We’ll go to lengths to score a smooth, bouncy blowout, but that doesn’t mean we need to hire a pro! Unfortunately, achieving a perfect blowout at home can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily, plenty of stylist have taken their time to give pointers for the best way to approach a perfect blowout, and we have those tips right here!
Dry Off Your Hair Properly
Before bringing heat to your hair, you must make sure all of the excess moisture is out first. Make sure to go gently on your hair, using either an old cotton t shirt to dry it or pat your hair with a towel rather than rub it, which creates frizz, dryness, and weakness. Ryan Richman, an LA based stylist who has worked with actresses Sarah Hyland and Olivia Holt says, “Don’t twist and toss your hair around with your towel. Use a wide tooth comb and gently detangle your hair, then use your towel to blot dry starting at the scalp and working your way down to the ends.”
Apply Heat Protecting Spray
You want to start blow drying with fairly wet hair to get the smoothest result, according to Richman, so make sure not to remove all excess moisture from the hair. Before starting the blow dryer, it is important you apply heat protecting spray first. “These products contain polymers that form a film on the surface of the hair that dissipates the heat,” says a cosmetic chemist by the name of Joseph Cincotta. Pay particular attention to the ends, which tend to get the most abuse and are also the most damaged and delicate.
Begin Drying
Always start with your roots first. With your head flipped over, massage your roots while blasting them with warm air. To tame any cowlicks or unruly pieces, hold them flat with a brush and blast with hot air for five seconds. Then use the cool-shot button on your blow-dryer to lock them into place. As you’re drying your hair, make sure to wrap each section of hair tightly around a brush as you pull it through you hair and follow with the nozzle.
While blowing out your hair, make sure to keep the nozzle always pointing down the hair shaft, and that it’s a couple of inches away from your hair at all time, otherwise you’ll completely fry. Keeping it a few inches away smoothes the cuticle and creates a nice shine on your hair. If you have coarse hair, move the blow dryer quickly to prevent any frizz. If it does begin to frizz, spritz that section with a little bit of water moments before drying.
Try Something New
Don’t be afraid to try something new when blowing out your hair, such as a diffuser. Richman says certain styles demand a diffuser, and the tool is a necessity if you’re trying to preserve natural curl or wave. If you want volume, either lean your head back or flip your head over and dry with the diffuser. Don’t use your fingers, because that can cause frizz, according to Richman. If your hair is very curly, use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to avoid frizz.
Use the Right Ponytail
To make your blowout last as long as possible, knowing proper ponytail etiquette is major key says Tim Rogers, creative director of Living Proof and a stylist at the Sally Hershberger salon in NYC who has worked with Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick.
If you’re trying to maintain a straight blowout, pull your ponytail to the back of your neck so that hair stays flat. If you’re going for bouncy volume, do the opposite and pull it high up on your head into a topknot. Try your best to avoid elastic bands, as they will leave a dent. Rogers likes to pull hair into a high knot on the back of the head and secure with pins only to avoid elastic dent syndrome completely.
Maintenance
Another way to preserve your blowout is to take some dry shampoo to it. Work it into your roots to absorb any excess oil, especially for things such as sweating at the gym that create oily hair more easily. At night, it does help to sleep on silk or satin sheets to minimize friction that can cause tangles or frizz. Otherwise, wrapping your hair in a silk scarf also does the trick.
While home blowouts can be a bit more difficult, they certainly are achievable. All it takes is a little bit of effort and plenty of determination to create a beautiful blowout in no time!