Blow drying is an art that, when mastered, can elevate your hair game to new heights. The right technique can transform your locks from mundane to magnificent, adding volume, shine, and a touch of glamour. In this blog post, we’ll explore different blow drying techniques that cater to various hair types, textures, and styles, allowing you to achieve picture-perfect results every time you style your hair.

1. Classic Blowout Technique: Sleek and Smooth

Objective: Achieving a polished, smooth finish with a sleek appearance.

1. Preparation:
   • Start with clean, towel-dried hair.
   • Apply a smoothing or heat protectant product such as Davines Melu Shield Heat Protection to enhance shine and reduce frizz.
2. Technique:
   • Divide your hair into sections.
   • Use a round brush to lift the hair at the roots, directing the airflow from roots to ends.
   • Keep the nozzle of the blow dryer pointing downward for a smooth finish.
   • Roll the ends of the hair inward or outward for a polished look.
3. Tip:
   • Finish with Kenra Anti-Humidity Spray to reduce frizz and add shine.

2. Voluminous Blowout Technique: Lift and Bounce

Objective: Creating maximum volume and bounce for a glamorous, voluminous look.

1. Preparation:
   • Begin with clean, towel-dried hair.
   • Apply a volumizing mousse, such as Kenra Volume Mousse 12 or volume spray, such as Kenra Root Lifting Spray 13, to the roots for added lift.
2. Technique:
   • Flip your hair upside down and blow dry from the roots to create volume.
   • Use a large round brush to lift and curl the hair at the roots.
   • Concentrate on the crown for extra lift and bounce.
   • Finish by flipping your hair back and styling as desired. Finishing off with Kenra Volume Spray 25.
3. Tip:
   • For additional volume, tease the roots gently after blow drying.

3. Natural Texture Enhancement: Embrace Your Curls or Waves

Objective: Enhancing and defining your natural curls or waves.

1. Preparation:
   • Start with damp, detangled hair. Using Amika the Wizard Silicone-Free Detangling Primer will help you with this step!
   • Apply a curl-enhancing product, such as Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream for definition.
2. Technique:
   • Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to disperse the airflow evenly. Conair Volumizing Universal Hair Diffuser works on most dryers.
   • Twist sections of curls and then scrunch your hair while blow drying to enhance natural curls or waves.
   • Allow your hair to air-dry slightly before using the diffuser for a more natural finish.
3. Tip:
   • Avoid touching your hair too much while blow drying to minimize frizz.

4. Straightening Technique: Silky, Straight Perfection

Objective: Achieving a sleek, straight finish with minimal frizz.

1. Preparation:
   • Begin with clean, towel-dried hair.
   • Apply a straightening or smoothing serum for a sleek finish. I love Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Balm.
2. Technique:
   • Use a paddle brush like the Ionic Paddle Hair Brush or a large round brush like the Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion to guide the hair straight as you blow dry.
   • Keep the nozzle of the blow dryer pointing downward for a smooth result.
   • Work in sections, starting from the bottom and moving upwards.
3. Tip:
   • Use the cool setting to set the straightened style and add shine.

5. Curly Hair Defined: Preserve and Embrace the Curl Pattern

Objective: Defining and preserving natural curls for a defined, frizz-free look.

1. Preparation:
   • Start with clean, detangled, and well-moisturized hair.
   • Apply a curl-defining product to enhance and maintain the natural curl pattern. My favorite is the Amika Curl Corps Defining Cream.
2. Technique:
   • Use a diffuser attachment on low heat to gently dry the curls.
   • Allow the curls to form naturally by cupping them in the diffuser.
   • Scrunch the hair periodically while diffusing to encourage curl definition.
3. Tip:
   • Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz, preserving your curls overnight.

Blow drying is a versatile skill that can be adapted to suit various hair types and styles. Whether you’re aiming for sleek and smooth, voluminous and bouncy, or embracing your natural texture, the right blow drying technique can make all the difference. Experiment with these techniques to discover the one that enhances your unique style and brings out the best in your hair. With a bit of practice and the right tools, you’ll be on your way to achieving picture-perfect hair with every blowout. Have a great hair day!

Allyson Hankley-Master Stylist @ Embryn Color Bar