The 45 haircut aftercare: first 48 hours and two-week home care
By Bryant Salon & Spa | October 15, 2026
The most important rule after The 45 is simple: protect the shape. For the first 48 hours, I want you to avoid heavy sweating, rough towel-drying, and anything that crushes the cut (tight hats, soaking rain, aggressive brushing). Sioux Falls weather can flip fast, so I’m also thinking about wind, humidity, and winter static right away. Do that, use a tiny amount of the lightweight product I recommend, and your new cut stays polished instead of puffy or flat.
Quick context: The 45 is a 45-minute appointment (starting at $65) designed for short hair above the shoulders, especially chin to shoulder length. It’s precise on purpose, which means your at-home habits matter more than people expect.
First 48 hours: keep The 45’s shape crisp (and don’t crush it)
Right after your appointment, your cut is sitting exactly the way I set it. The first two days are about not disturbing that pattern. If you found me by searching haircut near me or hair salon near me, this is the part most people skip, then wonder why it doesn’t look like day one.
Do these 6 things right away
- Limit sweating for 24 to 48 hours. Sweat and friction make short shapes collapse faster.
- Skip tight hats and be careful with hoods. If you have to wear one, keep it looser and don’t mash the crown.
- Avoid heavy rain if you can. If Sioux Falls does what it does and you get caught, gently pat dry. Don’t rub.
- Use less product than you think, especially day one. A pea-sized amount is often plenty for chin to shoulder-length hair.
- Sleep on a smooth pillowcase. Less friction means less frizz and fewer odd bends in the morning.
- Keep hands out of your hair. Constant touching turns clean movement into piecey separation fast.
A lot of my regulars come to Bryant Salon & Spa because they want a cut that’s dependable. One person even mentioned how frustrating it was when a barbershop didn’t show up for appointments, and how much they appreciated consistency and quality here. I take that seriously, and aftercare is part of that consistency. If you protect the cut for 48 hours, styling gets easier every day after.
Sioux Falls reality check: Humid summer days can make short layers expand. In those stretches, go lighter on creams and heavier on airflow (low heat, good direction) to keep The 45 from getting bulky.
Days 3 to 7: styling habits that keep The 45 looking like I cut it
This is the week where you either start getting that “easy, polished” routine, or you start fighting your hair. I’m big on listening and giving better options when something won’t work for your hair, and the same goes for at-home care. If the goal is hair styling near me results without being in the salon every day, focus on technique instead of piling on product.
My go-to blow-dry approach for The 45
- Start with a gentle towel pat, then let it air-dry for a few minutes so it’s not dripping.
- Use low to medium heat, keep the dryer moving, and aim airflow in the direction you want the hair to lay.
- If your version of The 45 has a smoother finish, use a round brush to set the curve. If it’s more textured, finger-style and lightly twist sections to bring out movement.
- Finish with a short cool shot if you have time. It helps set the shape.
Things to avoid in week one
Try not to crank heat tools daily, especially on the same front pieces. And be cautious with heavy oils at the roots. They can collapse the lift that makes this cut look “done.” If you’re also maintaining color like balayage, keeping heat moderate helps your tone stay nicer longer too.
Products for The 45 at home: what I recommend (and what I avoid)
I’ll always tell you exactly what product to use and how much. That part matters, because The 45 depends on clean texture and movement. Too much product makes it look heavy, and the cut won’t read as precise anymore.
Lightweight styler (paste, cream, or foam): Great for separation and control. Start tiny, then add only if you need it.
Heat protectant: If you’re blow-drying or using an iron, don’t skip it. It helps preserve shine and keeps ends from looking dry.
Seasonal add-on for Sioux Falls winters: A lightweight hydrating leave-in helps fight static from indoor heat without making short hair greasy.
If you’re someone who bounces between “hair salon near me” and “barbershop near me” searches, here’s the simplest rule: pick one or two products you’ll actually use, then get consistent. I can work with that. And if you also book services like a perm, I’ll steer you toward lighter styling and gentler heat so the curl pattern stays happy.
If you want the bigger picture of what we do, I’d point you to hair cut services in Southwest Sioux Falls. It helps you match the right appointment type to your hair length and your routine.
Trims at 4 to 6 weeks: the difference between “grown out” and “still sharp”
The 45 is designed to look clean as it grows, but short hair shows shape changes quickly. Most people do best coming back every 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes sooner if you like a really crisp neckline or face-framing.
I usually suggest rebooking sooner if:
- Your hair is fine and loses shape faster.
- You style it smooth and notice lines soften quickly.
- You want your cut to stay commuter-friendly and quick in the morning.
Our location in Southwest Sioux Falls, right off Western Avenue near the 62nd Street corridor, makes it easy to keep that maintenance appointment on your schedule. And these habits travel well if you’re driving in from Brandon, Tea, Harrisburg, Hartford, Dell Rapids, or Canton and want a low-maintenance style that behaves between visits.
When to reach out after The 45 (and how I’ll help fast)
If something feels off, tell me. Don’t wait until your next appointment. Most fixes are quick once I know what you’re seeing at home, especially with short haircuts where a tiny change can make a big difference.
Reach out if: your hair isn’t laying the way I showed you, you’re fighting a cowlick you didn’t notice in the salon, or you’re unsure which product to use and how much. I’d rather answer a quick question than have you wrestle with it for two weeks.
I’ve been going to Joslyn for years!! She is the best hairstylist I’ve ever had! She is so friendly and makes you feel special!
one of our regulars
If you’re ready for your next visit: I can help you keep The 45 looking fresh with a 4 to 6 week trim plan and a simple styling routine that fits real life.
Bryant Salon & Spa, 6217 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 | Call +16053393575 | Email bryantsalonandspa@gmail.com
Quick The 45 aftercare FAQ (wash day, workouts, hats, and products)
How soon can I wash my hair after The 45?
You can usually wash it the same day if you need to. If you don’t have to, I like waiting until the next day so the hair stays in the shape I set. If you do wash it, be gentle with towel-drying. Pat, don’t rub.
Can I exercise after getting The 45 haircut?
Light movement is fine, but I generally recommend avoiding heavy sweating for the first 24 to 48 hours. Sweat, friction, and ponytail-like pressure points can bend short hair in ways that are tough to reset.
How often should I come back to keep The 45's shape?
Most people do best every 4 to 6 weeks. If your hair grows fast or you like a very clean outline, schedule closer to 4 weeks. If you wear it more textured and airy, you can often stretch it a bit longer.
What products should I use to style The 45 at home?
Stick with a lightweight styler, used in small amounts, plus a heat protectant if you blow-dry or use hot tools. In dry months in Sioux Falls, a lightweight leave-in can help with static. I’ll tell you what fits your hair density and the finish you want, then show you how much to use so it doesn’t get heavy.
Will wearing a hat ruin The 45 right after my appointment?
It can, especially in the first 48 hours. Tight hats compress the crown and can flip the front or sides. If you need one for weather, wear it looser, keep it on as briefly as you can, then shake out the roots and reset with low heat when you’re back inside.