Getting That Runway Hair Look Without Breaking the Bank

Barb Presson, Senior Stylist

So I had this client last week who came in with a photo from Fashion Week, you know the look. Hair that moves like liquid silk, bounces with every step, catches the light just right. She's like, "Barb, I need THIS, but I can't afford to come in three times a week."

I get it. We all want that effortless, expensive-looking hair, but let's be real, most of us are washing our hair in a cramped apartment bathroom, not getting touched up between runway shows.

After working behind the chair for five years (and making plenty of mistakes along the way), I've figured out that runway hair isn't about having a team of stylists. It's about two things: fixing the damage you can't see and creating the volume you want everyone to notice.

The Foundation Problem Most People Skip

Here's what I see constantly: people buying every volumizing product on the market while their hair is literally breaking off at the ends. It's like trying to build a house on quicksand.

I started recommending the Genesis Masque Reconstituant to clients whose hair felt like straw after too much heat styling. This isn't some miracle cure, it's basically intensive care for damaged hair. Use it once or twice a week instead of your regular conditioner, leave it on while you scroll TikTok for five minutes, rinse out.

The difference? Hair that actually holds a style instead of falling flat by lunch.

Volume That Doesn't Look Like the 80s Threw Up

Once your hair can actually handle styling, that's when the magic happens. I've been using Goldwell's Ultra Volume Bodifying Spray for about two years now, and honestly? It's the only volumizer I've found that doesn't make fine hair look crunchy or weighed down.

Here's my trick (and I'm probably going to regret sharing this): spray it into slightly damp roots, then flip your head upside down while blow-drying. I know it sounds basic, but the lift you get is insane. My clients always text me photos after trying it at home.

Why These Two Actually Work Together

Look, I could recommend twenty different products, but most people won't use them. These two cover the basics: the mask fixes what's broken, the spray builds what you want. It's not rocket science, but it works.

The Genesis mask makes your hair strong enough to hold volume, and the Goldwell spray gives you that bounce without the crunch. Together? You get hair that looks intentional instead of accidental.

Real Talk About Salon vs. DIY

I'm not going to lie and say you can completely replicate a professional blowout at home. But you can get 80% of the way there with the right products and a little practice. And honestly? For everyday wear, that's more than enough to make people ask what you did differently.

We carry both products here at the salon, but you can find them other places too. I just want people to have hair that makes them feel confident, whether they're buying from us or not.

The Bottom Line

Runway hair isn't about perfection, it's about hair that moves well and catches light. Start with healthier strands, add some smart volume, and stop overthinking it.

If you want me to show you the technique in person, book an appointment. If you want to experiment at home first, grab these products and see what happens. Either way, you're going to end up with better hair than you started with.

Want to see more of what we do? Check out our Instagram @hydesalon or stop by the shop. No pressure. Book your appointment here.