Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just snap your fingers and miraculously find yourself flaunting a washed, blow-dried, and styled head of hair? Be that as it may, someone once said good hair doesn’t happen by chance, and that’s a fact. Behind every gorgeous hairdo is someone with the knowledge and skillset to style it. Within the world of hair, the most famous and sought-after skill of them all might just be the blowout—the art of blow-drying hair after a wash in order to achieve a desired style. With practice, patience, and the proper tools, anyone can successfully execute the perfect blowout. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to do just that.
Pre-dry the right way
Pre-drying your hair before styling is crucial to the blowout process. In the salon, professionals specifically use microfiber towels to towel dry all their clients. Microfiber towels are much gentler on hair than your standard terrycloth towel. They also absorb far more water at a faster rate. When towel drying, be sure to blot and squeeze the hair rather than attempting the “rubbing-till-it-hurts” method we all endured as kids.
Attach the concentrator nozzle to your blow dryer
Of all the attachment pieces that come with your blow dryer, there is one that reigns supreme—the concentrator nozzle. As the name suggests, a concentrator nozzle focuses the heat and airflow from your blow dryer to target specific sections of the head at a time. Utilizing this attachment not only encourages the lying down of your hair’s cuticle layer but also eliminates unwanted frizz.
Use a round brush with a ceramic barrel
Finding the right brush can be tricky. There are so many to choose from, and they each have a special purpose when it comes to styling. For a blowout, you’ll need a round brush with a ceramic barrel. Ceramic-coated brushes allow for optimal airflow and even heat distribution all over the head. Eliminating hot spots and breakage caused by traditional raw metal barreled or boar bristle brushes ensures a straighter, smoother, shinier finish every time.
Keep your hair hydrated
It’s no secret that nutrition is essential for your hair’s health. All the outdoor, water-centric activities of the summer can be incredibly harsh on hair. In order to fight frizz and reduce further damage to the cuticle layer, you’ll need deeply nutritive products that align with your hair type. For normal to thicker hair, check out MoroccanOil’s Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. For really coarse hair, try their Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner. And for those with finer hair, test out their Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. Need an extra boost of hydration? ColorWOW’s Coconut Dream Cocktail is the leave-in conditioner of your dreams.
Use products designed to repel humidity
There’s no way to avoid humidity altogether, but the right styling products can certainly prevent it from taking a toll on your hair. Products that create an anti-humectant barrier are essential for the summer. They work by sealing the cuticle layer and deflecting moisture in the air. One of the hottest products for this is ColorWOW’s Dream Coat—a spray that is weightless, but powerful. Now available in three versions: Normal, Extra Strength for hard-to-control hair, and Curly for the girls that like to go natural. If you prefer an oil, one of the best all-in-one products for frizz is K18’s Biomimetic Hair Oil—a silicone-free, weightless, non-greasy oil that protects hair from heat up to 450 degrees. It works to repair hair from the inside out and controls frizz for up to 24 hours.
Consider a smoothing treatment
It’s important to keep the cuticle layer of your hair happy and healthy year-round, especially during warmer months. Frizz comes from the raising of the cuticle layer, and the quickest way to repair this is with a smoothing treatment. Smoothing treatments add missing nutrition back to the hair, seal it in, and add a humidity-proof barrier that can last 3-6 months. A Brazilian Blowout is the most popular smoothing option on the market. This safe-for-all hair types, fully customizable treatment smooths hair, but leaves body and style-ability behind. For hair that is a bit more stubborn, a classic Keratin treatment will offer the same benefits with more curl relaxation that lasts up to 5 months.
Embrace a more natural look
When it comes to styling hair, work smarter not harder. You’ll fight your hair less when you embrace its natural body and texture. A proper curl-defining product can give just the right amount of emphasis to your natural waves while still fighting frizz. MoroccanOil has several different options ranging from their Beach Wave Mousse for wavier hair to their Curl Defining Mousse and Cream from curlier girls. If you’re looking for a hack that helps embrace and encourage natural texture, pull your hair back into a high ponytail before bed and wrap the ends around your ponytail holder. You can also braid damp hair and let it air dry for a great beachy look. Just be sure to use hair ties that won’t pull and snag your hair.
Go tighter with your curls
Whether you choose to curl your hair with a curling iron or a wand, it’s best to use a smaller barrel for the most long-lasting results. If you notice your curls are struggling to survive the day, reaching for a barrel that is smaller than the one you normally use should solve the problem. For example, if you currently use a 1 1/4-inch curling iron or wand, bump it down to a 1-inch or even a 3/4-inch barrel. The curls will be tighter at first, but the results are sure to last throughout the day and night.
Beautiful hair right at your fingertips
If the DIY life is not for you, schedule your next blow-out with one of our next-level GLAM stylists. Call 205-873-1953 or click here to book your appointment online.
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