THE LOOK | How to Achieve the Perfect Blowout: From the Ladies at Swank Hair Studio

You would think that a tousled, messy, bed head looking do is a simple thing to achieve because it looks and moves so effortlessly. But seldom do I put my blow dryer down, look at my hair and think "Wow" and absolutely love it.  In fact I usually finish drying my hair and think "Ugh, what a mess."  My hair is naturally thick and wavy - before you start to envy, know that it takes me almost 30 minutes to dry it and an additional 15 -20 to flat iron it!  This past Sunday, I was invited to a blogging event held at Swank Hair Studio on Butler St. for their Stylish Sunday, where I was given the best blowout ever and scored some tips on how to achieve that sexy, voluminous, effortless look.

Swank is a cool, boutique style hair studio in Lawrenceville.  From the moment I walked in I felt right at home; they had cool music playing (love me some 90's R&B), great snacks to munch on and a very friendly staff who treated me more like a girlfriend coming over rather than a "client." I wasn't afraid of what was about to happen to my head but more excited and intrigued.

Melissa (Master Stylist), let me in on her secrets to getting the ultimate blowout.  She first prepped my hair with Velvet Amplifier from Wella for smoothness.

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Then spitzed it with some Volupt Spray by Sebastian for volume.

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And then added a healthy dollop of Mousse Forte by Sebastian for hold.

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After making my part - which lately I've been wearing a little more on the left side - Melissa took her 400 round brush and told me that the trick is to grab about 1 inch segments at a time and pull the hair up and blow dry from room to tip, drying the hair around the barrel of the brush. Once the segment is dry, she twisted the hair at the end so (so it almost looked like a dread lock) and then left it alone to cool.  This gave the hair that pretty S curl that creates bounce and movement.  She did this to my entire head.

And Voila!

My hair was smooth, bouncy and touchable all day!

I highly recommend going to see these ladies for a relaxing, great experience!  And for you bloggers out there, check them out on a #stylishsunday for their #bloggerblowouts!

Top 5 Tuesday | STYLE | Hair Salons

(darechisel)

The process of finding the right salon can be a very time consuming and terrifying thing.  It can take a lot of bad experiences to get to one you actually like.  There are a lot of factors in picking out the perfect salon: price, atmosphere, treatments, services, ect.  Some just like a simple salon that gets you in and out quickly, others like the whole full service salons complete with a makeup counter and spa.  Here are my Top 5 Favorite salons in Pittsburgh - hope these help you find the perfect salon for the New Year!!! 

• Nadia Salon

This is one of the most unique salons in Pittsburgh!  If you're looking for something with an edge, a truly understanding stylist, and a relaxing experience without the gossipy gaggle in the background, this is your place.  Nadia Salon provides a cool, laid-back atmosphere with a very interesting (and good looking) staff.  Nadia is owned and operated by a very creative and talented group of men who are hip to all the newest and coolest style and color trends. They offer services such as Keratin treatments, facial waxing, Balyage highlighting.   Make your next appointment with Nadia Salon HERE.  

(Yelp) 

• MCN

MCN Salon is a beautiful salon located in Shadyside that specializes in curly hair, extensions, and special ceremony styles.  This is a great salon to go to if you have curly hair or are in desperate need of some hair R&R.  They provide conditioning and clarifying treatments, relaxing treatments, and curl enhancing treatments.  Check out MCN HERE. 

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• Pageboy Salon and Boutique

This a one-stop shop for someone looking for an entirely new and updated look; at Pageboy Salon and Boutique you can get your hair and makeup done and then pick out a cute outfit at their vintage boutique in the front - you can literally come out of there with a complete makeover!  Located in Lawrenceville, Pageboy is a darling little hipster-esque salon and boutique that specializes in  unique haircuts, color glazing, hair extensions, and bridal makeup services.  Find out more info on Pageboy HERE. 

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• Salon Christine 

Salon Christine is a beautiful Aveda salon located in Lawrenceville.  It specializes in green, theraputic treatments that go beyond just your normal conditioning treatments.  Salon Christine tantilizes all five senses to bring you to your highest spiritual peak.  This is truly a unique experience that goes  beyond the normal salon venture!  Check out Salon Chrisine HERE. 

(Yelp) 

• Sognatore Salon and Spa 

Sognatore Salon and Spa is "Pittsburgh's Premiere Blowdry Bar!"  Located in Downtown, Sognatore offers blowdry and style specials, Kerastase treatment blowdry, and Brazilian blowouts.  They also offer multidimensional hair coloring, special occasion styling, mani/pedi services, and makeup application.  Their Spa services are an impressive menu that includes an Adam and Eve Spa Package (one for male, one for female), hot stone massage, exfoliation treatments, herbal skin treatments, and an Arctic algea treatment.  Perfect place to relax!  Check out Sognatore HERE!