How to Prep Your Hair Before Styling (Without Sabotaging It)
Whether you’re booked in for soft waves, a romantic updo, or a glam pony, your final result doesn’t just depend on your stylist’s skills — it starts with how your hair is prepped before you arrive.
Prepping your hair properly means your style holds better, looks smoother, and photographs beautifully. And while you’ve probably heard some old-school tips floating around (like “dirty hair is best”), many of them are doing more harm than good.
Let’s bust a few myths — and I’ll share my favourite product recs and tools to help you get it right every time.
💬 Myth #1: “Dirty hair holds better”
This one refuses to die — but it couldn’t be more outdated.
Here’s why it doesn’t work:
Hair that hasn’t been washed properly is oily, coated in dry shampoo, or layered with old product. That makes it heavier, harder to section, and more likely to slip out of curls or pins. It can also lead to scalp odor, buildup, and just an overall unhygienic base to work on.
✅ Clean, dry hair gives your stylist the best canvas.
You’ll get more volume, better hold, and a style that lasts longer — without needing extra products layered on top.
💬 Myth #2: “A bit of serum or oil is fine”
Tempting, I know — especially if your ends are dry. But resist the urge!
Why it matters:
Most serums and oils coat the hair, making it too silky for hot tools to grip or for pins to hold. That can cause curls to drop quickly and updos to fall flat. And when used near the roots, they can weigh everything down before we’ve even started styling.
✅ Skip the oils — even just a little.
Your stylist will use finishing products that are meant for styling, and add shine after your look is set.
🧴 Amy’s prep-friendly product picks:
Shampoo: Nak Hair Daily Detox or O&M Original Detox
Conditioner: Eleven Australia Hydrate My Hair or Davines DEDE
Optional blow-dry spray: O&M Atonic Thickening Spray (light and clean)
Optional Heat Protectant: Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray (a little goes a long way)
💬 Myth #3: “Air-drying is better for your hair”
Air-drying can be great on low-maintenance days — but not when you're getting styled.
Why it matters:
Air-dried hair often traps moisture underneath (especially thick or long hair), which messes with curls and heat styling
It tends to dry unevenly, leading to frizz or puffiness
Many people find their scalp gets oilier faster after air-drying — likely due to longer drying time and oil buildup at the root
✅ Blow-dry your hair smooth using a brush — it doesn’t need to be perfect, just dry, smooth, and frizz-free.
🧯 Struggle with coordination?
A blow-dry brush makes it super easy — it dries and smooths in one go.
📍Affordable options are available at Hairhouse and Priceline.
💡 Amy’s picks:
Silver Bullet Showbiz Blowout Brush – smooths quickly and super easy to use
Mermade Blow Dry Brush – great for beginners, adds volume
(Both are available at Hairhouse or Priceline and perfect for home prep.)
💬 Bonus Tip: Extensions need love too
Even brand-new extensions need to be washed before your appointment.
Here’s why:
Most clip-ins or halos come coated in silicone, which makes them feel silky and look shiny in the packet. But that same coating prevents curls from holding and makes the hair too slippery to style.
✅ Wash them thoroughly (yes, even new ones!) to remove the silicone.
They may feel less silky after — but they’ll hold shape much better and blend more naturally into your style.
🧴 Use a gentle clarifying shampoo and let them fully dry. Then brush through and bring them tangle-free and ready to go.
Extension-safe shampoos I recommend:
Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo – removes build-up gently
O&M Original Detox Shampoo – great for both your natural hair and extensions
💡 Tip: Use cool water and avoid conditioner near the clips to help them last longer.
✨ Want Better Hair Days All the Time?
Getting the prep right helps your style last — but if you’re tired of frizz, flatness, or buildup ruining your hair day-to-day, it’s time to look at your routine.
That’s where the Haircare Bible comes in.
📖 Get your copy of the Haircare Bible here
Inside, you’ll find:
✔️ Easy product recs by hair type
✔️ Wash day tips that actually make a difference
✔️ My go-to tools and techniques to help your hair feel healthier, stronger, and easier to style