Easy Blowdrying

[Eve]

I've been struggling with my hair for a while, having been growing out an inverted bob and had it cut a few times to try to level out the layers so there are only longer ones, it has also become unmanageable, mainly due to medication and a syndrome I have which makes it really dry.

It's very fine and just above shoulder length with a natural wave which goes curlier when damp. Used to be quite oily but now very dry and damaged.

I've been trialling and erroring with shampoos and conditioners, mainly erroring, and have now switched to repair type products rather than ones for dry hair which don't seem to do anything for it.

I had difficulties with blowdrying like hairdressers do as I have impingement in both shoulders so my range of movement and length of time I can hold my arms up is limited. Thankfully it dries pretty quick as it's so fine but has anyone got any tips how I can blow dry my hair straighter easily to stop me resorting to straighteners while I'm trying to rescue my hair.

[grasscarp]

I have Babyliss Big Hair. It has a rotating big roller, so it is like the hairdresser dries it more or less, except the air is coming from the inside rather than down the shaft of the hair. I love it. I bought it off ebay. When it stopped working I returned it to manufacturer, without a guarantee and they just sent out a brand new one.

[rockyracoon]

If it has a natural wave it'd probably be easier to go with that for the time being, just a bit of mousse, and a quick (slow powered) dry.

If you absolutely want straight hair then that advice will be utterly useless :-)

[Eve]

Thanks both. I just want it to look neat and tidy and not a fluffy mess which seems to curl up, especially now it's shorter. I've just started typing it up again while I try to grow it out more.

I'm not sure embracing the curls would work as I've put on a fair bit of weight due to meds and lack of mobility, can't wear contacts anymore as my eyes are too dry (arthritis related) and I'm often too stiff and knackered to make much of an effort in the morning but then I feel rubbish during the day. Having hair that behaves would be a start :)

I know I'll get told off but I wash it every morning, I've tried the dry shampoo thing but I just don't like the feeling of leaving the house without freshly washed hair, same as I have to shower every day, and it looks a mess after a night's sleep anyway.

[gness]

Hi Eve...I had a similar problem some years ago with lifting my arms and the weight of a hairdryer. It is better to dry hair from above to keep it as smooth as possible.
I bought a hairdryer tripod and it was so useful. The dryer sits in it and my arms were free to use the brush with little effort.
I am pretty sure I bought it from either Kleeneze or Betterware...x

[gness]

I know what you mean about looking a mess in the morning. I look like Ken Dodd with his finger in a socket so I have to wash and blow dry daily.
I have heard that a silk pillow is a great help but have yet to try it...if I meet the man of my dreams I may...just so I don't scare him off...:-)

[Eve]

That sounds good, thanks :) I've just been looking up the Big Hair styler and some really good reviews on Argos, even some from people with arthritic hands who have said it really helps which is a big plus! Only one thing to hold too.

Is there much difference between the brushes, saw someone mention about there being smaller ones for shorter hair which mine is now though I was thinking of growing it out - if I can get a nice neat short style though it'd be easier to keep :)

The last hairdresser who did my hair used a Jenoris product on it and I was so impressed when she showed me the results, she even took photos and said she wished she'd taken a before shot too. It's very expensive stuff though, too pricey for me.

Will look up the tripods too.

[gness]

Do, Eve...the thing with the tripod is you can put the dryer on gentle and just move your head if your arms and shoulders are painful. x

[Eve]

Aww haha, I look like a deranged pompom!

I got some of the L'Oreal Elvive repair shampoo and conditioner for my latest attempt and it does feel less dry and frizzy today (first try) though that may be a fluke!

I am rubbish at proper blow drying, I love watching hairdressers do it. I just end up in a mess and it usually ends up with me wanting to throw the brush across my room then stick my hair under my hat and tie it up once I get to work.

[Eve]

Oh wow, they look really good! Do you think they would stay stable on carpet or so they need to be on something flatter?

[gness]

I use mine on the dressing table, Eve.....just get the dryer positioned and there is no problem. I put mine quite high above my head so it blows the hair down and smooth as the hairdresser does. Keeps the hair cuticles flat to look more shiny...well that's the theory and it works for me. x

[carrust]

Stick your head in a fan oven:-)

[tonyav]

He's dead !.

[Eve]

I'm so glad I posted, thanks all, some fab ideas! Might give yours a rest though Carrust :)

I just found this when looking up the stands...OMG...

http://www.city-slickers.co.uk/products/cat247/cat255/HAIR_DRYER_HOOD_WITH_HOSE_SET_FOR_SALON_STYLE_DRYING_UNIQUE_COUPLING_FITS_ANY_STANDARD_BLOW_DRYER_NOZZLE/index.html

[Eve]

Or a miss even! Ahhh Tony, come on, I bet you have some great hairstyling tips ;)

[gness]

Think we'll put Rusty in that one...face first, Eve..... ;-)

Mine is very similar to the out of stock Amazon one...I don't have a problem with it toppling but it could be wedged if you do I suppose...or we could get Rusty to come and hold it!

[carrust]

If you look like Ken Dodd I'd be happy to be put in face 1st:-)

[gness]

So, Rusty...you're not curious about my prowess with a tickling stick? x

[carrust]

What with blowing & tickling sticks, I'm all of a fluster;-)

[tonyav]

Ahhh Tony, come on, I bet you have some great hairstyling tips ;)

Has it happens Eve, yes I do. My method is I wash, shave, clean teeth and then shove my head under the shower head then rub with a towel, get in the car and leave for work.
I don't recommend that you have a shave though, Eve.

[gness]

Stick around, Rusty....we're just warming up.....☺ x