The Ultimate Beauty Guide

How to Make a Blowout Last Longer. Yep, it's possible even when it's steamy outside—as long as you follow these key steps.


1. Start with wet hair

Aim for just shy of dripping: "The more your curls or waves dry on their own, the harder it will be to get them straight," says Rachael Coppola. Use a heat-protecting product; try L'Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Smooth Intense Xtreme Straight Crème ($9.50).


2. Dry it 100 percent

"Most women stop at 90 percent, but it's that last three-minute push to total dryness that makes a blowout frizz-resistant," reveals Nathaniel Hawkins, a New York City hairstylist.


3. Work in sections

It's easier to get hair straight if you tackle it in 2-inch chunks. (Keep wet strands out of the way with hair clips; in a pinch, use a chip clip.)


4. Embrace the nozzle

That attachment that came with your blow-dryer focuses airflow so hair dries faster, leading to less damage, and hair that stays silky longer.


5. Perk it up in no time

If you used a styler with silicone, applying more the next day can make hair look greasy. Instead, just quickly blast with a dryer to reactivate the product.