1. The right tools make all the difference.
Your tools will make the biggest differences with a blow out! Do you want a smooth and shiny blowout? Use a round boar bristle brush. For a more volume and curl, use a wide metal brush. A nozzle on the end of your blow dryer will also help to ensure your hair cuticle gets as smooth as it possibly can.
2. Use the right product.
As much as the right set of tools will help you achieve a phenomenal blow out, so will the right product. My favorite go-to product is Bumble and Bumble Grooming Cream. Look for something that plays to your hair texture and be sure not to put too much. You will know if you’ve used too much if after your hair is fully dry it is too stiff or greasy looking.
3. Pre-dry your hair.
Before any brush touches your head make sure you pre-dry your hair. I pre-dry about 90% because if I didn’t it would take me a good hour to dry and I’d have very little arm strength left. If you have fine hair you might want to pre-dry to about 70%.
4. Section off the appropriate amount of hair.
When sectioning your hair, the rule of thumb is to not take more hair that the size of your brush. I like to take a little less to ensure every piece of hair is dry. The neater the sections the easier and quicker it is to get through your whole head.
5. Root direction determines volume.
If you pull the hair up when drying, it will create volume. If you pull it downward, it will create less volume. I adjust root direction all over. I start with less volume at the bottom and always pull straight up on my top section.
6. Keep good tension but don’t pull too hard!
Good tension is key in getting a smooth blowout. You want to be sure the hair is smooth and flat in order to get the best possible results. Just don’t putt too hard, it will create breakage.
7. Make sure every strand is 100% dry before moving on.
This step is extra crucial in a long lasting blowout. If you hair remains even the slightest bit damp the blow out will likely fall flat over the next few hours.
8. For smooth ends, really work them with the nozzle and brush.
If a section isn’t looking dry or seems a little fuzzy with flay aways, really worth that section with the brush. Point the nozzle down the hair shaft to blast it dry and close the cuticle. It will get there, you just need to give it some love.
9. Bangs get separate treatment.
Bangs are special. They never seem to do what you want them to. There are so many ways to dry bangs, seriously, google it and you will find countless videos and tutorials. My rule of thumb is to use a flat brush and brush in the opposite direction I want them to fall in. I use my forehead as a surface to smooth them out. It really depends on the style you are going for and your hair texture. Experiment and remember what works best for you!
10. Finish the right way.
Now that you have given yourself the perfect salon blowout it’s time to ensure it lasts. I like to flip my head upside-down and give my hair a cool blast from the blow dryer. I follow up with a light aerosol hairspray like Aveda’s AirControl and then give my ends a little separation and shine with Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine.
