Blow drying your own hair can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, tools, and a little bit of practice, you can achieve salon-worthy results right at home. This article is designed to guide you step by step on how to blow dry your own hair, giving you tips and tricks that will help you become your own stylist. Let’s get started!
“The goal is not just about drying your hair, but it’s about prepping it for the style that you want to achieve. – Celebrity Hair Stylist”
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover:
- Choosing the right hair dryer: Not all hair dryers are created equal and using the right one can make a significant difference in your hair drying routine.
- Proper blow drying techniques: We’ll guide you on how to blow dry your hair without damaging it, maintaining its health and shine.
- Products to enhance your blow drying routine: The right product can help protect your hair from heat and give it a professional finish.
- Sectioning and drying your hair: This is the key to manageable and efficient blow drying. We’ll teach you the best way to section your hair.
- Aftercare: What should you do after blow drying your hair? We’ll share tips on how to maintain your salon-fresh look.Choosing the your own hair. Let your hair journey begin!
Choosing the right blow dryer for salon-quality results
Style is heavily influenced by tools, and when it comes to blow drying, the right blow dryer can make a world of difference. It’s not just hot air, after all. Whether your hair is curly, straight, thin, or thick, choosing the right blow dryer can help you get salon-quality results at home.
Firstly, an important feature to look for in a hairdryer is the wattage. Greater wattage equals more power, thus creating a stronger air flow for faster drying. A blow dryer with a wattage between 1800 to 2000 is ideal. This higher wattage will be kinder to your hair, as less exposure time to heat reduces the chances of damage.
Consider blow dryers with different heat settings. Having the ability to adjust the temperature gives you control and can be adapted to different hair types. Lower settings are ideal for finer hair to prevent overheating, whereas coarse or thick hair may require a higher setting.
Equally important is the inclusion of a cool shot button. Once your hair is dry, this feature can help set the style in place and add shine by closing the hair cuticle. So look for this feature in your next hairdryer.
Here’s a handy tip: don’t overlook the weight of the blow dryer. If the dryer is too heavy, it might make the blow drying process tiring and affect the results. Try and opt for a lightweight model for the best user experience.
Lastly, think about investing in a hair dryer with an ionic function. These devices release negative ions, which help break down water molecules on the hair surface more rapidly. Resultantly, it speeds up drying time and reduces frizz, leaving your hair silky and shiny. Beware, though, it might flatten fine hair, so if volume is your goal, you should perhaps skip this feature.
In conclusion, buying a blow dryer might seem like a simple task, but keep in mind these points, and you’ll end up with not just any blow dryer, but your perfect blow dryer. An ideal hair drying routine begins with the right tool.
Prepping your hair: The essential steps before blow drying
Before we begin applying heat to your hair, there are a few key steps we must take to ensure the best results. This isn’t just about fully protecting your hair from potential damage, though that is important, but also about prepping your hair in the best way possible to get a beautiful, salon-quality blow dry.
First, shampoo and condition your hair. You’re probably thinking, “Well, duh,” but it’s surprisingly easy to gloss over this step in our hurry to get the ‘blow-dry look.’ Washing thoroughly removes any build-up of oils and product, and conditioning afterwards helps smooth the cuticle of the hair, reducing frizz and enhancing shine.
Towel-dry your hair before you begin blow drying. Shockingly—pardon the pun—electricity and water aren’t the best of friends, and drying your hair a little first will drastically cut down your blow-drying time. But remember, don’t rub your hair with the towel, as this can cause breakage. Instead, gently press the towel against your locks to absorb the excess moisture.
Note: An old t-shirt or microfiber towel is an excellent alternative to traditional bath towels to reduce frizz and breakage.
Next, apply a heat protectant. We can’t stress this enough. Skipping this crucial step could leave your hair vulnerable to heat damage. The product forms a protective barrier that helps prevent your hair from drying out and breaking. For even application, use a wide-tooth comb to spread the protectant from root to tip.
The Perfect Blow-Dry Setup
Once you have prepped your hair, it’s time to set up the perfect blow-dry station. This may seem like an extra step, but trust us, it makes a world of difference.
Make sure you have your blow dryer, diffuser, flat brush, round brush, sectioning clips, and a mirror at your disposal. Remember to use a mirror that allows you to see the back of your head clearly. You don’t want any spots to be left damp or frizzy, do you?
Now that you’re all set, you’re ready to move on to the next stage of the process—sectioning your hair. This is where you’ll begin to see the results of all your prep work.
Protecting your hair: The importance of heat protectant products
Now that you’ve got a handle on the correct blow dryer, the prep work, and have set yourself up for success, let’s address a critical aspect: the importance of applying heat protectant products before blow drying your hair. Wondering why this is necessary? In essence, a heat protectant shields your hair from the potential damage caused by heat styling tools, including your blow dryer. It’s like sunscreen for your hair – non-negotiable!
- Heat Damage Shield: High temperatures from your blow dryer strip your hair of its natural moisture, making it prone to dryness, breakage, and frizz. A heat protectant applies a protective coating on your hair shaft, mitigating the negative effects of excessive heat.
- Adding Strength and Shine: Many heat protectant products come infused with additional beneficial ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or silk proteins that nourish your hair, leaving it stronger and shinier.
- Slowing Color Fade: For those with color-treated hair, heat can accelerate the color fading process. A good heat protectant can preserve your hair color’s vibrancy for a longer duration.
Now that you know the benefits of using heat protectants, it’s key to understand how to use them effectively. Start by applying an adequate amount evenly to your damp hair, from root to tip. Avoid using too much as it weighs your hair down. Also, use them every time you blow dry your hair.
Remember, a heat protectant is not an optional step but a crucial part of the entire blow drying process. Just as you wouldn’t head out into the sun without slapping on some sunscreen, never expose your hair to a heat styling tool without giving it its own form of protection.
In conclusion, adopting the right technique, using quality products, and appropriating the correct tools can make a world of difference to your hair. It’s not just about achieving the perfect style—it’s also about maintaining the health of your hair whilst doing so. So make sure you’re incorporating a heat protectant into your every blow drying session.
Sectioning your hair: How to divide your hair for easier blow drying
Sectioning your hair simplifies the blow-drying process. By dividing your hair into manageable parts, you’ll find it easier to focus on each section, making sure every strand gets the heat and direction it requires to produce a smooth, well-formed style. Let’s delve into this technique that can make a world of difference to your DIY blow dry routine. The Basic Sectioning Method To begin, make sure your hair is completely untangled. Next, use a comb to trace a line from your forehead to the nape of your neck. This divides your hair into two major sections – left and right. Then, further divide each of these sections into smaller, more manageable chunks. These chunks can be anywhere between one to two inches thick. Start at the base of your neck, move forward towards your forehead, and secure each section with a hair clip until you’re ready to work on it. Remember: The thickness of each section will depend on your hair’s thickness and texture. If you have thin hair, larger sections will work fine. If you have thick or coarse hair, you might need to make your sections smaller to ensure even heat distribution. Don’t stress about making each section perfect – the key is to keep the divisions equally manageable, regardless of whether you’re a novice or an old hand at blowing out your own locks. The primary goal is to ensure that every strand receives equal attention in order to instill a flawless, salon-worthy finish. Sectioning your hair not only makes the process more efficient, but it also allows you to concentrate on specific areas, such as creating more volume at the roots or taming unruly ends. Advanced Sectioning Techniques There’s more to hair sectioning than just the basics, especially if you’re aiming for a professional level blowout. When sectioning, keep the following in mind: Diagonal sections: For a bouncy, voluminous finish, section your hair in diagonal lines rather than vertical or horizontal. This allows the hair to fall naturally, resulting in a much more dynamic blowout. Vertical sections: If you’re going for a straight, sleek look, vertical sections are the way to go. This maximizes your control during the blow-drying process, giving you that impeccable, silky smooth finish. Horizontal sections: This sectioning method is suited for shorter hair. Creating horizontal sections provides optimal lift to the hair, making it great for adding height and volume.
The right brush for the job: Which brush to use for your hair type
When it comes to blow drying, the brush you choose can really make or break the final look. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation; different brushes produce different results, each perfectly suited to different hair types. So let’s delve into the world of hairbrushes, shall we?
- Round Brushes: Round brushes are the go-to for most at-home blow dryers. Their design helps achieve a polished and voluminous lift. You can use it to straighten wavy hair or add a slight curl to the ends of straight hair. Boar bristle round brushes are particularly great for fine hair as they gently grip hair without causing breakages.
- Paddle Brushes: The paddle brush’s size and shape make it great for straightening and smoothing hair. It has a large and flat surface which speeds up the drying process. It’s ideally suited for longer hair types and is perfect for those with a ton of hair. It allows you to create a sleek, straight finish with ease.
- Vented Brushes: Vented brushes, as the name suggests, feature vents or holes to allow hot air to circulate through your hair, which helps speed up the drying time. They’re fantastic for natural, tousled styles and are great for people with thicker or curly hair types.
You may be wondering, what can you do to ensure that you’re making full use of your tools? Well, here’s a little tip! When using a round brush, let your hair cool down while it’s still wrapped around the brush. This trick allows your hair to set into your desired style, whether that’s smooth and straight or big and bouncy. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a natural, barely-there blow dry, a vented brush is your friend. Just remember to let your hair cool before touching to avoid frizz.
Choosing the right brush is all about understanding your hair type and the style you’re aiming for. Experiment a little, try out different brushes, and you’ll soon find your perfect match!
Blow drying techniques for different hair lengths and textures
Let’s explore the world of personalized blow drying. Yes, the secret behind that enviable hair lies not only in the list of products you use, but also in how you apply heat to your locks. Whether your crowning glory is long, short, straight, or curly, there’s an ultimate technique waiting just for you.
Long Hair
Blow drying long hair might seem daunting, but done correctly, it can yield stunning results. Always start at the roots, focusing on your crown area. Why? This is where you can create wonderful volume if you lift sections and blast them with air. Next, move to the mid-lengths and finally work down towards your ends. Remember, long hair is heavier and more prone to damage, so be careful not to overheat your strands.
Short Hair
When styling short hair, the technique changes, but the results are just as captivating. Begin at the sides and back of your head, where your fingers can lift the strands away from your scalp. What you aim to achieve here is not only dry hair but also added body and layers of style. Finally, attend to the hair on top, using vented brushes or round brushes for that perfect lift.
Straight Hair
Managing straight hair can be like handling a sleek, slippery satin cloth. No worries though, with the right blow drying technique, straight hair can be a shining beauty. Focus on aligning your hair cuticles by pointing your blow dryer’s nozzle downward. Not only will this prevent frizz, but it will also promote a lustrous, sleek finish.
Curly Hair
Ah, the romantic charm of curls! Here, the goal is to preserve your natural waves while taming any potential frizz. Use the diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to distribute heat evenly around your curls. Tilt your head in different directions, allowing your hair to fall into the diffuser cup naturally. Never fear the scrunch! This will boost your curls and maintain their structure as they dry.
A word of caution though: no matter your hair type, be mindful of the heat. Nobody wants hair that smells like burnt toast! A medium heat setting is usually optimal. You see, the way to achieve fabulous hair is not through extreme temperatures, but through patience, care and personalized techniques.
So, go on, arm yourself with your blow dryer and let the transformation begin!