There are certain styles, destined to remain a mainstay of the red carpet rulebook forevermore. On the hair front, the classic blowout is certainly one of them.
The volume-enhancing technique first gained traction in 1960s London, and has since endured as a glamorous go-to for achieving instant polish. The towering beehives of yesteryear may no longer be as common, but the blowout has since evolved to become more attainable for everyday wear—while losing none of its luxe allure.
On the red carpet, the bombshell-worthy blowout is a perennially classic option. Consider last month’s Emmys, where celebrities including Hunter Schafer, Janelle James, Leighton Meester and Meghann Fahy stepped out in sleek, bouncy takes on the style.
With yet another festive season fast approaching, a blowout is the perfect way to amp up the glamour for a fun night out—or even just to elevate your everyday look. With this in mind, Vogue Singapore reached out to Readen Chia, director of the flagship Chez Vous Hair Salon, for his best tips on recreating a star-worthy blowout at home.
Soft waves
For beginners, it’s possible to achieve blowout-effect, soft waves with zero heat and maximum ease.
“Proper hydration is key to achieving a polished blowout, [so] start by prepping and hydrating your hair,” Chia advises. To this end, Chia opts for products that will “smooth the cuticle and improve elasticity”, such as Advante’s Duo Shampoo and Duo Treatment.
Then, on damp hair, define without heat by reaching for a styling balm. Chia’s pick is the Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm: “This strengthens fragile strands while leaving hair glossy, frizz-free and touchably soft.”
Once you’ve prepped your hair’s condition, it’s a matter of utilising Chia’s ‘top knot trick’, twisting your hair into a top knot and allowing it to fully air dry. “Once dry, release and gently brush through with a curl-defining bristle brush—once or twice only—to loosen the waves.” The end result? Soft, effortless volume.
The salon effect, simplified
For a salon-worthy look that’s still achievable at home, Chia recommends soft C-curls or polished waves.
Again, it all starts with hydrating prep. Chia ensures smoothness and bounce by reaching for the aforementioned Advante Duo Shampoo and Duo Treatment, before applying Oribe’s Supershine Moisturizing Cream from mid-lengths to ends.
For a salon-grade finish, the difference lies in selecting your tools. “A professional-style blowout at home is nearly impossible with just a dryer and brush,” Chia explains. “The Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler and Dryer is beginner-friendly and foolproof.” Even if you haven’t used an Airwrap before, Chia asserts that a week or two is usually all it takes to feel confident.
Here’s how to go about it, according to Chia: To tame frizz and lay a sleek foundation, “divide your hair into crown and bottom sections. Using the Dryer+Flyaway smoother attachment, blow dry downward—until it’s about 80% dry.” Once your base is smooth, it’s time to shape your tresses as you please. “For soft waves, use the 40mm long barrel. For chic C-curls, use the large round volumising brush to curl your ends inward until they’re fully dry.”
An essential finishing touch comes in the form of a light mist of spray (“from 30cm away,” Chia recommends) to add shine and secure your style—which is much-needed in Singapore’s humid climate. Chia opts for the Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray.
Wear and care
Heat may be the secret to a professional-grade blowout, but as Chia advises, “always use a heat protectant. Skipping this can lead to long-term damage even if you don’t notice it initially.” Another general rule is to avoid blowing your hair upwards or in random directions, which can create frizz.
Undoubtedly, Singapore’s humidity can also pose a challenge for maintaining hairstyles. Chia offers his top tips:
- To keep a blowout looking fresh in Singapore’s climate, finish with a lightweight anti-humidity spray.
- Steer clear of heavy oils or serums, as they tend to weigh hair down when the air is humid.
- Applying a specially formulated night cream can help to tame frizz and keep your style under control on the following day.
- Monthly, in-salon hair treatments can help to boost hair’s elasticity and strength, allowing it to hold its shape for a prolonged period of time.
- Lastly, avoid touching your hair after styling—this can cause frizz and unruliness in weather like Singapore’s.
