HOW TO: 6 TIPS TO MAKE THAT BLOWOUT LAST
We’re a week plus into January, and I’m still rocking my blowout/silk press (whatever tickles your fancy) from NYE. Yes, the same blowout from NYE! Like any other style, blowouts require maintenance in order to keep them looking good for an extended period of time. Here are 6 solid tips to make your next blowout last:
Proper Product Usage. A lot of naturals fear heat usage, but I think that fear stems from improper product usage and straightening techniques. The key to creating a lasting blowout is to find products, and a method, that aid in protecting your curls from heat damage. Thus, I believe this method starts at the sink!
I am not one for at-home straightening; I currently do not possess the patience, nor do I possess the flick of the wrist while using a flatiron. Therefore, I seek professional help and book with stylist StyledByReece! She has the patience and skill needed to s/lay this hair while making the health of my hair a priority. She uses the Mizani Thermasmooth collection for heat styling, which consists of a shampoo, conditioner, leave-in serum, and anti-humidity spritz. She also uses the Mizani 25 Miracle Milk, which is a leave-in treatment with 25 benefits. My hair is always soft, protected, and reverts back with no trouble!
Some naturals that choose to straighten their hair at home load up on ‘cones, which works for them. However, I suggest finding a method and products that work for you!
Wrap It Up. Your blowout, that is. Wrapping your hair at night is a sure way to preserve your style and make it last. You can do so in a number of ways (“doobies”, flexi rods, flat pin curls) depending on the look you’re going for. I usually get my hair curled, so I like to preserve the style as is. I don’t have the patience to flat pin curl my hair, which is the method Reece uses, so I use flexi rods to “wrap” my hair at night. I take 5-7 sections of hair and wrap them around the rods in the direction I wish for the hair to fall when I remove them in the morning. My bang gets a rod all to itself because I mean.. Have you seen it?!
After uses flexi rods to hold my curls, I put on my trusty bonnet to keep everything together should a flexi rod unravel during the night. I sleep on a satin pillowcase, but I like the added protection of a bonnet.
Stay Away From Water. Our naturally dry hair loves water, but this is one time you want to ignore that call. Staying away from water is a sure way to preserve your style because you don’t want it to revert. This also includes products that contain water! Opt for lightweight oils instead to add shine, lay flyaways, and keep your hair smooth.
Please be mindful when taking your shower as well. I try to avoid steaming hot showers because I don’t want to sweat, which could cause my edges and roots to swell. Therefore, I use warm water during my shower time, and I cover my hair with a bonnet and shower cap. This provides a double layer of protection, while ensuring that my hair will still be silky smooth once I exit the shower.
Pick Up Your Roots. There is a chance your blowout may begin to fall flat after 5 days or so. However, you don’t have to leave it at that. My suggestion: dry shampoo! Dry shampoo is a great way to add volume to your roots, refresh your hair, and give it a fresh scent without having to use water. My favorite dry Shampoo is the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk; it is paraben, sulfate, and silicone free!
You can purchase it via Klorane’s site, Sephora, and Ricky’s NYC: 1oz here and 3.2oz here.
Don’t Sweat It. I’m not one for working out, but I’m sure we all know what sweat will do to our roots and edges. If working out for you is a must while you have a blowout, be mindful of your activity! Keep the hair off your face and neck when working out to prevent frizz and reversion. Also, try ponytails and buns to keep your hair stretched and away from your skin during your workout.
Don’t be Afraid to Retouch it. Again, so many naturals fear heat, but if you’ve used proper products and methods, there is no need to! If you’ve sweated out your edges one night, or your curls aren’t holding up anymore, feel free to retouch them and use a heat protectant before applying any heat to your hair. I prefer to use a heat protectant serum and set my hot tools no higher than 360 degrees.
I like to lightly blow my edges with a heat resistant comb and curl wand my hair for a different style. Once this runs its course, I’ll wash my hair and my curls will be intact!
I used a curl wand to achieve this look.
Until next blowout,
