A perfect blowout isn’t just for the salon anymore. With the right tools, technique, and a little bit of practice, you can achieve a sleek, shiny, and voluminous blowout at home that rivals what you’d get from a professional stylist.
Whether you have straight, curly, or wavy hair, this comprehensive guide will take you through the process of creating a flawless blowout on your own, while offering tips and tricks to make the process easier.
Essential Tools for a Professional Looking Blowout
Before diving into the blowout process, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need to create the perfect look. Having the right equipment will make all the difference between a frizzy mess and a smooth, bouncy blowout.
Blow Dryer
A high quality blow dryer is the cornerstone of any good blowout. Look for one with multiple heat settings, a cool shot button, and a powerful motor.
A dryer with a concentrator nozzle (the attachment that directs airflow) is crucial for controlled styling. The nozzle helps direct the heat exactly where you want it, reducing frizz and ensuring smoothness.
Tip: A blow dryer with ionic technology can help reduce frizz and static, giving you a smoother finish.
Round Brush
The round brush is another essential tool for creating volume and sleekness. The size of the brush you use depends on your hair length and desired outcome.
For short hair, a small to medium brush works best, while a large brush is ideal for longer hair, helping to create volume at the roots.
Brush material: Ceramic brushes distribute heat evenly, while boar bristles help smooth hair, making them ideal for shiny, frizz free results.
Heat Protectant
Applying a heat protectant before blow drying is crucial to shield your hair from the damaging effects of heat. Look for a spray or serum that protects against high temperatures while smoothing the hair cuticle and adding shine.
Tip: A lightweight serum can prevent flatness while keeping your blowout light and voluminous.
Hair Clips
You’ll need hair clips to section your hair into manageable parts. By separating your hair into smaller sections, you can ensure an even blowout. Clips help keep each layer out of the way as you work on one section at a time.
Pre Blowout Prep
The key to a perfect blowout begins long before you even pick up the blow dryer. Prepping your hair style correctly sets the foundation for achieving the best results.
Start with Clean, Damp Hair
Clean hair is essential for a smooth blowout. Wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo to give your roots a lift and a conditioner that nourishes your strands without weighing them down.
If you have thick or dry hair, consider using a moisturizing shampoo to avoid dryness during the blowout.
Tip: Avoid washing your hair too frequently. Over washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it more difficult to style.
Apply the Right Products
Once your hair is clean, apply the right styling products to set the foundation for your blowout.
- Volumizing Mousse or Root Lifting Spray: These products help add body and volume at the roots, ensuring your hair looks full and bouncy after styling.
- Smoothing Serum or Cream: If you struggle with frizz, apply a smoothing product to tame flyaways and create a sleek finish.
- Leave In Conditioner: A lightweight leave in conditioner hydrates your hair, preventing it from becoming too dry or damaged.
Tip: For curly or wavy hair, a curl cream can help define your natural texture while providing some hold.
Step by Step Blowout Process
Now comes the fun part the actual blowout! Follow these steps for a flawless blowout that will last all day long.
Section Your Hair
The first step to achieving a perfect blowout is to section your hair. Divide your hair into four to six sections, depending on how thick or long your hair is.
Use clips to secure each section, making it easier to work on one part at a time. Start with the bottom layers and work your way to the top.
Tip: For better control, clip away the top layers of your hair, leaving the lower layers free to dry first.
Blow Dry the Bottom Layers First
Start with the bottom layers of your hair. Since these sections are closest to your scalp, they often take longer to dry and style. Begin by positioning your round brush underneath the section, holding the blow dryer about 6–8 inches from your hair.
Move the brush and dryer together in a smooth motion, ensuring that your hair is fully dry before moving to the next section.
Tip: Don’t rush! Dry each section completely to avoid a half dried, flat blowout.
Technique: Using the Round Brush
The key to a great blowout is tension. Wrap your hair around the round brush tightly, and as you move the brush down the strand, follow with the blow dryer.
Keep the tension as you pull the brush through the hair to ensure a smooth, frizz free result.
- For volume: Roll the brush under the hair, directing the airflow toward the roots.
- For sleekness: Smooth the brush downwards as you blow dry, following the natural direction of the hair.
Work Through Each Section
Continue to work through each section, starting with the bottom and finishing with the top. As you move through sections, ensure that each layer is completely dry before moving to the next.
Tip: Angle the blow dryer downward as you dry your hair. This helps close the hair cuticle and results in a smoother finish.
Use the Cool Shot Button
Once your hair is dry, use the cool shot button on your blow dryer to lock in your style. The cool air will set the shape of your hair, helping your blowout last longer. It also adds shine by closing the cuticle.
Tip: Hold the cool shot button for a few seconds on each section to ensure the style holds.
Finishing Touches
Once your blowout is complete, it’s time to add some finishing touches for a polished, salon worthy look.
Add Volume
If you want more volume, flip your head upside down and give your roots a final blast of air. This will lift the hair and create more fullness.
Tip: Teasing the roots gently with a fine tooth comb can add extra volume if needed.
Smooth Flyaways and Frizz
To finish your blowout, apply a light finishing spray or a small amount of hair serum to smooth down any flyaways or frizz. Be careful not to over apply, as too much product can weigh down the hair.
Long Lasting Hold
To keep your blowout in place throughout the day, use a flexible hold hairspray. This will keep your style intact without making it stiff or crunchy.
Troubleshooting Common Blowout Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned, but don’t worry! Here’s how to fix some common blowout issues.
Flat Hair
If your blowout feels flat, it may be because you didn’t add enough volume at the roots. Try using a root lifting spray before blow drying and work more volume into the roots with a round brush.
Frizz
Frizz is a common problem, especially for those with curly or textured hair. To avoid frizz, always use a heat protectant before blow drying and finish with a serum or smoothing spray to lock in moisture.
Too Much Heat Damage
If you’re noticing that your hair is looking dry or damaged, it could be due to excessive heat. Ensure that you’re not using the highest heat setting, and always apply a heat protectant before drying.
Pro Tips for a Salon Quality Blowout
- Invest in a high quality blow dryer to speed up the process and reduce damage.
- Use the right round brush size for your hair length and desired style.
- Don’t rush take your time with each section to ensure even, smooth results.
- Finish with a shine serum for a glossy, professional look.
Conclusion
Achieving the perfect blowout at home is completely possible, and with the right tools and technique, you’ll be able to enjoy a shiny, voluminous style without ever stepping foot in a salon.
Remember to start with clean, damp hair, use the right products, and take your time as you style each section. With a little practice, you’ll have a blowout that turns heads!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my blowout last longer?
- To extend the life of your blowout, avoid touching your hair too much and use a light hairspray to set the style. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase can also help maintain the blowout overnight.
- What round brush size should I use?
- If you have short hair, use a smaller round brush. For longer hair, opt for a larger brush to create volume and smoothness.
- Can I use a blow dryer without a nozzle?
- While it’s possible, using a nozzle will help direct the airflow more precisely, resulting in a smoother finish and less frizz.
- How often should I wash my hair before blow drying?
- Washing your hair every other day is generally enough. Over washing can strip your hair of natural oils, making it harder to style.
- Can I blow dry my hair without using heat protectant?
- It’s not recommended. Heat protectant helps prevent damage from high temperatures and keeps your hair healthy and shiny.