There’s something undeniably luxurious about a salon blowout. The volume, shine, and smoothness achieved in a professional setting can transform your look and boost your confidence. However, regular visits to the salon can be time-consuming and costly. The good news is that with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can achieve a salon-worthy blowout in the comfort of your own home. This guide will walk you through the steps to create that perfect blowout, helping you to master the art of hairstyling and enjoy beautiful, voluminous hair whenever you desire.
Step 1: Start with Clean, Prepped Hair
The foundation of a great blowout is clean, well-prepped hair. Start by washing your hair with a high-quality shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type. If you have fine hair, opt for volumizing products to add body and lift. For thick or frizzy hair, use smoothing or moisturizing formulas to help control frizz and add shine.
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from your hair with a towel. Avoid rubbing your hair with the towel, as this can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, use a blotting motion to soak up the moisture. Once your hair is towel-dried, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangler to help with manageability and to protect your hair from heat damage.
Step 2: Apply Heat Protectant
Heat protection is crucial when using any hot tools on your hair. A heat protectant creates a barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing damage and keeping your hair healthy and shiny. Choose a product that matches your hair type—there are sprays, creams, and serums available depending on your needs. For finer hair, a lightweight spray works best, while thicker or coarser hair might benefit from a cream or serum.
Apply the heat protectant evenly throughout your damp hair, making sure to coat every strand. This step is essential to ensure your hair remains protected and nourished during the blow-drying process.
Step 3: Section Your Hair
One of the keys to a professional-looking blowout is working in sections. By dividing your hair into manageable parts, you can focus on each area individually, ensuring that you achieve even volume and smoothness throughout.
Start by dividing your hair into four sections: two at the front and two at the back. Use hair clips to secure each section, keeping the hair you’re not working on out of the way. If your hair is particularly thick or long, you may want to create additional sections to make the process easier.
Step 4: Choose the Right Tools
To achieve a salon-worthy blowout, investing in the right tools is essential. The most important tool in your arsenal is a high-quality blow dryer. Look for a blow dryer with adjustable heat and speed settings, as well as a cool shot button to help set your style. Ionic dryers are particularly effective for reducing frizz and enhancing shine.
In addition to a blow dryer, you’ll need a round brush. The size of the brush depends on the length of your hair and the style you want to achieve. A larger barrel brush is ideal for creating volume and loose waves, while a smaller barrel brush works well for shorter hair or more defined curls. Make sure the brush has a ceramic or metal barrel, which will help distribute heat evenly and reduce drying time.
Step 5: Begin Blow-Drying
Now that your hair is prepped, sectioned, and you have the right tools at hand, it’s time to start the blow-drying process. Begin with one of the back sections of your hair. Release the section from the clip and use the round brush to gently pull the hair taut. Position the blow dryer about six inches away from your hair and start drying from the roots to the ends. Use the nozzle attachment on your blow dryer to direct the airflow and prevent frizz.
As you dry each section, roll the brush under the hair to create volume at the roots. Continue this motion as you move down the length of your hair, rotating the brush to add a slight curl or wave at the ends. Be patient and take your time with each section, ensuring that the hair is completely dry before moving on to the next.
For added volume, lift the hair at the roots with the round brush and blow-dry from underneath. This technique helps create lift and fullness, giving your hair that bouncy, voluminous look that’s the hallmark of a salon blowout.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Once you’ve dried all sections of your hair, it’s important to set your style with a blast of cool air. Most blow dryers come with a cool shot button, which allows you to lock in your style and add shine. Use the cool shot on each section after drying to help the hair set in place.
If you want to enhance the shape of your curls or waves, you can roll the sections of your hair around Velcro rollers after drying. Leave the rollers in place for a few minutes while your hair cools completely. This will help define the curls and add extra volume.
Step 7: Finish with the Right Products
The final step in achieving a salon-worthy blowout is to finish your style with the right products. A lightweight hairspray will help hold your style in place without weighing down your hair. Opt for a flexible hold hairspray that allows your hair to move naturally while maintaining the volume and shape.
If you have flyaways or frizz, a small amount of smoothing serum or hair oil can work wonders. Apply a tiny amount to your fingertips and lightly run them over the surface of your hair to tame any stray strands. Be careful not to use too much product, as this can make your hair look greasy or weighed down.
For added shine, a finishing spray or shine mist can give your hair that extra boost, leaving it looking glossy and healthy. These products are usually applied from a distance to lightly coat the hair without adding too much weight.
Step 8: Maintain Your Blowout
To extend the life of your blowout, avoid touching your hair too much throughout the day, as the oils from your hands can cause it to lose volume. If your roots start to get oily, use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your style. Apply the dry shampoo to the roots, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush it out to distribute the product evenly.
At night, loosely tie your hair in a high ponytail or bun to prevent it from getting flattened while you sleep. A silk pillowcase can also help reduce friction and keep your hair smooth and frizz-free.
