your best blowout.

I've had crazy curls my whole life. {You can see early evidence here.} Growing up, my mom attempted to tame my locks, but it wasn't until I discovered mousse in 1999 that I came to embrace my curls. Truth be told, I am still clueless about how to straighten my hair. I only own a blow dryer because I know our female house guests might need one. I've never used it. 

{cv} fell in love with me with curly hair, so thankfully, he prefers my hair the natural way. I do too. It's easy and low-maintenance, which is a lot like my beauty routine. When I do want a change in pace, I rely on the professionals. I got my first "blowout" in November 2011 and loved the results. {cv} didn't mind them either. My "straight" hair is definitely different than what I wear on a daily basis. After an experience at a few different salons, I have a few tips for your best blowout...

1)  Think through what else you have on the docket for the week you book your blowout. If you're training for a marathon, a blowout may not be your best investment. Sweat {or any kind of moisture} is a blowout's biggest enemy. Be realistic: you want to make your blowout last--and if it can't, it may not be worth it.

2)  Double check the weather forecast. If the weather would breed frizziness, you're almost guaranteed to have double the volume when it is blown out. {This goes hand in hand with #1.}

3)  Go in with an open mind. They're professionals. Let them give you a little body or volume. In the days after your blowout, you'll be glad you did. This extra oomph will keep it from looking flat and dull.

4)  Even though you'll want to, don't touch your lovely tresses. I can vouch for this. Too much touching is a recipe for fluffy locks. 

5)  Just say no to hairties: I'm a big topknot fan after a long day at work. For the days after your blowout, do everything to resist the urge for a bun or a ponytail!

{Dress: Rent The Runway | Necklace: Moon & Lola | Phone Case: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors}

Speaking from experience, I simply cannot say enough good things about Be Styled. Not only is their facility gorgeous and inviting, their staff knows how to make a girl feel pretty every day. {Isn't that a great concept?} If you have the chance to visit Be Styled or another blow dry lounge in your area, take it. You'll feel like a queen for the day {or two or three}. I was able to stretch out my Be Styled blowout for three full days! {I know people who are able to stretch it even longer, but I'm not that brave!}

What other tips would you give to make your blowout last? xoxo {av}

NOTE: I was given a free blowout to sport at our Boston Bloggers event in August. I was not required to write a post for their services. I simply liked my experience and wanted to share more about a curly girl's perspective with blowouts.