Keep the salon finish between appointments

Leaving the salon with a finish you love is a good starting point. Keeping your hair looking considered between visits is about knowing which small steps matter to you, rather than trying to recreate the whole appointment every morning.

A sleek blow-dry, loose waves and defined curls ask for different handling. Begin with the result you want to keep, then choose how much brushing or reshaping it actually needs. Your cut, texture and daily routine will guide what feels realistic.

At your next appointment, ask your stylist to show you the brush they use, how much hair they take in each section and how they finish it. A demonstration on your own hair is more useful than a long list of tools you might never use.

Tell them how you normally style at home, too. If you have five minutes in the morning, ask which part of the routine to prioritise. Take a note of the brush size and the steps you want to remember.

Ease out tangles before you try to polish or reshape. Work in manageable sections, start at the ends and move gradually upwards, supporting the hair above a knot. Stop and release a snag gently rather than pulling through it.

For a smooth finish on already detangled hair, use light, controlled strokes. The Classic Oval Polish EL02 combines boar bristle with round-tipped ionic nylon bristles and is designed for smoothing and polishing.

If you want to keep a defined curl or wave, brushing through will change its shape. Try arranging the style with your fingers first, and leave sections alone when they already sit the way you like. Our brush wardrobe guide explains the different roles of preparation, shaping and finishing.

Look at your hair before reaching for the dryer. Is it the front section, the crown or just the ends that need attention? Work on a manageable area so you can see what you are doing, rather than repeating every step automatically.

When blow-drying, guide the brush and airflow through the section instead of holding heat in one place. Follow your dryer’s instructions for settings and distance. Use its cool setting after shaping, then allow the section to cool before rearranging it.

For medium lengths, the Pro Styler 32 mm is designed for body and movement. Choose a size to suit your own hair and finish: the current Pro Styler barrel diameters are 14, 22.2, 32 and 38 mm. The 22.2 mm brush is labelled 22 mm on pack. See our round-brush guide and blow-dry guide for more detail.

A compact brush can be useful when your day takes you away from home. The Delfin Pocket Brush EM01 has a solid wood body, round-tipped ionic nylon bristles and a vented cushion pad. It is designed for everyday detangling and touch-ups on the go.

Use it where brushing fits your style; having a brush in your bag does not mean every curl needs brushing out. Give the bristles room rather than crushing them under other belongings, and put the brush away only when it is dry.

Remove trapped hair regularly and check for visible build-up between the bristles or pins. Clean gently, avoid soaking wooden bodies and let the brush dry fully before storing it.

Check for bent pins, missing protective tips or distorted bristles while you clean. Stop using a brush that snags or scratches because of damaged parts. Our brush-care guide covers cleaning, drying and wear in more detail.

Choose a few habits you can repeat comfortably: prepare gently, refresh with purpose and finish with a light touch. Beautiful tools. Thoughtfully simple.