How To Perfect Your Hairstyle

Have you ever had problems getting your hair to look exactly how you wanted it too? Have you ever had problems emulating the immaculate restyle the Barber gave you the day before? Well we’ve all been there, and in todays article we wanted to shed some light on how to perfect your hairstyle.

By now you should know the importance of a grooming routine, and rocking a stylish hairstyle is a big factor in improving your overall appearance.

How do you blow dry your hair? What product do you apply? How much product?

We asked Ben Cornwall (Owner of Strop and Blade Barbers in Hackney, London) to answer those questions, showing you exactly how to achieve barber fresh hair every time you leave the house.

Here are his top tips…

The Benefits Of Blow Drying Hair

Clients are always asking me why their hair never looks the same as it does as soon as they leave the barbershop. Although many people blame the wrong product it’s often the process that’s at fault.

As important as it may be to use the correct product for your hair type and desired style, the groundwork has to be laid first with the hairdryer (with the exception of curly hair). In blow-drying your hair properly you should be able to create perfect hair with minimal product for great lasting results.

Here is my guide on how to get the best out of your haircut with a blow dryer and a bit of the right product.

Step 1

Wash and condition hair to remove any built up product, rinse and lightly towel dry hair to stop dripping and remove excess water.

Step 2

Gently rustle hair to work out how your hair sits naturally. This is determined by your hair growth pattern. Most people have one crown at the top of the head but some people have double crowns and cows licks which will effect how the hair wants to sit.

Try and work out a style that works with your hair pattern, as it will ultimately be stronger than any amount of blow-drying and product if you try to work against it.

Step 3

Working in sections, hold the dryer 6 inches away from the hair and blow dry on a warm (not hot!) setting working from root to tip.

Step 4

Once the hair is nearly dry change the setting on your dryer to cold. Blow dry the cold air in to the position you want the hair to sit. This is known as ‘setting in’ as the cold air closes the cuticle of the hair leaving it looking healthier and more vibrant.

Finally you should pick a product that best suits your hair type and style.

Fine Hair

As a general rule you should use a lighter product with a matt finish on fine and thinner hair, applying to the tips of dry hair. Alternatively sea salt spray can do a great job at giving hair a bit more body and a light hold. As it’s so light, it doesn’t weigh the hair down like some waxes or pomades that can make fine hair look greasy.

Curly Hair

If you have curly locks and don’t want to straighten them, leave the hair a little damper before applying product (a light towel dry to remove excess water will do). Use a small amount of curl cream/serum spread evenly through your palm and apply to your hair to prevent frizzing. Allow drying naturally.

Thick Hair

If you’re blessed with a thick mane you have a few more options and the choice of product depends on what kind of style you want to go for. From matt clays for a more natural look to pomades for the slick pompadour find a product that works best for you but don’t neglect the blow dry.