You stride out of the salon looking and feeling like a million bucks, your hair bouncing with every step. But what if you could achieve that salon-quality blowout at home? With our help, you can combat frizz and get lasting shine after each wash, so every day feels like you're walking on a runway. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will show you How To Properly Blow Dry Hair for that perfect look.
Things You Should Know
- Heat Protectant: Always spritz your hair with a heat protectant spray before you start blow drying to prevent damage.
- Round Brush Technique: Twist your hair around a round brush using upward strokes while blow drying for maximum volume.
- Shine Serum: Smooth your hair with a hair oil or serum to add extra shine to your voluminous locks after blow drying.
Part 1: Preparation
1. Washing Your Hair
To achieve a salon-quality blowout, start with clean hair. Use a shampoo and conditioner that are sulfate and alcohol-free to avoid frizz and dry ends.
- Fine Hair: Wash every 2 to 3 days.
- Textured or Curly Hair: Wash every 5 to 7 days.
- Colored Hair: Wash every other day or every 3 days.
If you don't feel like a full wash, simply rinse your hair under the shower for a few minutes.
2. Drying Your Hair
Squeeze the excess moisture out of your hair with a towel. Your hair should be between 50% and 80% dry before blow drying. Wrap your hair in a 100% cotton towel or gently scrunch it with a microfiber towel.
- Tip: Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel to prevent friction, damage, and frizz.
3. Detangling
Detangle your damp hair with a wide-tooth comb or wet brush to ensure smoothness.
- Tip: Use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to make combing easier.
4. Applying Heat Protectant
Heat can damage hair follicles, causing brittleness and dryness. To prevent this, always apply a heat protectant spray.
- Tip: Leave-in conditioners can also protect your hair, especially the ends, but should not be used alone.
Part 2: Drying
1. Sectioning Your Hair
Separate your hair into two sections using hair clips. Use a comb to divide your hair along the top of your ears and around your head. Clip up the top section, so it's separated from the rest, and focus on drying the bottom layer first.
2. Blow Drying Technique
Grab a piece of hair from the bottom section no wider than your round brush. Brush through the hair to ensure no tangles. Curl your round brush under the section at the roots and pull on the brush to keep your hair taut while spinning the bristles.
- Tip: Use a metal round brush for extra shine, as the air from the blow dryer will heat the metal and help your hair hold its shape.
3. Cooling and Releasing Hair
Once your hair is dry, let it cool on the brush before releasing it. Hold the brush at the roots, slowly curl it to wrap the hair around the bristles, wait a couple of seconds, then gently pull the brush away.
- Tip: This technique adds extra shine for a sleek look.
4. Finishing the Bottom Layer
Work from back to front on either side of your head until the bottom layer is completely blown out. Then, remove your hair clip and divide the top layer into two sections. Continue blow drying small sections, moving the round brush up at the roots and down towards the ends, until all of your hair is dry.
- Tip: If you have thick hair, you may need to divide your hair into three or more sections.
Part 3: Styling
1. Adding Curls
For a retro look, curl the ends of your hair under. Divide your hair into two parts over your shoulders, scoop up the ends with your round brush, and hold your blow dryer against the bristles.
- Tip: For a 60s style, curl the brush away from your face.
2. Setting with Cool Air
Hair bends and morphs with heat. Once you're happy with your blown-out look, set it with cool air to keep it fabulous all day long.
- Tip: Use your round brush to brush your hair up in larger sections until it's cool to maintain volume.
3. Adding Shine
Run an oil or shine serum through your hair for a glossy finish. Rub a bit of oil or serum between your palms and gently comb your fingers through your hair's ends.
- Tip: Work from the bottom up to avoid adding extra oils to the scalp.
4. Taming Flyaways
Tame cowlicks and baby hairs with a small amount of styling cream or hair gel. Pat the product onto the stubborn hair to keep it in place.
- Tip: Use hairspray on a clean spoolie or toothbrush to smooth fine flyaways.
Expert Q&A
Q: How can I maintain my blowout for several days?
A: Sleep with your hair in a loose bun or braid and use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction.
Q: Why does my hair get frizzy after blow drying?
A: Ensure your hair is not too wet when you start blow drying, and always use a heat protectant.
Q: Can I blow dry my hair every day?
A: It's best to limit heat styling to avoid damage. Try to blow dry every few days and use protective styles in between.
Additional Tips
- Recommended Products: Invest in a good quality blow dryer and round brush. Look for products that suit your hair type.
- Hair Health: Use deep conditioning treatments regularly to keep your hair healthy and resilient.
- Practice: The more you practice, the better you'll get at achieving that perfect blowout.
Conclusion
With these steps, you can master How To Properly Blow Dry Hair at home and achieve a salon-quality blowout every time. Practice these techniques, experiment with different styles, and enjoy the confidence that comes with beautifully styled hair. Share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below!
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