By Joh Bailey, Hair & Grooming Expert
Rescu. visited Joh Bailey’s new Double Bay salon (as pictured), freshly renovated in glorious Tiffany Blue jewel box tones, to get the lowdown on the best blow dry technique.
Joh’s perfect blow-dry philosophy
This is my signature look; effortless but polished. Shiny, full hair is what I consider to be beautiful hair. I don’t like that US style where it looks like fake hair. I also don’t like hair that’s poker straight, nor too bouncy. I am quite old fashioned when it comes to product. I love hairspray and for fine hair, a heat spray or mousse is good. I also like my blow-dry to last a few days.
The perfect blow-dry is important to me. In my salon, we give our apprentices 8 – 12 months training on just blow-drying before a stylist is allowed to blow-dry.
Tips for creating a professional blow-dry
Choose the right tools
Without the right equipment even I can’t have the right effect. So I recommend:
- Brushes that have strong bristles. Italian ‘mira’ brushes are the best.
- A good strong blow-dryer with a nozzle.
- Sectioning clips.
Take your time
Blow-drying is like polishing hair. You can’t polish a teak table at once! You need to section in small brush-size sections and work one section at a time. This will ensure a perfect, even finish.
Keep the hair hydrated
For the perfect blow-dry, smoothly direct the brush and heat down the hair (never against the shaft). Do this until the hair smoothes out. Don’t go over it too many times, because the hair will burn and go frizzy again. You want to leave some hydration in the hair.
TOP TIP: Never blast hair that’s not wrapped around the brush with air. This just creates frizziness.
Use a quality hairdryer
I’ve actually developed my own Joh Bailey professional range with 3600 (the one to use), available from the Joh Bailey website. It was recently voted as “Australia’s number one hairdryer” by Choice Magazine. Click here for more info on this hairdryer.
Joh’s step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect blow-dry at home, plus his recommended products:
- Clean well conditioned hair. This is essential. I recommend TRESemme for all budgets and hair types. I also love Wella System Professional products.
- Don’t start with dripping hair. Dry (upside down if you have fine hair). I like hair ¾ dry before I get out the brushes.
- It takes time. If you’ve only got 5 minutes, try another style or a slick ponytail. You need 20-35 mins for a beautiful blow-dry. Dry shampoo is also a good trick for the time poor.
Click here to visit Joh’s website for more tips and his video demonstration of the perfect blow-dry.
RESCU: Which blow-dry look should we perfect this season?
If you’ve gone for the POB (The Victoria Beckham bob), you can play with rollers to get a more ladylike finish. Boho has given way to siren. And at the Academy Awards, there were a lot of references to old Italian mod. A smaller brush and some Velcro rollers and blow dry while you are doing your make-up will get this look.
RESCU: Which celebs have enviable hair?
J-Lo, Brooke Shields, Kim Kardashian, our own Tara Moss and Karin Upton Baker, Managing Director of Hermes Australia.
RESCU: You are creating the looks for the Project Runway TV show this season, what’s your vision for the runway shows?
I am part of the designers’ brief. I am a resource for the designers to use as part of their 8-hour challenge. I essentially do whatever the designer asks. It’s up to them to brief me properly, be direct and to make the most of this aspect of the show to create their look. I give the same advice to my clients. Give me the brief, but let me work with you and share my experience and expertise.
Visit Joh Bailey’s website – www.johbailey.com.au – for salon locations.
