A little while back, our talented social media wizards posted a really fun TikTok and Instagram video asking AB staffers to praise their colleagues for the best outfits, hair and more…
Sure it got a heap of views (kinda went viral), likes and boosted team morale, but one of the most asked questions (after Senior Content Manager Joanna Fleming’s glassy skincare routine) was about one particular AB staffer’s hair routine!
Besides being a very lovely, bubbly colleague, we can confirm that our Campaigns Marketing Manager Jess comes to work every week with the most voluminous, bouncy hair we’ve ever seen.
The fact that she hasn’t secured a L'Oréal Professionnel hair deal already is criminal.
Of course, we love to give the people what they want, so we asked Jess to drop her hair routine for us immediately. YOU ARE WELCOME.
Want the best hair products for volume, bounce and REALLY good hair?
Without further ado BIQ readers (and everyone who commented on our TikTok and Instagram post), here is Jessica’s hair routine in her own words…
How to Do a Salon Blow Dry at Home.
"There is nothing I love more than having freshly washed and blow-dried hair and while my hair routine changes depending on it's condition, I always aim for hydration and volume."
"I have tested so many products that claim to achieve these things and have finally nailed it down the essentials that work for me.
Before I get into how I achieve the voluminous blow wave, a little about my hair...
Hair type: Thin but a lot of it.
Hair condition: Right now, my hair is a little dry from years and years of colouring.
Hair goals: Healthy, frizz-free, voluminous.
Hair routine: I wash and blow dry my hair twice a week - sometimes three depending on what days my washes fall on and what events I have coming up.
Now I know blow-drying your hair can be a lot of work but I find it should last me a good three to four days whereas if I leave my hair in it's natural state, the oil build up comes on sooner than desired and I have to wash my hair more often.
That's why I find it's always worth taking the time to blow dry it as it will save me time throughout the week.
Here I've listed a few important steps which help me achieve a long-lasting blow wave and ensures my hair looks and feels it's best..."
Step 1. A Hydrating Shampoo That Adds Volume.
"I start the process with a really hydrating shampoo that adds volume and helps condition my dry ends."
"I usually double shampoo but I go by what I feel my hair needs at the time and sometimes it just doesn't need that second wash.
Go with your gut on how many washes you need however I would always say less is more as you don't want to strip the hair of it's natural oils and disturb the scalp.
Recently, I've been using the Kérastase Résistance Extentioniste Bain Shampoo. This feels so luxurious and makes my hair feel so soft.
It's also a shampoo I keep coming back to when I get given other shampoos to try as I know it's going to deliver on holding the blow wave.
But the best thing about this shampoo is that it has helped restore my hair's strength and moisture, leaving it looking and feeling healthier.
I also have the VIRTUE Recovery Shampoo 60ml on rotation and when I'm not using the scalp treatment below, I opt for the VIRTUE Recovery Conditionerwhich just enhances the softness and helps to repair my very dry ends.
I also love that it's safe to use on chemically-treated hair so I know it's going to protect my hair."
Step 2. Applying a Scalp Treatment.
"I follow that with a conditioner that also acts as a scalp treatment to really aid in hydration."
"VIRTUE Exfoliating Scalp Treatment is my current go-to. I need this particularly at this time of year when my scalp can get a little dry and itchy.
This really conditions my scalp as well as leaving my hair super smooth.
Before working at Adore Beauty I had never used a scalp scrub as I never really understood the benefits.
However since trying them, I've became ob-sessed.
It soothes any itching I may have due to the change in weather and softens my hair all in one.
I apply the treatment on wet hair and squeeze out any excess water before applying it.
After I massage the treatment through my scalp, I will leave it on for 1-2 minutes before combing it through my hair in the shower.
It makes a big difference in making my hair silky smooth by eliminating any big knots.
I always wash and rinse my hair in lukewarm (and sometimes even cold water depending on the weather) as hot water just dries my scalp.
I use this as least once a week!"
Step 3. A Smoothing Heat Protectant.
"After giving my hair a good rinse, I towel-dry it and add in a heat protectant."
"This is essential in protecting my hair from heat damage caused by blow drying and styling tools.
Color WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray helps create a very sleek, smooth finish.
I apply a generous amount to ensure my hair is soft and silky to touch.
I have tried many heat protectants and this one by far holds up the best. It also seals in any flyaways so it's great for combatting any frizzy bits.
I will section my hair and mist evenly from arms length.
I then dry my hair using a hairdryer to the point where it's 80% dry."
Step 4. How to Get a Bouncy Blowout.
"Here's how to get a voluminous blow wave..."
"Taking small sections, I keep the tension as I move the brush through my hair, directing heat at the barrel as I go.
If I feel I need extra volume, I go over the blow wave with a hot tool, adding in waves, directing them away from my face.
The tools I use to achieve my blow wave are:
evo hank 43 ceramic radial brush - This is the best brush to produce a full-bodied blow-dry - the vented metal barrel speeds drying time and is easy to use.
ghd original hair straightener - I've had many straighteners in my time and this is by the far the best I've ever used. It not only creates smooth finish but also holds waves for days."
Step 5. Add Shine and Polish Off With a Hair Oil.
"To finish the process, I want to infuse my hair one last time with a very lightweight finishing oil adding extra hydration and a glossy finish."
"Before applying, I warm the oil between my palms and fingers.
Then, I apply the product using my fingers in combing motion to distribute the product evenly.
You've probably noticed I'm a big Virtue Labs fan, so for a finishing serum, I'm currently using the VIRTUE Healing Oil 50ml
This smells amazing, like all Virtue products do and adds a glossy, healthy looking finish.
Senior Beauty Editor Sadaf agrees (you can read her full Virtue Healing Oil review and why she's obsessed with it too here.)
A little goes a long way with this glossy hair oil so I only need about 3-4 drops."
