Seriously, what's the secret to the perfect blow out?

Hairstyle tips

1 hair guru, 5 hairstyle queries

Nick Penna from SalonCapri in Boston answered five burning beauty questions to help us prep for fall hairstyles and hair care.

Most importantly, we grilled him with the never-ending question: "How do you get a salon quality blow out from home?" He answers with precision below!

SheKnows: Do you have any secret tricks to prepare hair for the cold temps of fall and winter?

Penna: Pick up a moisture rich shampoo and conditioner for the winter months, preferably one with vitamins and oils. I suggest L’Oreal Professionnel’s Serie Expert Liss Ultime shampoo and conditioner. Keeping hair moisturized is essential for battling the winter elements and keeping static at a minimum. It’s good to change up the product you use every few months so your hair doesn’t build up immunity to the ingredients.

I also recommend investing in a hair oil. One of the hottest new trends is incorporating argan oil into your beauty routine. Argan oil contains fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants that restore your hair’s natural luster without a greasy shine.

Use about a dime sized amount and comb it evenly through damp hair. Or, look for a conditioning treatment that contains argan oil like Shu Uemura’s Silk Bloom Restorative Treatment.

We also love Josie Maran's argan oil line >>

Another way to prepare hair is getting a trim at the beginning of the winter season. Ridding yourself of split ends will make your hair look and feel healthier and ensure that all the protective measures you’re taking are not in vain.

SheKnows: If someone wants a change without doing anything too drastic, what cuts would you recommend for fall?

Penna: Bangs are very adaptable -- blunt or side swept, you can always play around with them to fit your face shape and style. Not to mention, most salons give complimentary bang trims, so you’re getting a whole new look for free!

SheKnows: Seriously, what’s the trick to giving your hair the perfect blow out at home?

Penna: Don’t rush it. Quickly blow drying hair will create frizzy, shapeless hair. Always prep your hair with a moisturizing product to protect your hair -- for a smooth look, try Shu Uemura’s White Tea Polishing Milk. If you want a little more bounce and volume, use a light mousse.

Next, get your locks ready by blow drying and tousling your hair at the same time. When you begin styling, attach a concentrator nozzle to your hair dryer and start on the under most layers of your hair, using a round brush to dry 1-inch sections.

Once you have completely dried your whole head, smooth out the look with a dime sized amount of hair oil (L’Oreal Professionnel’s Mythic Oil) to tame any fly aways and also replenish your hair’s moisture and shine.

SheKnows: For the working girl/busy mom, what are some easy hairstyles that still turn heads?

Penna: When rushed with time, any type of side chignon is a stylish look that is easily accomplished while achieving an elegant appearance.

TIP: Use this hair powder brush! See left.

The sock-bun is another head-turner style that creates the ultimate sophisticated working girl look and can be formed within a few minutes.

How to make a sock bun >>

SheKnows: Product recommendations for fall?

Penna: Shu Uemura Volume Maker is an amazing product that adds gorgeous volume to hair. You can use it like a dry shampoo or to add extra volume to targeted spots after a blow dry. A little goes a long way!

More hairstyle tips

8 Hairstyles to try at the blow out bar
Celeb Hairstyle of the Week
How to find great hairstyles on Pinterest