Your fool-proof guide to a salon-worthy blow-dry at home

Promoted Beauty

There are one or two ways to trick people into thinking you're a fully functioning adult who has it all together: groomed eyebrows, a neat manicure and a really good blow-dry. First impressions count, people!

Of course, getting your brows, nails and hair seen to by the pros is a nice treat once in a while, but we've been trained to believe that the only way you can look properly put-together is by spending half your salary in the salon. In reality, it's easy enough to fill in your brows yourself and, with enough practice, DIY manicures can look like the real deal. It's the blow-dry, though, that has a troubled reputation. We have a hairdryer; we have hands. So why don't we all go around looking like Olivia Palermo all the time?

The secret's out. You can.

Giving yourself a blow-dry to rival the pros is down to a few tricks of the trade. Technique counts, and so does the right tools. And, like everything else in this world, practice makes perfect. Bonus: get ready to develop biceps Michelle Obama would be jealous of.

Start at the very beginning

Your hair should be freshly washed and 100% rinsed. Clean hair is key, but you must make sure that every last bit of shampoo and conditioner are washed out. Any residue will leave your hair looking limp, defeating the whole purpose of this exercise. Use good quality shampoo and conditioner; they form the foundations of the blow-dry.

If you have time, treat your hair with a nourishing mask. Any level of heat can make your hair look brittle and dry. A mask will make your hair look smoother and softer.

Don't go straight for the heat

Your hair should be 70% dry before you let any heat near it. Comb your wet hair through and then use a towel to remove the excess water. Hair is very delicate when wet, so gently does it. Rubbing frantically at it will damage the hair and leave it looking extra frizzy. If your hair is thin, however, a quick blast at the roots will stop your hair from flattening while you're waiting for it to air dry.

Before picking up the drier, give your hair a spritz of heat protecting spray. The experts always use one, and so should you.

Time to blow

Divide your hair into four sections: one at the back, from the neck to just before the crown; two at the sides, starting from the ears; and a top section. You will, of course, need a brush. A round brush is by far the most effective, giving volume and bounce, and one with boar bristles is even better.

Start drying from the back. For the style to hold, the roots need to be fully dry. Hold the brush as close to the roots, and keeping the section taut, follow with the hairdryer, making sure to hit the top, both sides and underneath. Then, angle the brush and dry the rest of the section upwards. Roll your wrist at the ends to give that Park Avenue bouncy curl at the ends. When you get to the top section, alternate the direction of your roll from section to section.

For super volume at the top, you might want to bring out the hot rollers. Take three at the top and two at the sides, roll them, pin them and blast with the cool setting to guarantee dryness.

Finishing touches

Shake out all the sections with your hands - don't brush - and run some anti-frizz serum throughout the hair (avoiding the roots). Spritz with some hairspray and voila! A Kate Middleton blow-dry without the spends.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Perfect Finish Serum is nominated twice in this year's Beautie Awards - Best Styling Product and Classic Haircare Hero. To vote head right on over to the Haircare Category.

(Images copyright John Frieda)