When a hairstylist does it, a blow-dry looks quite simple. But go home and try it yourself and the experience can be quite different (it's all back to front in the mirror, remember).
Home styling can lead to hair horrors. There's the possibility of hardened lumps of hair matted together with gels, waxes or mousse, stripes of grey or black after attempting a home highlight and flat, toneless colour when using a supermarket home dyeing system. Add to the potential perils the possibility of red stains on the skin around your fringe.
For many people, home hair care starts and stops with shampoo and conditioner. But with advanced new products available, successfully managing your hair yourself is possible. Stylists say that home care products have improved to the point where most of us can give them a go and not make costly or hideous mistakes. But professional advice on what to buy is always recommended.
Andrea Clark, creative director and salon manager at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel hair salon, says it's not just more advanced ingredients in hair products, but the range of items now available that increases the attractiveness of home styling.
'In terms of selection, it has improved dramatically,' Clark says. 'Department stores and salons like ours are bringing in the international brands. Before, there were limited ranges.'
Clark says product formulas now are lighter, moving away from the petroleum feel of hair waxes.
