Hairstylist and Shark Beauty ambassador Dane Wakefield creates bouncy blow-dries to die for. Here are his top tips, non-negotiables and what he has learnt as a salon owner.
Hair Ethos In Five Words
Confident, fun, empowering, expressive and quirky.
On Creating A Blow-Dry With Body And Bounce
I always start by rough drying the hair 70 per cent upside down. This preps the foundation for volume and reduces your styling time massively. My top tip is to always over-direct the hair, which means blow-drying it in the opposite direction to where it naturally falls.
It might feel strange at first, but it creates incredible lift at the roots for that bouncy salon finish. Also, never skip the setting step. Once you’ve dried a section, pop it into a roller or clip it up to cool down in place. This locks in the shape and gives you long-lasting volume.
On Adding Shine
While products such as shine sprays and oils can definitely boost the finish, the real magic comes from sealing the cuticle. That means using your hairdryer to smooth strands in a downward direction, letting the heat gently polish the surface.
A personal fave of mine is the RapidGloss Finisher attachment on the Shark Beauty SpeedStyle High-Velocity Dryer. It instantly smooths flyaways for those high-shine styles.
In The Toolkit
I’m obsessed with the Shark SpeedStyle. It’s powerful, super lightweight and gets the job done so quickly. Whether I’m creating big bouncy waves or sleek glossy lengths, it delivers. The best part is: it does it all without heat damage.
Life’s Necessities
Human interaction – 100 per cent. I thrive off connection. Whether it’s chatting with my clients, my team or even strangers, that daily dose of energy and conversation is what fuels me.
On Starting A Salon
I was so ready to begin the journey but signing the lease was definitely the scariest leap. It was terrifying in the best way possible.
On Progress
Professionally, the salon has opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. My name has grown in the industry and I’ve been able to work on amazing projects and connect with incredible people. Personally, it’s made me so much more confident. I’ve learnt to back myself, make tough decisions and take full accountability for everything. It’s been a huge journey of growth.
On Stress Relief
Saunas and ice baths. They are total opposites but together they’re incredible for decompressing. There’s something about the physical reset and mental calm that comes with the contrast. It forces you to be present and is great for de-stressing.
The Non-Negotiables
Being a respectful person. It’s the foundation of every good relationship and creates the kind of environment I want to be in.
Hair Trends For 2025
Styling: either a bouncy blow out or embracing and enhancing natural texture. And colour would be no-bleach brunettes and muted blondes. We’re all about that healthy hair.
On What Beauty Means
To me, beauty is all about looking and feeling like the best version of you – not anyone else. It’s about embracing your individuality and expressing yourself in a way that feels authentic. My idea of beauty has evolved. It’s not about one type of hair or one standard of beauty, it’s about celebrating every texture, every style and every individual.
I know that true beauty is health, confidence and owning who you are, and I’m so glad the industry is moving in that direction too.
