, says Dieguez.

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Step 6: Lock in Your Style
Once your hair is dry, seal the cuticle by using your dryer's cold shot button to blast frigid air over tresses and finish with a flexible hold hair spray.


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Expert Tip: Make It Last
To extend the life any blow out, Dieguez's favorite trick is to use a dry shampoo in between washings. Not only does it absorb unwanted oils, but it keeps hair from losing the body it has when fresh.

by Melissa Goldberg
Hair stylist: Nancy Monroy

Rachel Been, AOL