The Bouncy Blow-Wave: How We Do It and How to Make It Last

There's a particular kind of confidence that comes with a proper blow-wave, that soft, bouncy volume that swishes when you move. It's a favourite before a wedding, a work do or a night out, and honestly just on a Friday. Here's what we actually do in the chair, what it costs, and how to stretch it out at home.

What happens in a salon blow-wave?

Bounce starts before the dryer comes out. At the basin we pick a shampoo and conditioner that suit your hair, so it's clean without being weighed down. Then comes the prep: a root-lift product at the roots and a heat protectant through the lengths.

We rough-dry to about 80 percent, then section and work through with a round brush. Lifting each section up and away from the scalp builds volume at the root. Rolling the ends round the brush gives you that smooth, curved finish. Each section gets a blast on the cool setting before the brush comes out, which sets the shape. That cool shot is the bit most people skip at home, and it's why a salon blow-wave lasts longer.

If you want more movement, we can add a tong or curl through the lengths after the blow-dry.

How much is a blow-wave in Queenstown?

Our current prices. On blow-dries, booking with an Emerging Stylist costs less.

There's also an apprentice blow-dry at $55, or $65 with a L'Oréal Absolut Repair treatment, and an express dry at $28 if you only need drying and smoothing. Your price is confirmed before we start.

What's the best hair for a blow-wave?

Almost any. Fine hair often gets the most out of it, because a round brush builds lift that's hard to get yourself. Thick hair takes longer but holds the shape for days. Short hair can have a smooth, bouncy finish too, it just takes less time. Very curly hair can be blow-waved smooth, but it'll revert faster in damp weather, so tell us what you've got planned.

How do you make a blow-wave last?

The enemies of a good blow-wave are moisture and fiddling with it. A few rules:

• Let it cool and set fully before you tie it up, put a hat on or head out.
• Keep your hands out of it. Every touch flattens the root a bit.
• Skip the gym and steamy bathrooms on day one if you can.
• Sleep with it loosely piled on top of your head, or in a loose, high scrunchie.
• A light spray for staying power. Queenstown wind is real, so on an event day a little more hold is worth it.

The dry air here actually helps a blow-wave hold. Rain and humidity are what drop it, so keep a hood or umbrella handy. If it's for a ball or formal and you'd rather wear it up, our ball hair guide covers the styles that last the night.

How do you refresh it on day two and three?

Spray dry shampoo at the roots, leave it a minute, then rub it in with your fingertips. It soaks up oil and puts the volume back. Kérastase Fresh Affair ($58.80) is the one we use. A few minutes with a curling iron or hot rollers through the ends brings the bounce back, and a cool shot from your dryer sets it again.

With a bit of care, most people get two or three good days out of one blow-wave, sometimes more on thicker hair.

Which products help at home?

If you want to try it yourself between visits, these are the ones we'd reach for:

• L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Volume Lift ($36.96) on damp roots for lift.
• Kérastase Genesis Défense Thermique ($70.56) through the lengths before heat.
• A light finishing spray to hold the shape without going crunchy.

Ask your stylist to show you the round-brush technique while you're in the chair. Watching how they section and angle the brush teaches you more than any video.

For a blow-wave before your next event, book online any time or call us on 03 441 8555. We're upstairs at Level 1, 22 The Mall in central Queenstown.