Holly's hair was blown dry and finished with a curling iron by Mairead Tozer of McKinnon Hair Design. Makeup is by Nicole Hill, also of McKinnon.

You've found the perfect outfit, accessories and makeup to take you from ordinary to dazzling. Now if only you could get your hair to fall in line.

Here are tips from experts on achieving that fresh-from-the-salon look with no personal hairdresser required.

Chris McKinnon of McKinnon Hair Design, 111 Balsam Ave. S.

* Have your stylist show you how to style your hair at home, including what products to use.

* Invest in at least three styling products for your hair type, including one product to style your hair, a product for texture and a finishing spray, and layer them.

* Don't overblow-dry your hair or it will cause static and be difficult to style.

Justin German, stylist and Pantene spokesperson in Toronto

* Invest in a good blow-dryer.

* Blow-dry hair upside down to create volume -- it takes out most of the moisture and lifts the roots.

* Use the blow-dryer nozzle to keep air blowing in one direction and always blow-dry in a downward motion to avoid creating frizz.

* Use a large round brush to minimize strain and maximize smoothness. Wrap slightly moist hair around the brush, then warm up the hair and brush with the blow-dryer on medium-high heat one to two inches (2.5 to 5 centimetres) from the hair. Pull the brush through only once and repeat with another strand.

* Use a cool setting to help set the style.

Julia Kim, Bumble and Bumble stylist in New York City

* Using clips, divide hair into three sections between the forehead and the crown. As you blow-dry each section, roll the round brush away from your face. This provides a sweeping look and adds height to the top.

Babe Rizzuto, director of public relations for Conair in Stamford, Conn.

* Avoid washing and styling every day. It's better to skip a day in between, especially if you're planning an updo -- hair will stay put when it's not too silky from conditioner. If you blowout on Monday, you should be able to get at least two to three days of locks that rock.

* Always use the nozzle on the blow-dryer to pinpoint the air flow.

* A vent brush allows heat to come through and quickens blow-drying time.

* To avoid dents from a curling iron, wrap a small section of hair around the outer barrel -- forget about tucking the ends into the tongs -- and unravel.

* Freeze the style with a mist of hairspray

* To avoid frizz, do not brush through waves.

Kellie Ann Zupet reports on beauty for The Hamilton Spectator. gostyle@thespec.com