How to Make Your Blowout Last

Tips on Healthy Living

Everyone loves a nice, sleek blowout-but you want to make sure you get your money's worth. Use these simple tips to maintain your newly blown-out hair through day two and beyond. From hair and makeup artist Eva Scrivo, author of Eva Scrivo on Beauty: The Tools, Techniques, and Insider Knowledge Every Woman Needs to Be Her Most Beautiful, Confident Self.

There are two steadfast rules for extending the life of a blowout: (1) use small amounts of product on your hair and (2) stay away from water in all forms, including steam and humidity. I am not saying that you should forgo bathing or skip the products altogether. If you eliminate the crucial step of protecting your hair from direct heat, it will be adversely affected over time. Mist a foundation spray and apply a minimal amount of styling product (a few drops of smoothing serum can be best for smoothness and heat protection).

Moisture is the mortal enemy of a blowout. The faintest hint of dampness (from humidity, steam, water, or perspiration) can instantly create frizz and make the baby hairs around your face and the nape of your neck curl. Do your best to be conscientious, if not paranoid, about avoiding water if you want your blowout to last. First of all, be sure your hair is absolutely bone dry after blow-drying it. When trying to preserve a blowout, it is wise to skip showers in favor of warm (not hot) baths. Steam is a sneakier form of water and will make its way under your shower cap. If you are just not a bath person, wear a terry-cloth headband to cover your hairline under the shower cap. Immediately blot any moisture from the hair after bathing. (Washing your face without getting water on the hairline can be tricky. Prepare your hair beforehand by pulling it back off your face into a ponytail and using a headband over the hairline.)

If a little bit of moisture touches your hair when you are bathing or washing your face, or from perspiration, touch up the blowout in those spots only. Dampen the section and blow-dry it with a brush or just use your fingers, pulling the hair away from the head to smooth the hairline.

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