The Art of the Perfect Blowout

A great blowout can make you feel like you just walked out of a salon. While it takes practice to master, anyone can learn to create beautiful, bouncy hair at home. Here's your step-by-step guide to the perfect blowout.

Start with the Right Products

A great blowout starts in the shower. Use a volumizing shampoo and a lightweight conditioner. After towel-drying, apply a heat protectant throughout your hair, followed by a volumizing mousse or styling cream at the roots.

Rough Dry First

Before you pick up a brush, rough dry your hair until it's about 80% dry. Use your fingers to lift the roots as you dry, moving the dryer around to prevent concentrating heat in one spot. This initial drying reduces overall styling time and prevents damage.

Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips. Start with a horizontal part at the nape of your neck, clipping the rest of your hair up. You'll work from the bottom up, releasing more hair as you go.

Master Your Technique

Wrap a section of hair around a round brush, starting at the roots. Point the dryer nozzle down the hair shaft (from root to tip) to smooth the cuticle. Apply tension with the brush while rotating it as you dry. Finish by blasting the section with cool air to set the style.

Choose the Right Brush

The size of your round brush matters. Large barrels create looser waves and volume, while smaller barrels give tighter curls and more definition. For most blowouts, a medium-sized round brush is a good all-purpose choice.

Focus on the Roots

Volume comes from the roots. When drying each section, lift it at a 90-degree angle from your head and direct heat at the roots before working through the length. This creates lift that lasts all day.

Finish with Style

Once all sections are dry, flip your head upside down and give it a light shake. Apply a small amount of shine serum to your palms and smooth it over your hair. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain your style without stiffness.