How to Fake a Blow Out

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Despite being able to do blow outs on any of my clients, it’s always been a hard thing for me to execute on myself. And as my hair gets longer, I like playing around with new styling options, like just bumping the ends under. This also is a great way to style my hair on day 1, and then be able to work with it again on day 2!

I’ve been an Amika fan for years now and was really excited to give their Thermal Brush a try. I was a bit skeptical, to be completely honest, but the softness and bounce was so nice that I became a believer almost immediately. While it may look like a blow dry brush (a round brush that also blows out hot hair to dry and smooth your hair at the same time), it is just a round brush that heats up to smooth the hair. No air is involved, so you need to use this on completely dry hair!

I shower in the evening, wash my hair, apply Aquage uplifting foam to my roots, and blow dry upside down. Usually I add some kind of blow dry spray too, and lately I’ve been loving Matrix Turbo Dryer Blow Dry Spray. I put it into a very loose elastic, and this is what I wake up with.

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I used the Amika Thermal Brush (sent to me as a sample from the company) to smooth out the frizz and soften the ends. So this was the before and after:

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Watch the tutorial below! If you don’t have a thermal brush like the one I used, try a large curling iron. If you don’t have a large curling iron, turn the temperature to about half on a smaller iron to get a similar effect!

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Jessica says · 08.26.15

Beautiful!

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Haley says · 11.30.15

How such a good trick and looks lovely!

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Cynthia says · 08.26.15

Are you kidding me!?

I need this in my life right now.

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4everlox says · 11.18.15

We second that!! Wow life changer! 😉

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kathy says · 08.26.15

Wow -so pretty!

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Amy says · 08.26.15

It’s beautiful! Where did you get the thermal brush??

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Jill says · 08.26.15

I used the Amika Thermal Brush (sent to me as a sample from the company) to smooth out the frizz and soften the ends. So this was the before and after:

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Amy says · 08.26.15

Beautiful! I may have to invest in a thermal brush. My hair is half curly half straight and it kills me. LOL

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Katie says · 08.26.15

LOVE!! So beautiful, Kate. Does it ever get caught in your hair like a round brush can?

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Emma says · 08.26.15

Ah-mazing! I need this brush in my life. I’m always so disappointed with my hair when I style it straight. I’ll have to try this.
Ps. Your hair looked great straight in the l’oreal palette photos too; not sure if it was the same style technique, but regardless it looked really nice.

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Stephanie says · 08.26.15

Oh how I wish my hair was as thick as yours.

I love this brush!

http://aneducationindomestication.com

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Lynnetta says · 08.26.15

You ought to give the blow dry brushes a try! I’ve been using one for years and it really speeds up the whole hair drying/styling process for me. After washing, I’ll use a regular blow dryer and concentrate mostly on the roots. I leave the ends a little bit damp (not soaking wet). Then I use the blow dry brush to finish drying my hair in sections. Sometimes I’ll use a curling iron after, but most of the time I can stop after the blow dry brush. It’s an awesome tool and doesn’t take any longer than blow drying + styling would take.

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Tobi says · 08.26.15

I agree with Lynnetta! I use a thermal blow dry brush and it works exactly the same – fast though. I dry my roots and then use the blow dry brush to finish. It does not blow out a ton of air so you do not get hair flying everywhere.
KATE – you should definitely try one out!

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Karen says · 08.30.15

Agree with the hot air brush users – you get lots of lovely volume, total control and are not styling bone dry hair (which I think is very damaging). Give it a go!

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Mary says · 08.26.15

Can you recommend a particular model?

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Lynnetta says · 08.26.15

I usually buy the cheap ones – not over $30.
This is the one that I am currently using – http://amzn.com/B000PXYAL2
It doesn’t seem to blow as much air as my last one (that needed to be replaced due to falling one to many times onto the tile floor). It’s not fantastic, but it does ok.
This is the one I replaced – http://amzn.com/B0037MMES4
The brush attachment started to not stay on due to being dropped on the floor.

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Whitney says · 08.26.15

Your hair seems to hold curls really easily. Would you recommend a thermal brush to someone with stick-straight hair? I’m always fighting to hold a flip in my ends.

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KC says · 08.26.15

I am curious about this too. Also my hair is thick and probably another 8 inches longer than Kate’s. It looks really intriguing because I love the final look, but I wouldn’t want to invest in a tool that wouldn’t really work for my hair.

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Kim says · 08.26.15

your hair looks amazing! I’ve never had a blow out done and I’m excited to try this out 🙂 Amika is great! Thanks for this tutorial

Kim

http://trendkeeper.me .. When your office is an ice box..

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Summer says · 08.26.15

What a cool hot tool! Kate I would love to see a tutorial on how you cut your own hair, you hair always look beautiful!

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Kelly says · 08.26.15

Great look! What products did you use for blow drying? And anything next morning?

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Emma says · 08.26.15 Reply
Alyssa says · 08.26.15

Okay, I think I for sure need this!

Alyssa | Glitter and Grey

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auntsarie says · 08.26.15

Juuuuuust great. Something else to add to my want list. Ugh.

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Christen says · 08.26.15

Wow, love the bounce!

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Katie says · 08.26.15

As a mom, a blow out means something totally different! ? Wouldn’t want to fake one of those!?

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Stacey says · 08.26.15

That’s what I first thought of too! ha

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Ellie says · 08.26.15

Hi Kate! Wondering how long the curls/wave held up? Was reading a few other reviews on Sephora/Amazon that said it only lasted for an hour. Would love your thoughts!

Thanks!

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Dominique says · 08.26.15

What a difference! Great tip, thanks.

http://www.writingmotherfashionista.com

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Ellen says · 08.26.15

I defiantly need to try this! I always have problems do a blow out, but this seems like something I could do!

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Janell says · 08.26.15

Kate, great video! Makes me want to go home and re-do my hair.

I just wanted to comment about the cc on this one. I am at work so I watched muted with the cc on. I don’t know if you know but it takes some of your words and mixes them up with similar words and even a few curse words. I know you were probably saying tucked, but on my cc is show it with a f. I don’t know if you can change this or if its just a YouTube thing. It was kinda funny because I know you were not saying that.

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Crystal says · 08.26.15

Favorite look ever!

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Emily @ Zen & Spice says · 08.26.15

Awesome! I have very curly hair (ringlets) that I blow dry and then straighten/curl wand. Do you think this would be enough heat to use after I blow dry to smooth out curly and frizzy hair? I don’t have ethnic hair but I definitely don’t have straight hair like yours. Thanks!

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Bethany says · 08.26.15

What lipstick brand/color are you wearing?? 😀

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Tegan says · 08.27.15

I was wondering the same thing!
Also, I just ordered the blowout brush!

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Chery Doherty says · 02.09.16

Hi Kate,

I love your highlights. I’m a natural blonde 7 but was wondering what colours you have in your hair, so I can go to my hairdresser and show her. My skin tone and hair is exactly like yours, fine but lots of it.

Would appreciate your advice.

Thank you

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sharon / theprincipledtype.blogspot.com says · 08.26.15

i don’t mean to be a Total poser, but i definitely am a big fake when it comes to having a blow out. but never am i as good as this! i just think my hair can’t take the real heat. love this. thanks, girl!

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Whitney says · 08.26.15

How long did this take you? It seems like a much slower method than a traditional curling iron?

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Leigh says · 08.26.15

You wake up like that and I wake up looking like I slept in a vat of oil. Jealous! I love your hair done like this! I think it looks fantastic. How long did the curl last? My hair is hard to curl and usually falls straight within an hour or two.

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Renee says · 08.26.15

I am right with you! I am so jealous, it doesn’t matter what I put in my hair the night before or how much dry shampoo I spray on, it always looks oily the next day. I use a dryer brush, and have for years, and the curl holds all day! I have really thin, stick straight hair and I let it air dry to about 80% (only takes about 20 mins) and I dry roots and all!

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Brandi Robertson says · 08.26.15

I think that looks amazing. I would probably have it so stuck in my hair that I’d have to chop it all off to get the brush out.

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Allison says · 08.26.15

Hi Kate, I live in the UK but am visiting my sister in LA at Christmas…please could you tell me where I can buy Aquage Uplifting Foam from in LA? It’s really difficult to get here in UK!

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Kate says · 08.27.15

go to aquage.com and find the nearest salon!

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JC says · 08.27.15

I would call the salon before you go. There are multiple salons listed on aquage.com that no longer carry the products – the information on their website is outdated, in my experience (yes, even in NYC it is impossible to find locally!). I have no choice but to order it on Amazon.

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Gina says · 08.26.15

Watched the whole video and loved your hair. Was hoping to see the back though.

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Faith says · 08.26.15

Could you buy it on Amazon (that’s where I got mine) and have it shipped to your sister so you can pick it up when you get to LA.

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Mandi Depke says · 08.26.15

Where can it be purchased?? Its not showing on Birchbox or anywhere on the web that I can see.

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Faith says · 08.26.15

Sephora

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Kate says · 08.27.15

You can find it on the sephora website, or click the link within the post!

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Kim says · 08.26.15

Back picture, please??!?!!

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Courtney says · 08.26.15

Love this look!! Even though the tutorial was about hair, I was wondering what blush and lipstick you were wearing in the video.

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Amanda says · 08.26.15

Why is it that you never respond to any question that people ask you? It’s so annoying!

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Bethany says · 08.26.15

Amanda, Kate does respond back to many of the comments. She has a husband and two adorable boys who are her top prioities. I think she does a great job!!

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Anna says · 08.27.15

she replied to where to buy it, because she makes money when you click her link to buy it. Would have been nice had she been a little more clear that you can get it at Sephora.

add me to the list of people who would like to know how the volume and curl held up thru the day, as the reviews say hair fell flat soon after styling

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Katie says · 08.26.15

Just added this to my Christmas list. Needed. Wanted. Love. 🙂

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Rachel says · 08.27.15

Very pretty! I think, however, that I get similar results in less time and with less effort using large hot rollers.

I have one of those blow dry brushes you mention. I have very thick hair and when my hair is short (above my shoulders) it works pretty well. But when it’s long like it is now, I don’t use it because it takes way too long to dry that way.

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Ashish Davalbhakta says · 08.27.15

beautiful! amazing thermal brush

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francesca says · 08.27.15

wow your hair looks beautiful! I really love this post keep up the awesome work!
francesca

Frank Vinyl | Enter my Freepeople Giveaway!

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Gabrielle McDannold says · 08.27.15

Your hair looks FABULOUS!!

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Kirsty says · 08.27.15

Love this tutorial, it has really inspired me to try this out.
I’m looking into buying a thermal heat brush, and wondered what size barrel you are using? Would really help me 🙂 thanks

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Jess says · 08.27.15

I love this style! I was wondering if you or any readers have tried other heat wands. Maybe something a little less expensive. Any advice is appreciated!

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Lk says · 11.24.15

I got one by Hot Tools brand from Ulta on sale for $39.00 & LOVE IT!

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Sara says · 08.27.15

I want one! Why does it have to be $100?! Maybe they could send you another one and you could do a giveaway? 😉

I start with even worse in the morning because I wash at night and sometimes dry for just a minute or two, then it mostly air dries, but I sleep on it somewhat damp. Thank goodness for styling tools that can handle my mess!

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Coco in the Kitchen says · 08.27.15

A Fake-Out! I love it.
Looks beautiful.
I have wavy/curly hair (depends on the weather) and often
get the offer from the hairdressers to do the Brazilian Blow-Out.
I have zero talent doing my own hair, but love your tutorial.
This is something I can do.

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Nadia says · 08.27.15

Seriously wow! What a beautiful look, Kate!
I’ve never tried a thermal brush before but might consider it.
Really enjoyed watching the video.
xox Nadia
http://mielandmint.blogspot.co.uk/

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Emily says · 08.27.15

🙂

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Bean says · 08.27.15

In love with this!!!
REQUEST:
Can you do a tutorial or wright a blog post about how to get teasing out of your hair, how damaging it is, if you should use hair spray directly on the teasing (such as redken’s quick tease), etc. I love the look of teasing, but I’m worried about damage.
Thanks!!

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Lynda Day says · 08.27.15

Kate I love your hair in this video. Does your hair color match the colors in your q&A on hair. I especially love the blonde color. I feel like I always walk away from my stylist looking too brassy.

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Stacey Nicole says · 08.28.15

I too have problems with my hair going brassy – my hair doesn’t hold color well! I use Clairol Shimmer Lights purple shampoo. It keeps my blonde looking really bright and I no longer have the brass. But it can be very drying so I only use it once (maybe twice) per week. And use it with a good hydrating shampoo & conditioner – pureology is great and I also like Kerastase Bain Satin 2.

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hanna says · 08.27.15

Very pretty, and not as hard as I thought it’d be.

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Stacey Nicole says · 08.28.15

I have been looking for a new tool to fake blow-outs for a while. Previously I’d been using a 2″ curling iron, but it just didn’t give enough volume. So after reading this post I went to Sephora and bought the Amika thermal brush. Let me tell you total GAME CHANGER! I have thick, wavy, medium length hair and I achieved massive volume with this brush! It was a bit time consuming, since I have wavy hair I really had to work it into my roots, but that also helps with volume too. I also had my flat iron on stand by for the problem areas. But the best part is – it’s 11pm and my hair still looks ah-mazing!

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Alit says · 08.28.15

I love this look and had to try it for myself! I ended up ordering the hot tools version of this brush (I wasn’t going to spend 100$ if I wasn’t sure it was going to work etc. ) It is called the Hot Tools Ionic Tourmaline Hot Brush, 1.5 Inch, Black and is 34$ from Amazon. It worked wonderfully!! I cant believe I can get a ‘fake blowout’ on my own! I totally agree with Kate that it feels a lot gentler than using a flat iron, and the softness and volume is amazing! I need more practice so I can do it faster. Thanks Kate!

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Jordan says · 08.28.15

Love this so much! I will definitely be looking into one of those thermal brushes! 🙂 Maybe in the future could you show a way to execute this style with a small barrel curling iron?

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Bean says · 08.29.15

Kate, can you give some information on teasing? Like, how damaging is it to the hair? Is it okay to use a finishing spray (such as redken’s quick tease) directly on the teasing? And, my biggest question, how do you get it out of your hair?! I love the volume it gives, but I struggle with hair damage and don’t want to overdo it.
Thanks!!

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jennifer says · 08.29.15

Love this tutorial- It was very helpful in the direction to curl hair as well! I have often wondered on some sections of my hair which direction I should be curling(so its not all curled under)Now I know! Thank you for another awesome tutorial.

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Tiffany says · 08.29.15

Could you show us how you apply the volumizing foam? It looks interesting, but I am not sure how to use it. Is it like mousse? You’re hair looks great! Thanks!

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Myra says · 08.30.15

I wish I could post a pic! I loved your cut so much I had mine cut and colored similar to yours. I love it!!!!

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Jessica Newland says · 08.31.15

Kate – I’m real curious your thoughts on how this would work on naturally wavy hair. Would it straighten it as I go? Or would I need to use a straightener first?

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Amanda says · 09.03.15

So, I know you’re an “evening shower” girl, but I’m a morning shower girl and I don’t always have time or energy to blow dry before I have to leave. Did I mention I’m 9 months pregnant and it’s about 95 degrees every day in Chicago in August? Needless to say,I would absolutely LOVE if you would do a tutorial on “wet/damp hair styles” that are still cute. Something to do w my hair after just a towel dry. I would be sooooo thankful. I think my hair is similar to yours, maybe not quite as thick. My hair is fine and mildly wavy. Definitely not the texture where I could scrunch and go or just hang loose and air dry. HELP!

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Christine says · 09.06.15

Do you think this would work for fine hair? (Not thin)

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nearlyyummymummy says · 10.12.15

Wow I need to get myself of these! I’m an evening shower person and if I blowdry my hair at night, it just gets ruined when I sleep on it! I’m back to work next month after maternity leave so need something to make me look a little less ‘birdsnesty’! x

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Heather says · 11.22.15

Would this work to give a round brush blown look on a bob? I try to blow dry my hair while using a round brush but don’t always get that accomplished in a timely manner (baby and toddler). I would love a tool I could use on those days my hair air dries and I then need to figure out a way to give it body and curl under the ends.

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Michele says · 11.27.15

Hello! I’ve been waiting patiently for this product to finally be in stock since watching your awesome tutorial! I just wantd to let the world know that it is finally in stock at birchbox.com and if you act today (Black Friday) it’s 30 % off (35 % for aces members!) . I am super excited to get this product! I was searching online and found that you can curl with it too! May you do a curling tutorial with it some day soon??? Thanks so much!

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Liz says · 11.30.15

I love this look and even bought the tool but my hair keeps getting more of a curl at the end. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong?

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Amanda says · 12.27.15

Since you blow dry at night do you use any product at the roots to ensure 0 greasies in the morning?

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Kerensa says · 08.29.16

Kate,
I have watched some of your blogs now for the last year and a half and I have to say you are too cute! It’s refreshing to want you and see the Real you and no induced dramatics for your fans. Thanks for all you do!
Kerensa

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Rachel says · 12.28.16

Kate,

I saw this tutorial and promptly added the thermal brish to my christmas list and Santa delivered!! I was given the one with interchangeable barrels and im wondering what size barrel is the one your using? I have a set of 3, a 1″ 1.5″ and 1.7″ and I want your look but dont know if i used the wrong size barrel last time or if my techniqie needs perfecting. I hope to hear from you.

Thanks
Rachel

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Ritika says · 07.21.17

Thanks for sharing this video. Watched the whole video and loved your hair. Keep it up. Would like see you again

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Carrara says · 11.08.17

Superbe

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Karen A. Rogers says · 01.01.19

Hi! You have been so helpful in aiding me to look better. I have done research and can’t figure out what heat protectant spray is good for fine hair…that actually works! Please help. ☺️

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Cindy Huffer says · 06.28.20

What type of brush do you use?
Thank you ❤️

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