The clock is ticking. Five minutes until we are live, showing the reveal of this week’s "Ambush Makeovers" on TODAY. The room is humming with the sound of a blow dryer. The hairstylist is giving the makeover her final touches. Everything is coming together. There are…5, 4, 3, 2, 1 seconds left, and it's show time!

 A great blow dry is the key to any makeover. A good blow dry can make fine hair look full, hold full hair in shape, and add shine to dull looking hair. You can look like a makeover every day if you perfect your blow drying skills. You can and should know how to blow dry hair like the hottest stylist in town.

Here are some INSIDER TIPS for a perfect blow dry:

1. What's your problem, lady?
   Look at your hair and figure out what you need to do to make your hair look better. Do you have fine, wispy hair? Do you have thick, out of control hair?
   
   Realizing this will help you decide which styling product is best for your hair. Picking the right styling products will help you to have a better blow dry and provide protection from heat of your blow dryer.
   
   Use lighter products like mousses, gels, or root lifting sprays, on fine hair. You want products that will add volume without weighing your hair down. Heavier hair creams and liquids work best on thick hair. They will add control without making hair look stiff or frozen in place. Silicone products are the perfect solution for frizzy hair.


2. Get organized!
   After shampooing, blot excess moisture from hair. Never blow dry hair that is dripping wet or 100% dry. Totally wet hair takes too long to dry. Blow drying hair that is completely dry will easily damage and burn your hair.
   
   Gently detangle your hair, using a wide tooth comb. Part your hair and comb in the direction you want your hair to fall. Clip the top half of your hair on top of your head. Now you can start to blow dry hair at the nape of your neck and work towards the top of your head in 1"-2" sections.


3. Round is best!
   Use a round brush to give hair lift, control, or fullness. The size of the brush is determined by the length of the hair: The shorter the hair, the smaller the brush. Using a larger round brush works best on most hair. They can make curly hair straight or add movement to straight hair.


4. Hands up!
   Lift your blow dryer high so you can aim the dryer pointing down. This will make it easier to control your hair dryer and help to prevent frizz. Never over dry your hair. This will make your hair look dull, dry, and fried.


5. Own it!
   Now is the time to make the final adjustments to your hair. Brush it through for a more controlled look or use your fingers to comb through or place hair for a softer look. The old “head flip” with a pinch of hair spray is an easy way to add support and extra volume and fullness.


6. Practice makes perfect!
   Don't become frustrated if your hair isn't perfect. You will become better with every blow dry. If your blow dry just isn't working at home, talk to your stylist when you go for your next hair cut. Your stylist will probably tweak your hair cut to make it easier for you to manage.

I want to give special thanks to last week’s makeovers, Beth and Evelyn. They are two great looking women who became more beautiful in just a few hours time. I'm wondering if they are at home practicing their blow drying.

Another "Ambush Makeover" is happening tomorrow in the Plaza! Will Louis choose you? Come on down to TODAY with your homemade signs for a chance at a makeover!

More About Blow Drying on iVillage:

• How to Use Blow Dryers and Attachments
• Shop for the Perfect Hair Dryer
• Try on hairstyles by Louis Licari on Makeover-O-Matic!