Achieving salon-worthy hair results at home is possible with the right techniques, products, and a little bit of knowledge. While visiting a stylist can provide that professional touch, knowing how to care for and style your hair can keep it looking fabulous in between appointments. Whether you want sleek and straight locks, voluminous waves, or healthy, shiny hair, here are essential professional tips to help you recreate that just-left-the-salon look at home.
1. Invest in Quality Hair Tools
High-quality hair tools make a significant difference in how your hair looks and feels after styling. Investing in a good blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand with temperature controls will help protect your hair from heat damage while ensuring a polished finish.
- Blow Dryer: Look for a blow dryer with ionic technology, which helps reduce frizz and adds shine. A powerful motor (at least 1800 watts) will speed up drying time and minimize heat exposure.
- Flat Iron: Choose a flat iron with ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium plates to ensure even heat distribution and minimize damage. Adjustable temperature settings are essential for customizing the heat to your hair type.
- Curling Wand: Opt for a wand with varying barrel sizes to create different types of curls. A wand with a temperature control option is ideal for achieving the desired look without overheating your strands.
Pro Tip: Use heat tools sparingly and always apply a heat protectant to prevent damage from frequent styling.
2. Master the Art of the Blowout
A salon blowout creates volume, smoothness, and bounce, and you can achieve this at home with the right technique and tools.
- Start with Damp Hair: Towel-dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry to prevent frizz. Apply a volumizing mousse or smoothing cream to add body or smoothness, depending on your desired look.
- Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into sections for easier and more efficient styling. Use clips to keep each section out of the way while you work on other parts of your hair.
- Use a Round Brush: For volume and smoothness, use a round brush with natural bristles. Place the brush under a section of hair, starting at the roots, and pull it down as you blow dry, following the brush with the nozzle of the dryer.
- Finish with Cool Air: Once each section is dry, switch your dryer to the cool setting and give your hair a blast of cold air. This helps set the style and adds shine.
Pro Tip: To create extra volume, blow dry your hair upside down, focusing on the roots, and then style as usual.
3. Use Professional Hair Products
Choosing the right products for your hair type and styling needs is key to getting professional results. Haircare products used in salons often have higher concentrations of active ingredients that provide better results.
- Shampoo and Conditioner: Use sulfate-free shampoos to gently cleanse your hair without stripping away natural oils. Choose conditioners formulated for your hair type—whether moisturizing for dry hair, volumizing for fine hair, or strengthening for damaged hair.
- Leave-In Conditioners and Serums: These products add moisture, detangle hair, and protect from heat. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum for extra shine and smoothness without weighing your hair down.
- Dry Shampoo: Between washes, use dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair. Spray at the roots and massage into the scalp for a fresh, voluminous look.
Pro Tip: Consult your stylist on the best products for your hair type to ensure you’re using what’s best for your unique texture and needs.
4. Trim Regularly to Avoid Split Ends
One of the easiest ways to maintain a salon-quality look at home is by keeping your hair healthy with regular trims. Trimming every 6-8 weeks prevents split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and keeps your hair looking fresh and polished.
- DIY Trims: If you’re comfortable trimming your own hair, invest in a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors. Always cut small sections at a time and start with dry, styled hair to see exactly where you need the trim.
Pro Tip: If you’re hesitant about cutting your own hair, focus on trimming just the ends. Leave more complex cuts and layers to your stylist.
5. Deep Condition Weekly
Weekly deep conditioning treatments help repair and nourish your hair, keeping it strong, smooth, and shiny. Use a hair mask or deep conditioner that suits your hair type—whether you need extra hydration, protein repair, or color protection.
- How to Use: After shampooing, apply the mask evenly from mid-lengths to ends (or all over, if you have dry hair). Leave the mask on for at least 10-15 minutes before rinsing out with cool water to seal the cuticles and enhance shine.
Pro Tip: For extra hydration, wrap your hair in a warm towel while the mask sits, or use a shower cap to trap heat and intensify the treatment.
6. Perfect Your Curling Technique
Whether you want loose waves or tight curls, the technique you use to curl your hair makes all the difference.
- Curling Wand: For beachy waves, wrap medium-sized sections of hair around the wand, leaving the ends out for a more natural look. Alternate the direction of your curls for a more effortless, tousled effect.
- Flat Iron: For a sleek yet voluminous wave, use a flat iron to create curls by clamping the iron at the roots, twisting it away from your face, and pulling it through the hair.
- Curling Tips: Always curl away from your face for a flattering, voluminous look. Let your curls cool completely before touching or brushing them out to help them set.
Pro Tip: After curling, spray a light-hold hairspray or texture spray to give your curls extra staying power without stiffness.
7. Protect Your Hair While You Sleep
Maintaining salon-quality results doesn’t stop at styling. Taking care of your hair while you sleep can prevent frizz, breakage, and loss of volume.
- Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases reduces friction, preventing frizz and breakage, especially for curly or textured hair.
- Loose Braids or Buns: Secure your hair in a loose braid or bun before bed to prevent tangling and breakage. This also helps maintain your style for the next day.
- Overnight Treatments: Apply a lightweight hair oil or leave-in conditioner before bed to nourish your hair while you sleep.
Pro Tip: Avoid tight hairstyles at night, as these can lead to hair breakage and scalp tension.
8. Control Frizz and Flyaways
Frizz and flyaways can take away from that smooth, polished look. Use these tips to tame unruly strands:
- Use Anti-Frizz Serums: Apply a small amount of anti-frizz serum or oil to your hair while it’s still damp. Focus on the ends to keep them smooth and sleek.
- Avoid Overwashing: Washing your hair too frequently strips away its natural oils, leading to frizz. Stick to washing 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair type.
- Don’t Brush Dry Hair: Avoid brushing your hair when it’s dry, as this can cause frizz and breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle while your hair is still damp.
Pro Tip: To quickly smooth flyaways, use a clean toothbrush or mascara wand sprayed with hairspray to brush them down without affecting the rest of your style.
9. Maintain Your Hair Color
If you color your hair, maintaining vibrant, healthy-looking locks between salon visits is key. Proper care helps prevent fading, brassiness, and damage.
- Use Color-Safe Products: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for color-treated hair. These will help extend the life of your color and keep it looking fresh.
- Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can fade your color and cause dryness. When you do use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant beforehand.
- Gloss Treatments: Use at-home gloss treatments or tinted conditioners to refresh your color and add shine between salon visits.
Pro Tip: Avoid washing your hair with hot water, as it can strip color and cause it to fade faster. Stick to lukewarm or cool water.
Conclusion
With the right tools, products, and techniques, you can achieve salon-worthy hair results at home. Whether you’re mastering the perfect blowout, keeping your hair healthy with deep conditioning treatments, or controlling frizz and flyaways, these professional tips will help you maintain gorgeous, polished hair that looks like you just stepped out of the salon.