Nothing beats the feeling of fresh, bouncy, smooth hair that moves like it has its own attitude. I’m talking blowout hair. That swish you see in hair commercials? Yeah, that. And the best part? You can totally get that look at home without booking a salon appointment.
So, What’s a Blowout Anyway?
A blowout is when you use a blow dryer and a brush to stretch, smooth, and shape your hair. No flat iron. No curling wand. Just your hands, some heat, and the right technique. When done right, it gives you body and shine, —even if you’re in your third day of dry shampoo and haven’t washed your hair since… let’s not talk about it.
Why Bother With a Blowout?
Because it makes your hair look amazing. Period. You get instant volume, a sleek finish, and it can last for days—like, 3 to 5 if you sleep cute and don’t get caught in the rain. It works for all hair types too. Straight, wavy, frizzy—there’s a blowout version for all of us. If you’re tired of your hair falling flat five minutes after styling it, this is your new secret weapon.
What You’ll Need to Blowout Hair
Tools I Swear By:
- A round brush (for volume) or a paddle brush (for smoothness).
- A blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle. The nozzle’s not optional. It helps you focus the airflow and cut down on frizz.
- Sectioning clips.
- You could also throw in some rollers if you’re feeling fancy or want more shape.
Products That Actually Do Something:
- Heat protectant. Non-negotiable. Your ends will thank you later.
- Volumizing mousse or something with a little grit.
- A texture spray or hairspray to lock everything in place once you’re done.
Okay, Let’s Do This – Step-by-Step
1. Start Clean-ish
Wash and condition your hair. Nothing too heavy. Towel-dry, then go in with your heat protectant and whatever styling product you’re using. I like leave in conditioner with a heat protectant because it conditions while protecting my hair.
2. Rough Dry
Blast your hair with the dryer until it’s about 80% dry. No brush yet. This isn’t about technique—it’s just about getting most of the water out fast. Bonus: it gives your roots a natural lift.
3. Section Like a Pro (or Try To)
Split your hair into 4 to 6 sections depending on how thick it is. Clip everything up and work one section at a time. This is how you avoid that half-curly-half-wet mess I used to end up with when I rushed things.
4. Pull, Roll, Repeat
Take your brush and start from root to ends, pulling the hair tight and rolling it under at the bottom if you want a little curl or bounce. Aim the dryer down the hair shaft. Always. That’s how you get shine and not fluff.
5. Seal It With Cool
When each section is dry, blast it with the cool shot. It sets the shape and makes everything smoother. Don’t skip it. It actually makes a difference.
Want Your Blowout to Look Salon-Level? Try These Tips
- Smaller sections = better results. I know, it takes longer. But it’s worth it.
- Play with your dryer’s settings. Ionic on for sleekness. Off if you want more volume.
- Clip each section in pin curls after you dry it and let it cool. It sets the shape better. Think of it like baking—let it rest.
What Could Go Wrong? (And How to Save It)
- Frizz? Try using a narrower nozzle or go down a notch on heat.
- Roots flat? Flip your head while drying and lift the hair with your brush.
- Still damp after 20 minutes? You skipped rough drying. Keeping It Cute for Days
Want that blowout to survive your sleep habits? Here’s what I do:
- Sleep with your hair in a loose high pony or bun using a silk scrunchie.
- Use a satin pillowcase or bonnet. Regular cotton? Nah. It’ll suck the moisture out and kill your vibe.
- Dry shampoo and a quick fluff with the dryer can bring it back to life by day three.
Also, I go into more detail in my night hair care post, if you need sleep-proofing tips that don’t involve sleeping like a statue.
Switch It Up
Want smooth and straight? Paddle brush it. Want bounce and movement? Use a round brush. You can even finish the look with a curling wand or rollers if you’re going for that blowout-meets-glam vibe. I do that when I want to fake a “professional” blowout for date night.
Is It Bad for My Hair?
Only if you’re doing it all the time with no heat protection. Be smart. Use good products. Don’t crank your dryer to the highest setting every single time. Deep condition in between and your hair will be fine.
Speaking of which, if you’re into hair health (which, let’s be honest, you should be), you might like my post on healthy hair care for natural or relaxed hair.
Quick Q&A Time
How long does a blowout last?
Three to five days, depending on how you treat it and your hair type. If you’re oily or live in a humid place, keep that dry shampoo handy.
Can I blowout wet hair?
Not straight out of the shower, no. Let it air dry a bit or rough dry it until it’s almost dry before you go in with the brush.
Round vs. paddle brush—what’s better?
Depends what you want. Round gives you body and shape. Paddle gives you that sleek, straight finish. I honestly switch depending on my mood.
Hi, my name is Natalie and I love all things beauty and hair care. I started this blog in 2017 to share my thoughts on ideas when it comes to hair care and the beauty industry.
I provide information about the many hair care questions you may have and also provide product reviews.
I want to make a career out of my love for the beauty industry and eventually become a licensed hair stylist.
