High-Gloss, Bevelled Blow Dry

High-gloss, bevelled blowouts are shaping up to be one of 2026’s key “expensive hair” finishes, swapping fluffy, undone waves for sleeker, curved ends that look polished but still soft.

What “high-gloss, bevelled” really means

Instead of big, tousled texture, hair is dried smooth with a subtle bend at the ends, almost like a modern, curved blow-dry rather than a sharp flick.

What is hair glossing?

The shine is dialled up with glossing products and healthy colour, so the hair reflects light and looks rich from root to tip.

Beauty is moving into a “healthy hair era”, where glossy lengths and tidy ends are the focus rather than heavily distressed, beachy texture.

GLOSSY BRUNETTE HAIR COLOUR GUSTO SALONS CENTRAL LONDON 1

At the same time, the revival of ’90s and 60s-style blowouts has reintroduced bouncy yet controlled shapes, often with flipped or bevelled ends.

At-home routine to get the look

  • Start in the shower with a smoothing, sulphate-free shampoo and a light conditioner focused on the mid-lengths and ends to keep the cuticle flat and shiny.

  • Towel-dry gently, apply a leave‑in conditioner, a frizz-control cream and a heat protectant; this prep step is key to a frizz-free, glassy finish.

  • Blow-dry using a concentrator nozzle and a medium-to-large round brush, lifting at the roots for a little volume but always directing the airflow down the hair shaft for smoothness.

  • As you reach the ends, roll the brush under (or slightly away from the face on front pieces) and hold for a moment to create that soft bevel rather than a tight curl.

  • If needed, refine the shape with a flat iron: glide down the section, then gently turn your wrist in or out at the last couple of centimetres to curve the ends.

  • Finish with a lightweight shine spray or serum on the mid-lengths and ends only, to boost gloss without flattening the root area.

Pro tips to keep it sleek and frizz-free

  • Work in small sections so you can fully smooth each piece; rushing with big sections usually leads to puffiness and frizz.

  • Choose the right brush size: larger barrels give a softer, more modern bevel, while smaller ones create a stronger curve that can look more retro.

  • Avoid overloading hair with heavy oils before blow-drying, as they can weigh it down and make it look greasy rather than glossy.

  • Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase and loosely wrap or clip the hair under to maintain the curved ends overnight.

When to see a pro

A clean, precise cut with strong, healthy ends makes this finish far easier to achieve, especially for bevelled bobs and mid-length styles that are big for 2026. For many people, a professional blow-dry also lasts longer and sets the bevel more seamlessly than a quick at-home blast, thanks to better sectioning, tension and product layering. Ready to lean into the sleek, high-gloss era properly? Our award-winning stylists at Gusto Hairdressing can create a bespoke bevelled blowout or cut that suits your face shape and lifestyle – book your consultation today.