Google searches for ‘Valentine’s Day hairstyles’ have surged 160% in 24 hours, and head stylist and educator at Neäl & Wølf, Laura Elliott, says the voluminous high-gloss side-swept blowout is the most romantic hairstyle for clients this year. Here’s how to create soft, bouncy hair for that perfect date night look for your clients…
“Anyone wanting to recreate a glamorous, side-swept, high-gloss blowout, also known as the ‘French Riviera Blowout,’ should start with long, round layers and face-framing bangs to build volume,” says Laura. “The right cut will always deliver the best results, but if there’s no time, a volumising mousse and shine spray will be the secret weapons for achieving that romantic, date-ready hair for your clients.”
How to Achieve The Perfect Side-swept Blowout
Use The Right Products
Any good blowout starts at the backwash – the type of shampoo and conditioner used makes all the difference. This means choosing a shampoo that’s formulated to address your client’s specific hair type. For fine, flat hair, use a volumising shampoo and be sure to only add conditioner to the ends, as too much build-up on the scalp can cause hair to become greasy and heavy quicker.
Create a Soft Side Part
This step is optional depending on whether your clients prefer a middle part, but for the signature French Riviera Blowout, start with a deep side part before blow-drying. Choose the side that best enhances your client’s features, using the arch of their brow as a guide. Let the hair sweep gently across the forehead for a soft, romantic, effortlessly chic finish.
Choose a Product That Will Hold the Shape
A volumising mousse gives hair a long-lasting, durable hold and can enhance body and shine. Begin with lightly towel or damp-dried hair, add a small amount to palms, massage evenly into hair from root to tip, and blow-dry immediately. Leaving the mousse to sit in the hair causes unwanted frozen kinks.
Choose the Right Brush to Blow-Dry
Flip your client’s head upside down and begin by rough drying. This will lift the roots and rough up the cuticles, increasing volume. When hair is 70% dry, flip back over and start blow-drying with the brush. Remember that not all round brushes give the same results, Metal brushes are good for heat reinforcement, and boar bristle brushes are firmer and denser to create more tension pulling on the hair for more volume and lift.
Finish With a Good Hairspray
A good blowout should last 3-5 days, and by encouraging clients to come in for regular blow-dry services, the more the shape will hold as their hair starts to adapt. For new clients, a long-lasting blowout is achieved by finishing with a good hairspray that will hold shape and prevent frizz but won’t feel sticky. Meanwhile, a working spray should go on wet and helps to set the blowout in place – you should apply hairspray on each section before blow-drying. Finally, an aerosol hairspray locks in the shape once the hair is finished.
