Let’s face it – the past year (or two) kind of put a lot of things on the backburner. Summer holidays, parties, and, (sigh), even Christmas – it’s fair to say our social lives have taken a bit of a hit. All that has meant one thing for sure – getting glammed up has decidedly not been top of our to-do list. And, whilst we’ve loved the makeup-free life, the putting off of hair washing for yet another day, and the endless rotation of comfy clothes – it’s time for a change.
Yep – we’re calling it: glam is back. And this year, we’re going all out (for Christmas, at least – January is still up for debate). We’re talking festive manis, killer makeup looks, and of course – the obligatory pre-Christmas blow dry. Really, is there anything better than the salon-fresh-feeling of a perfect blow dry, and the seemingly impossible effortless-yet-put-together look it manages to achieve? We think not. Plus, of course – who doesn’t love the in-salon hair-wash-head-massage combo (that’s your pre-Christmas de-stressing sorted, too).
We’ve put together a list of our fave blow dry styles that we’ll definitely be asking our hairdressers for this year. So, if you’re ready to get back to glam this year, and you need a little inspo: we’ve got you covered.
By Beth Ryan
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1 The Hollywood blow dryThis is definitely a style for when you want something majorly glam (it involves a *lot* of hairspray and styling so isn’t ideal for your every-day chilling or WFH). Inspired by the Hollywood starletts of the 1920s and 60s – this style is achieved using a hairdryer (duh) for lots of volume, and curling tongs to achieve sleek waves. It’s worn with a side-parting for that classic red carpet look.
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2 Sleek & straight
If you’re not a fan of curls, a super straight blow-dry is the perfect alternative. It’s super chic and screams *fashion* (model-esque sleek hair is definitely having a moment right now) – plus, it’s low-maintenance and is one of the longest lasting styles. Any parting will work – but a centre-part is very 2021.
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3 Natural curls
A blow-dry can create a whole new style, but it can also enhance your natural hair. If you hair is naturally curly, this style will add definition and shine. Your stylist will use a diffuser attachment and curl-specific products to create perfect natural curls. If your hair is on the straighter or wavier side, you can also ask for tongs to be used to recreate a similar look (Shakira – is that you?)
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4 Soft curls
Opt for these soft waves when you want that aforementioned ‘effortlessly-put-together’ look – as they add sleekness and style without looking too done-up. Perf for Christmas day or that pub night out that you totally didn’t spend ages getting ready for. On longer hair, ask for volume at the roots and some soft curls through the mid-lengths and ends. On shorter hair, opt for a curl from the root to create a modern-day Marilyn style.
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5 Mermaid waves
If you a) spent the year scrolling through TikTok, or b) watched love island this year – you’ll have likely come across this style already. Mermaid waves are created using either a specialised mermaid-waver tool or a standard straightener – and the result is a sleek look with lots of movement (kind of like a grown-up version of the classic beach wave). We can definitely see what the hype is about.
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6 The un-done blow dry
The messy, un-done blow dry is perfect for more of a natural, edgier look. With this style, texture makes all the difference, so you stylist might add some product to reach the desired result. They’ll add a tonne of volume with the hairdryer, and may use tongs to create a tousled yet natural look. It’s basically an upgrade on the bed hair we’ve all been rocking this year, which seems appropriate, really.
With Treatwell, you can book hair online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.
