Looking to achieve salon-quality results when blow drying your hair? Discover the secrets to mastering the perfect at-home blowout! Learn how to efficiently style your hair like a professional, ensuring you always look and feel your best.
With our expert tips, you'll breeze through your morning (or evening) routine, saving time while maintaining the health of your hair.
Just grabbing a blow dryer and rough drying your hair won’t give you the sleek, voluminous results you crave. To get a polished look it’s important to choose the best tools and techniques for your specific hair type (straight, wavy or curly) and length (short or long). If you’re looking to recreate those salon-worthy blow dry results at home, we've got you covered in this guide!
Index
Fundamentals- How do you blow dry your hair properly?
- How long should it take to blow dry hair?
- What is the fastest way to blow dry hair?
- Why does my hair look frizzy after I blow dry it?
- Is blow drying your hair with cold air good?
- Is it better to blow dry wet or dry hair?
- Is it okay to blow dry hair everyday?
- Is blow dry bad for hair?
- Hot air brush vs blow dryer
Fundamentals
How do you blow dry your hair properly?
Blow drying can dehydrate your hair and create frizz if you do it wrong, so it’s important to learn how to blow dry your hair properly! With a little practice and the right products and tools, you can create salon-quality blow dries at home while maintaining your hair’s natural vibrancy.
If you’re working with fine or freshly-washed hair, texturize the roots with the Sam Villa Signature Series Textur® Professional Texturizing Iron for added grip and volume. Create a narrow cornrow braid in the center of the head and secure with a clear elastic. This braid will form the foundation of your upstyle.
The Tools You Need To Blow Dry your Hair
Dryer:
A high-quality blow dryer is an important investment in your hair’s health and beauty. Consider an ionic dryer, which produces negative ions that counteract the positively charged water molecules in your hair. Ionic dryers give you sleek, shiny hair with less drying time, while also reducing heat damage. This is a great choice for smoothing out frizz and preserving definition in curly hair!
If your hair is naturally fine or limp, use a non-ionic ceramic hair dryer to avoid flattening the cuticle. And when it comes to wattage, more isn’t always better! Most hair types can be blow dried effectively with around 1,800 watts, while very thick hair may need 2,000 watts or more. For baby-fine or curly hair, start with 1,400 watts and increase as needed.
Nozzle:
Use the concentrator nozzle for straight or wavy hair, and the diffuser attachment for curls. The nozzle helps you direct the hot airflow exactly where you want it.
Product:
As Sam Villa says, “Product is not an option, it’s a necessity!” If you’re wondering why your home blowouts never look as good as the ones you get at the salon, lack of product may be to blame. No matter your hair type, it’s essential to use both a heat protectant prep product and a finishing cream, oil or spray.
Round brush:A great round brush is key to adding lift at the roots! The bigger the brush, the more volume.
Sectioning clips:While it’s tempting to skip sectioning and just rough dry your hair, this can actually EXTEND your drying time-- and create frizz! Sectioning your hair with clips allows you to fully dry one section at a time (no damp spots!) and prevents damage caused by drying the same sections over and over.
How To Blow Dry Straight Hair
Step #1: After washing and conditioning your hair in the shower, use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water. If possible, let your hair air dry until it’s 50-60% dry. NEVER use a blow dryer on sopping wet hair!
Step #2: Apply a heat protectant spray, volumizing mousse or lightweight styling cream to your hair. Comb through your hair with a wide tooth comb or wet brush.
Step #3: With your dryer set on medium heat and high air speed, rough dry hair without a brush until it’s 80 percent dry.
Step #4: Section off the hair on top of your crown and clip it into place. Then separate the lower layers into 3-4 small sections and secure with clips.
Step #5: Dry each of the lower sections of hair from roots to tips. Place the round brush under each section near the roots, and rotate the brush out and AWAY from the face as you move slowly down the hair shaft. For maximum shine, point the nozzle of the blow dryer in the same direction as the hair and maintain constant tension with your round brush (you should feel a slight tug).
Step #6: After drying each layer, clip it out of the way. For a soft curl, clip the ends underneath (as if you were wrapping the hair around an invisible roller). Or secure the sections in low, loose ponytails for a straighter look.
Step #7: Remove the clip on top and blow-dry the top section. Use the round brush to lift hair at the roots for extra volume, then rotate the brush forward and out as you work towards the ends.
Step #8: Remove all clips and shake out your hair. To curl your ends, roll them under with a round brush, blast with heat, and set with cold air. For a straight finish, pull the brush all the way through the ends while drying with warm air, and set with cold air.
Step #9: Apply styling cream to smooth out any flyaways, or mist with lightweight hairspray to help your blowout hold.
How To Blow Dry Curly Hair
Step #1: After washing and conditioning your hair in the shower, detangle your curls with a wide-tooth comb and use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water. NEVER use a blow dryer on sopping wet hair!
Step #2: Apply a leave-in conditioner to your damp curls, then use your fingers to work a defining curl gel into your hair from roots to tips. Then grip the ends, shake your hands from side to side, and release to allow curls to spring back up into shape.
Step #3: With your dryer set on low or medium heat and medium air speed, use the diffuser attachment to blow dry the roots, starting at the nape of your neck. Avoid blow drying curly ends, as this can cause dryness and frizz. Keep moving the diffuser around your scalp until all roots are dry.
Step #4: Want extra volume? Place the diffuser directly against your scalp and rotate it (left, right, left, right) as you blow dry.
Step #5: Apply a small dab of pomade to your palm and rub your hands together. Starting at the front of your hair, sweep your hands through your curls from roots to tips (as if you were pulling your hair into a ponytail). Then release the curls and tousle your hair at the roots for added fullness.
How long should it take to blow dry my hair?
The amount of time it takes to blow dry hair varies depending on your hair type, texture, and desired style. As a general rule, longer and thicker hair requires extra drying time. A quick at-home blowout should take about 5-10 minutes for short hair and 15-30 minutes for long, coarse and/or curly hair. Allow extra time if you want to blow dry your hair curly or wavy, or plan to finish your style with other heat tools.
What is the fastest way to blow dry hair?
Wet hair is the bane of busy mornings and last-minute nights out. When you’re running late it might be tempting to aim the blow dryer at your soaking-wet hair and start blasting away, but doing so is REALLY bad for your hair! Plus, it takes forever to blow dry all the moisture out of wet hair.
To help you save time (and reduce heat damage), try these tips to blow dry your hair faster:
Step #1: Use conditioner in the shower. This is key for healthy hair, and it also prevents your hair from absorbing too much water.
Step #2: Shake it out! Before stepping out of the shower, flip your head upside down and gently wring out your hair with your fingers.
Step #3: Air and/or towel dry thoroughly. Ideally, your hair should be at least 50% dry before you reach for the blow dryer or hot brush. This helps you achieve the same hairstyle with less heat and drying time. To help speed up this process, use a microfiber towel (or towel turban) to soak up excess water. Focusing on the roots, gently blot or squeeze your hair. Avoid harsh rubbing!
Step #4: Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or microfiber brush.(If your hair is curly and tends to frizz up when combed, skip this step.)
Step #5: Pick the right products. Before blow drying, prep your hair with a “quick blow dry” product that wicks moisture away from your strands.
Step #6: Go ionic. Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions that break apart the water droplets in damp hair for faster, smoother styling and gorgeous shine.
Step #7: Blow dry each section only once. Use clips to section off your hair and start with the lower layers. Work through each section slowly so you don’t have to re-dry the same sections multiple times..
Why does my hair look frizzy after I blow dry it?
If you struggle with frizzy hair after blow drying, it’s a sign that you’re blow drying your hair wrong. Hair can get frizzy from blow drying sopping-wet hair, not fully drying your hair, holding the hair dryer too close, blow drying in the wrong direction, or using the wrong dryer, brush or products. Read on to discover the frizz-causing mistakes you may be making when you blow dry your hair:
- You’re blow drying sopping-wet hair.Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, so exposing it to hot airflow and a harsh bristle brush can cause breakage and frizz. It also takes more time to dry and style dripping-wet hair, which means more heat exposure and damage. Instead, pat your wet hair with a soft towel to absorb excess water, then let your hair air dry at least 50% of the way before picking up the blow dryer.
- You’re not fully drying your hair.If your hair frizzes up a few minutes after a blowout, you may not have fully dried it. Even a small amount of water left in the hair can make the cuticle swell and create frizz. To fix this blow-drying mistake, work in small sections and brush slowly through the hair while applying heat from your blow dryer. This helps ensure that every strand gets 100% dry.
- You’re holding the hair dryer too close.Heat is damaging to hair, so it’s important to hold your dryer’s nozzle at a safe distance. Even for ultra-sleek hair, your hair dryer should never actually touch your hair. Keep it at least one inch away from the hair’s surface, and avoid holding the dryer in one place for too long.
- You’re blow drying in the wrong direction.Directing the airflow up the hair shaft roughs up the cuticle, causing (you guessed it) FRIZZ! Instead, blow dry down the hair in the direction that the hair grows. This will smooth the cuticle for a sleek and glossy finish. Try blow drying your hair with the concentrator nozzle to help you control the airflow.
- You’re using the wrong dryer, brush or products for your hair.Quality tools are essential for creating a beautiful blowout. Look for an ionic and/or ceramic dryer with several heat settings, so you can dry your hair with the minimum heat required.
Also, go for a round brush with natural boar bristles instead of a metal brush, which can heat up too much and dry out your hair. And don’t skimp on products-- always prep your hair with a heat protectant before blow drying! This minimizes heat damage from your blow dryer (thus preventing future frizz) and can give your blowout a boost of softness, shine and volume, depending on the product you choose.
Is blow drying your hair with cold air good?
If the cool air button on your blow dryer gets ignored while you blast hot air at your strands, you might be wondering whether blow drying your hair with cold air is good or bad. Here’s the deal: hot air is best for styling hair, while cold air locks a finished style in place.
Blow drying with hot air is faster than drying with cold air, and it’s an effective way to change your style (for example, blow drying your wavy hair straight or adding volume to limp hair). On the other hand, cold air seals the cuticle of the hair shaft for a smooth and shiny finish and helps your style stay in place. This is why it’s often recommended to apply cool air to your hair after blow drying with hot air. Heat is damaging to hair, so blow drying with cold air is a healthier choice for your mane. It would take a long time to dry and style damp hair using only cold air, but cold air is great for touching up dry hair or setting a heat style. Bottom line: If you’re trying to fix a bad hair day or give yourself a new look, blow drying your hair with warm or hot air is the way to go. For a boost of natural shine and lightweight hold, go with cold air.
Is it better to blow dry wet or dry hair?
Blow drying hair that’s too wet or too dry can result in heat damage, dullness and frizz. For this reason, it’s actually best to blow dry DAMP hair, not dripping-wet or bone-dry hair. Blow drying damp hair is the best way to achieve the style you want with minimal damage.
Wet hair is fragile and prone to breaking, so it’s better to let your hair air dry at least halfway before exposing it to heat from your blow dryer. (If you’re short on time, use a microfiber towel or soft t-shirt to pat your hair as dry as possible.) The less time you spend blow drying, the better for your hair health. On the other hand, blow drying hair that’s already dry isn’t good for your hair either. The hot air from the dryer can strip your hair of natural moisture, leaving it frizzy and dull. Plus, dry hair is less manageable than damp hair, so it might be tougher to shape your style the way you want. If you want to blow dry your hair without washing it first, spritz it with water and a heat protectant spray to dampen the hair.
Is it okay to blow dry hair everyday?
If your morning routine consists of rolling out of bed, showering, and reaching for your blow dryer, you might be wondering if it’s okay to blow dry hair every day. Unfortunately, ANY amount of heat is damaging to hair, so using a blow dryer (or flat iron, or curling wand) every day is a bad idea. Daily heat exposure can ruin hair by stripping the hair’s natural oils, drying out the cuticle and causing breakage and frizz.
But don’t worry-- you don’t have to give up on blow drying entirely! With some simple changes to your styling routine, you can have beautiful hair every day AND maintain your hair’s health for years to come. Here are a few ways to get great hair without blow drying every day:
- Blow dry every 3-5 days. If you blow dry your hair correctly, your blowout should last for several days. Instead of rough drying your locks every day (which may not get your hair fully dry), invest a little extra time every 3-5 days to properly section your hair and dry each section with a round brush. And don’t forget product! Use a lightweight finishing spray after blow drying your hair, and extend your style with a dry shampoo or smoothing cream.
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Use the minimum heat required.
When you do blow dry your hair, go easy on the heat. Let your hair air dry as much as possible (at least 50% dry for curly hair and 70-80% dry for fine hair), then use the heat to shape and style. Hold the nozzle safely away from your hair, keep it moving constantly, and avoid over-drying.
- Master the art of the air dry. Many people don’t like air drying because their hair dries frizzy. But occasionally skipping a blowout and letting your hair air dry can make a huge difference in keeping your strands smooth and healthy. To prevent frizz, use a moisturizing conditioner in the shower and apply product after combing. The best air-drying product depends on your hair type-- try a lightweight smoothing cream for fine/straight hair, an oil-lotion hybrid for wavy hair, or a hydrating mousse for curls.
- Take a heat break. Learn how to do a few easy second- and third-day hairstyles (think braids, buns or ponytails). And there’s no shame in wearing a hat between blowouts!
Is blow drying bad for my hair?
While any form of heat styling can be harmful to hair, most of the damage is caused by incorrect techniques and over-styling. Properly blow-drying your hair will give you beautiful results with minimal damage. However, if your hair is already brittle or heat-damaged, it may be best to avoid blow drying while you work on restoring your hair’s natural health and vibrancy. Most people with healthy hair can safely blow dry their hair 1-3 times a week.
Using A Hot Air Brush Vs. Blow Dryer
Wondering what is the difference between a blow dryer and a hot air brush? While both tools can be used to dry and style damp hair, a hairdryer is the best choice for a full blowout and a hot air brush is best for shaping and finishing your hair.
Heated styling brushes save a step by allowing you to dry, polish and shape your hair at the same time. However, since a hot air brush doesn’t provide as much heat as a regular blow dryer, it can take much longer to get your hair fully dry. For this reason, it’s recommended to use your blow dry hot brush on dry or slightly damp hair. If you’re starting with wet hair, consider pre-drying it with a towel and your blow dryer, then finishing it with a blow dry hot brush.
| Hot Air Brush | Blow Dryer | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for drying hair | ✓ | |
| Best for styling hair | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best for touch-ups | ✓ | |
| Styling time | 15-20 minutes | 25-30 minutes |
| Heat level | Medium to high | Low to medium |
| Works on damp hairr | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works on dry hair | ✓ | |
| Built-in smoothing brush | ✓ |
How Tos
How to blow dry natural hair
Blow drying can make natural hair more manageable, reduce tangles, and allow you to wear your hair in styles that might not be achievable with air drying. However, blow drying natural hair takes extra entleness and care. If you do it wrong, you could ruin your natural curl pattern, cause split ends, and make your hair dry and frizzy.
Follow these steps to blow dry natural hair while protecting your beautiful curls:
Step #1: Start in the shower. Blow drying can dehydrate natural hair, so always use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for curls. If you have time, give your hair a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask. Detangle your hair in the shower for easier styling.
Step #2: Towel dry, then air dry. Cotton bath towels can break curly hair, which is even more fragile when wet. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water with a soft microfiber towel and let your hair air dry at least 50% of the way before blow drying it.
Step #3: Heat protect, heat protect, heat protect! Heat defense products are essential for minimizing damage to your curls. Work a nourishing leave-in conditioner and hair cream into your hair from roots to tips.
Step #4: Go easy on the heat. Use a high-quality ceramic and/or ionic dryer with multiple heat settings, which allows you to blow dry with the minimum amount of heat necessary.
Step #5: Dry your hair in small sections. With the heat setting on medium-low and the speed on high, point the dryer’s nozzle down your hair shaft. Avoid blowing up the hair, as this can damage the cuticle. Work in small sections and pull the hair taut with your brush as you dry it. Tension gives you more smoothness and shine!
Step #6: Seal in moisture. After blow drying, apply a shea butter lotion or oil to nourish your curls and restore moisture.
How To Blow Dry Hair Straight
A sleek, silky-smooth blowout is the perfect versatile hairstyle. Whether your hair is naturally straight, wavy or curly, you may be wondering about the best way to blow dry hair straight. The secret to a salon-fresh blowout is to add lots of volume with a round brush! Follow these simple steps to blow dry your hair straight:
Step #1: After washing and conditioning your hair in the shower, use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water. If possible, let your hair air dry until it’s 50-60% dry. NEVER use a blow dryer on sopping wet hair!
Step #2: Apply a heat protectant spray, volumizing mousse or lightweight styling cream to your hair. If your hair is naturally wavy or curly, work a dab of leave-in conditioner through your ends. Comb through your hair with a wide tooth comb or wet brush.
Step #3: Section off the hair on top of your crown and clip it into place. Then separate the lower layers into 3-4 small sections and secure with clips.
Step #4: Dry each of the lower sections of hair from roots to tips. Place the round brush under each section near the roots, hold the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer over the hair and rotate the brush out and AWAY from the face as you move slowly down the hair shaft. Maintain light, constant tension with your round brush (you should feel a slight tug). For straight ends, finish each section by blow drying while pulling a paddle brush through the hair. For beveled or curled ends, use your round brush to shape the ends.
Step #5: Remove the clip on top and blow-dry the hair at the crown. Use the round brush to lift the hair up and back at the roots and rotate the brush away from the face for more volume.
Step #6: If you have side bangs or face-framing layers, place your round brush over each layer and hold the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer under the hair. Rotate the brush out and away from the face as you apply hot airflow from your dryer.
Step #7: Finish your straight blowout with an all-over blast of light hold hairspray. If you have thick or dry hair, apply a few drops of argan oil to your ends.
How To Blow Dry Curly Hair
It’s one of the most frustrating problems facing curly-haired folks-- you just spent an hour washing and blow-drying your curls, only to end up with dry and frizzy hair! When blow drying curly hair, it’s essential to preserve your hair’s moisture (since curls tend to be dry) and protect your natural curl definition. The right tools and products make all the difference! Follow these steps to blow dry curly hair with ease:
Step #1: After washing and conditioning your hair in the shower, detangle your curls with a wide-tooth comb and use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water. NEVER use a blow dryer on sopping wet hair!
Step #2: Apply a leave-in conditioner to your damp curls, then use your fingers to work a defining curl gel into your hair from roots to tips. Then grip the ends, shake your hands from side to side, and release to allow curls to spring back up into shape.
Step #3: With your dryer set on low or medium heat and medium air speed, use the diffuser attachment to blow dry the roots, starting at the nape of your neck. Avoid blow drying curly ends, which can cause dryness and frizz. Keep moving the diffuser around your scalp until all roots are dry.
Step #4: Want extra volume? Place the diffuser directly against your scalp and rotate it (left, right, left, right) as you blow dry.
Step #5: Apply a small dab of pomade to your palm and rub your hands together. Starting at the front of your hair, sweep your hands through your curls from roots to tips (as if you were pulling your hair into a ponytail). Then release the curls and tousle your hair at the roots for added fullness.
How To Blow Dry Hair for Volume
A voluminous blowout is one of the most alluring and beautiful styles for all hair types-- and it doesn’t require a trip to the blowout bar! Follow these steps to get salon-level volume at home:
Step #1: Wash and condition your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Comb through any tangles and use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water.
Step #2: Ditch the nozzle. This is especially important for fine hair, which tends to fall limp and flat. Remove the nozzle from your blow dryer, flip your head upside down, and rough dry your hair without using a brush until your hair is 80% dry. This will cause the hair cuticle to expand, creating more volume and texture.
Step #3: Prep with product. Apply a volumizing mousse to your hair, working from back to front to avoid weighing down the front sections with too much product.
Step #4: Section off the hair on top of your crown and clip it into place. Then separate the lower layers into 3-4 small sections and secure with clips.
Step #5: Use a large round brush for added volume. Replace the concentrator nozzle on your blow dryer and start drying the lower sections of hair. Place the round brush under each section near the roots, hold the nozzle of your blow dryer over the hair and rotate the brush up, out and AWAY from the face as you move slowly down the hair shaft. Maintain light, constant tension with your round brush (you should feel a slight tug).
Step #6: Blow-dry the hair at the crown. Use the round brush to lift the hair straight up and back at the roots and twirl the brush back and away from the face for more volume.
Step #7: Finish with your face-framing pieces. If you have side bangs or face-framing layers, place your round brush over each layer and hold the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer under the hair. Rotate the brush out and away from the face as you apply hot airflow from your dryer.
Step #8: Set your style with finishing spray. Choose a lightweight hairspray to avoid weighing down your gorgeous volume!
How To Blow Dry Thick Hair
Thick hair is undeniably gorgeous… but it also takes a long time to dry! If you want to get out the door without spending hours on your hair, the right products and techniques can make all the difference. Check out these proven steps to blow dry thick hair fast (or at least faster):
Step #1: Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Thick hair tends to be dry and requires extra hydration. A high-quality conditioner with nourishing oils helps your hair to repel water, smooths the cuticle, and protects thick hair from heat and humidity.
Step #2: Towel dry, then air dry. Gently squeeze out excess water with a soft microfiber towel and let your hair air dry at least 50% of the way before blow drying it. If you have time, wait until your hair is 70-80% dry. This will cut WAY down on the amount of time you need to spend with a blow dryer pointed at your head.
Step #3: Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush.Step #4: Prep with product. Before blow drying, prep your hair with a “quick blow dry” product that wicks moisture away from your strands.
Step #5: Use an ionic dryer. Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions that break apart the water droplets in damp hair for faster, smoother styling and gorgeous shine. They also cut down on drying time for thick, heavy hair. Look for a dryer with at least 2000 watts and a range of heat and speed settings.
Step #6: Go BIG. When blow drying thick hair, a big round brush with natural boar bristles is your best option.
Step #7: Work in manageable sections. Use clips to section off your hair and start with the lower layers. Work through each small section slowly so you don’t have to re-dry the same sections multiple times.
Step #8: Focus on the roots. Dry each of the lower sections of hair from roots to tips. Spend the most time near your roots, since the ends will dry quickly on their own. Place the round brush under each section near the roots, hold the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer over the hair and rotate the brush out and AWAY from the face as you move slowly down the hair shaft. Maintain light, constant tension and spin your round brush. Then repeat this process with the round brush placed over the section and the blow dryer underneath. Make sure that each section is fully dry before moving on to the next one.
Step #9: Blow-dry the hair at your crown. Use the round brush to lift the hair up and back at the roots and rotate the brush away from the face for more volume.
Step #10: Finish with your face-framing pieces. If you have side bangs or face-framing layers, place your round brush over each layer and hold the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer under the hair. Rotate the brush out and away from the face as you apply hot airflow from your dryer.
Step #11: Smooth and polish. Lock in your blowout with a burst of cold air, then apply a hair gloss or oil for added softness and shine.
How To Blow Dry Short Hair
Blow drying short hair can be a real challenge! While it takes less time to dry than longer hair, short hair is easily damaged by high heat and tends to frizz up. If your short hair looks amazing at the salon, but you’re struggling to achieve the same look at home, follow these steps to blow dry short hair:
How To Blow Dry Short Hair Straight
Step #1: Prep your hair with a blow dry primer to prevent breakage and protect delicate hair from heat. Spray the product all over your hair and comb it through for even distribution.
Step #2: Divide your hair into four sections (left, right, crown, and back). Secure each section with a small clip.
Step #3: Beginning with the lower sections, unclip one section at a time. With your dryer set to medium heat, place a small round brush under each section near the roots, hold the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer over the hair and spin the brush out and AWAY from the face as you move slowly down the hair shaft. Maintain light, constant tension with your round brush to add shine. Continue this process until the left, right and back sections have been dried.
Step #4: Remove the clip on top and blow-dry the hair at the crown. Use your round brush to lift the hair up and back at the roots and rotate the brush away from the face for more volume.
Step #5: Finish with a blast of cool air from your blow dryer, then spray your hair with a soft hold hairspray.
How To Blow Dry Short Hair with a Textured, Lived-in Finish
Step #1: Prep your hair with a blow dry primer to prevent breakage and protect delicate hair from heat. Spray the product all over your hair and comb it through for even distribution.
Step #2: Create a deep side part in your hair and work a small amount of pliable styling paste through the ends.
Step #3: Blow dry your hair, focusing the airflow in the direction you want the hair to go. For a natural, “undone” finish, finger-comb your hair while drying instead of using a brush. Twist small sections of hair with your fingers as you blow dry for added texture and separation.
Step #4: After your hair is dry, use your fingers to create more definition and texture. If desired, add a bit more styling paste to your ends.
How To Blow Dry Long Hair
Love your long hair, but don’t love spending hours with your blow dryer? With the right tools and techniques, you can streamline your long hair styling routine and still get beautiful results. Read on to discover how to blow dry long hair faster:
Step #1: Use a shampoo and conditioner designed for long hair. A high-quality conditioner with nourishing oils helps your hair to repel water, smooths the cuticle, and protects your hair from heat and humidity. If your hair is thick or dry, seal your ends with a leave-in conditioner.
Step #2: Towel dry, then air dry. Gently squeeze out excess water with a soft microfiber towel and let your hair air dry at least 50% of the way before blow drying it. If you have time, wait until your hair is 70-80% dry. This will cut WAY down on the amount of time you need to spend with a blow dryer pointed at your head.
Step #3: Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush.Step #4: Prep with product. Before blow drying, prep your hair with a heat protectant and/or a volumizing mousse.
Step #5: Use an ionic dryer. Ionic hair dryers emit negative ions that break apart the water droplets in damp hair for faster, smoother styling and gorgeous shine.
Step #6: Go BIG. When blow drying long hair, a big round brush with natural boar bristles is your best option.
Step #7: Work in manageable sections. Use clips to section off your hair into small pieces and start with the lower layers. Work through each section slowly so you don’t have to re-dry the same sections multiple times.
Step #8: Focus on the roots. Dry each of the lower sections of hair from roots to tips. Spend the most time near your roots, since the ends will dry quickly on their own. Place the round brush under each section near the roots, hold the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer over the hair and rotate the brush out and AWAY from the face as you move slowly down the hair shaft. Maintain light, constant tension and spin your round brush. Then repeat this process with the round brush over the section and the blow dryer underneath. Make sure that each section is fully dry before moving on to the next one.
Step #9: Blow-dry the hair at your crown. Use the round brush to lift the hair up and back at the roots and rotate the brush back and away from the face for more volume.
Step #10: Finish with your face-framing pieces. If you have side bangs or face-framing layers, place your round brush over each layer and hold the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer under the hair. Rotate the brush out and away from the face as you apply hot airflow from your dryer.
Step #11: Smooth and polish. Lock in your blowout with a burst of cold air, then finish with a hair gloss or oil (if your hair is thick and dry) or a soft hold hairspray (for finer hair).
How To Blow Dry Men's Hair
Blow drying is an essential skill for every guy who wants good hair. With just a few simple tools and 5-10 minutes, you can re-shape your hair, add volume, and get the fresh, clean look you want. The keys to a great men’s blowout are to take it slow and shape the style as you dry. Follow these simple steps to learn how to blow dry men’s hair:
Step #1: Wash, condition and towel dry. Shampooing your hair removes any residual product so you can start fresh with a new style. Conditioner is essential for rehydrating your hair and preventing split ends. Before you pick up the blow dryer, towel dry your hair thoroughly. You want to use your blow dryer on DAMP hair, not dripping-wet hair.
Step #2: Apply product. At minimum, you need a heat protectant product to minimize damage from your blow dryer. Depending on the look you want, you may also want to apply another product that works in damp hair, such as a styling paste, cream or mousse. Some styling products also provide heat protection, so check your labels!
Step #3: Go for less heat and more speed.It’s easy to use too much heat on short hair, which can result in dryness and damage. Instead, start with low-medium heat and high speed. For faster drying times, use an ionic dryer.
Step #4: Shape the style you want. Blow drying lets you direct the hair where you want it to go. Using a small round brush, pick up a small section of hair at the roots. Rotate the brush up and back as you pull it through the hair while pointing the concentrator nozzle of your blow dryer down the hair shaft. For a more structured style like a pompadour, take breaks while blow drying to comb your hair into place.
Step #5: Don’t rush it. Working in small sections actually SAVES time while blow drying. This allows you to fully dry each section before moving on to the next one.
Step #6: Lock in your look. When all your hair is dry, finish off your blow dry with a blast of cool air from your dryer. Then apply a water-based pomade to your ends. This versatile product lets you create a variety of shapes and textures with your hair, plus it prevents random flyaways.
Summary
Don’t wait until your next salon appointment to enjoy a beautiful blowout! These tips and techniques will help you level-up your blow drying routine at home. The key to a great at-home blowout is taking the time to properly prep and section your hair BEFORE you turn on the dryer. Working with small sections of hair and using a brush to create tension saves time (since you’re not blow drying the same hair over and over) and leaves your hair sleek and glossy.
If applying product, sectioning your hair, and juggling a blow dryer and round brush feels a bit intimidating, don’t stress! Your stylist makes it look easy because she’s done it thousands of times. With the right tools, quality products and a little practice, you’ll soon be blow drying your own hair like a pro!
