"A gorgeous blowout is like a work of art. The look appears effortless, but behind the smooth, shiny locks is a great deal of technique that probably took time and practice to perfect.
If you’ve ever tried to give yourself a proper blowout at home only to stop midway through fatigue and frustration, take heart. This seemingly elusive skill can be mastered. With a little patience and the right blowout tips, you’ll be able to get a salon-quality blowout from the comfort of your own vanity—regardless of your hair type.
Use a high-quality hair tool
Your hairdryer is so important to your blowout. If you’re planning to use a dryer all the time, you’ll want something high-quality that won’t fry your hair with continued use. A clunky dryer that doesn’t fit in your hand and makes your arm ache after a few minutes isn’t the best choice either.
Don’t feel like you have to go for the “usual” hairdryer either. One-step stylers like hot brushes are ideal for working two jobs at once—drying your hair and styling—and they’re genius for those who just can’t seem to get the hang of using a hairdryer and brush at the same time.
Find the correct size round brush
If you’re using a regular hair dryer, your brush will be equally as important as the dryer. The right size round brush will depend on the length of your hair. The longer the hair, the bigger the round brush. For short hair, try a 1.5-2” brush; for medium: 1.5-3”; for long: 3-5”.
Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner
The perfect blowout begins in the shower. According to celebrity colorist Rita Hazan, using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner will help your blowout last for days and add shine and softness like you’d get at the salon.
Always use a heat protectant
We all know the dangers of using too much heat on our hair (need I remind you of the infamous video of the girl’s hair literally breaking off on a curling iron?). So when there’s a product out there that you can use to diminish some of the inevitable damage, don’t ever skip it, OK? Heat protectants have come a long way since the early ’00s. These won’t weigh your hair down or make it greasy—in fact, some of them even help with frizz, hold, and volume.
Pre-dry your hair to cut down your blow-drying time and build body
Using your fingers, lift a section from the top of your head and pull it taught. If you have thick or coarse hair, use the hottest setting on your drying. If your hair texture is medium or fine, use the medium heat setting. Using the full-speed heat option (if you have one on your dryer), direct the heat towards your roots, where you want the most volume. Repeat until your hair is between 30-70% dry (those with curlier textures will want less pre-drying while those with straighter textures can get away with more).
Dry your hair in sections
- Use clips to separate hair into four sections:
- One at the crown, one on each side, and one in the back. Sections may be subdivided or customized depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
- From each section, take a 1½” portion of hair.
- Pull it taught with a round brush using 1/4″ turns of the brush.
- Gently pull the hair up as you dry; avoid pulling hair down. (This builds volume).
- Use the hottest setting on your dryer if you have very thick or coarse hair. Use the medium heat setting otherwise.
- The dryer may be switched to its lower speed setting if that option is available.
- Keep the airflow parallel to the section being dried. (Use the dryer nozzle attachment to avoid roughing up the hair cuticle and creating additional frizz.)
- Repeat drying steps with each portion of hair until completely dry.
- Set each dry portion with a blast of cool air.
Finish with the right products
Apply a light layer of flexible setting spray after completing your blowout. Try Oribe Imperméable Anti-Humid Spray. For additional shine, a few drops of a shine serum like Honest Beauty Honestly Polished Dry Condition + Shine Serum can be applied to the ends.
Blowout mistakes to avoid:
Over-twisting the brush. Avoid completely twisting the brush near your scalp. This can create unfortunate tangles. To catch your hair on the brush, do a small quarter-inch turn. Holding your hair taught with the brush, bring the brush down to the mid-lengths of the hair and then begin turning.
Holding the dryer too close. Hold the dryer at least one inch above the hair. Pressing the dryer nozzle against hair can cause dryness and damage.
Going too fast. Patience is key! For a sleek, no-frizz blowout, hair must by completely dry. Furthermore, being slow and methodical will allow you more control over the final outcome of the style.