Hairdresser Tips for a Perfect Blow-Dry

A great blow-dry can add volume, shine, and silky smoothness to your hair, but get it wrong, and you could end up with frizz, flatness, or heat damage. Check out our tips for how to blow-dry your hair so you get a salon-worthy finish every time.

Hairdresser Tips for Blow-Dry Perfection: Prep Your Hair Properly

Every stylist knows that the key to a flawless blow-dry begins long before you even turn on the hair dryer. Preparing your hair can mean the difference between frizzy hair and a sleek, smooth finish. Take the following steps to lay the perfect foundation for your blow-dry:

• Wash with the right shampoo. Use a shampoo tailored to your hair’s needs. If you have curly hair, opt for moisturising shampoos containing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba oil. For those with fine hair, volumising shampoos with panthenol and hydrolysed proteins can be beneficial and give your strands a thicker appearance.

  Always choose shampoos that are free from sulphates. Sulphate-free shampoos are gentler on your hair and help maintain its natural oils, leading to smoother blow-drying results.

• Never skip the conditioner. Conditioners help add moisture back to your hair, making it easier to detangle and reducing breakage when brushing. Finishing your rinse with cool or lukewarm water can help seal the hair cuticles, leading to a shinier blowout.
• Towel dry gently. Traditional terry cloth towels can be rough on hair and increase frizz. A microfiber towel is gentler and more absorbent. Rubbing can cause hair breakage and frizz. Instead, gently squeeze or dab your hair with the towel to remove excess water.
• Detangle with care. When combing out tangles, always start with the tips and work your way up to the roots. This method reduces breakage and is gentler on your hair. Wide-tooth combs are great for detangling without causing breakage.

Hairdresser Tips for Blow-Dry Perfection: Choose the Right Equipment

The tools you select are vital in achieving a salon-standard blow-dry at home. Some of the best choices for blow-drying equipment include:

• Invest in a quality hair dryer. Dryers with ionic technology release negative ions, which reduce static and frizz while speeding up the drying process. Multiple heat settings allow you to control the amount of heat according to your hair type, preventing unnecessary damage.

  A concentrator nozzle helps direct airflow precisely where you want it, giving it a smoother finish and more control when styling straight hair. A diffuser is perfect for those with curly or wavy hair; a diffuser spreads out the airflow to enhance natural texture without causing frizz.

• Pick the perfect brush. A large round brush is ideal for creating volume, especially at the roots. A ceramic or tourmaline barrel can distribute heat more evenly, offering smoother results. A paddle brush is excellent for achieving a sleek, straight finish, while a boar bristle brush helps distribute the hair’s natural oils, offering a shinier and smoother finish.
• Consider additional styling tools. If you aim for a poker-straight finish, a good quality hair straightener can be used post blow-dry to perfect the look. For waves or curls after your blow-dry, invest in a curling wand that suits your desired curl size.

Hairdresser Tips for Blow-Dry Perfection: Mastering the Blow-Dry for a Salon-Quality Finish

Blow-drying your hair at home and achieving salon-worth results is entirely possible with the right technique and a bit of know-how. A blow-dry can give your hair volume, shine, and a smooth finish when done correctly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the perfect blow-dry.

• Apply a heat protectant. Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum to wet hair before blow-drying. It forms a protective barrier on the hair shaft, preventing heat damage and breakage. Many heat protectants are available, each tailored to different hair types and desired finishes. Some offer shine, while others focus on volume or smoothing.
• Section your hair for a polished look. Use hair clips to divide your hair into manageable sections slightly smaller than the width of your brush. Typically, starting at the nape of the neck and moving upward works best.

  Sectioning ensures that every strand gets equal attention. It also lets you focus on one area at a time, ensuring a smooth and polished finish. For thick hair, consider creating smaller sections. For finer hair, larger sections might suffice.

  Initially, rough dry your hair using your fingers to remove excess moisture. Once the hair is about 80% dry, switch to your brush.

• Start with the roots. Beginning at the roots ensures the hair is lifted from the scalp, which is crucial for adding volume and preventing a flat look. Tilt your head slightly forward and direct the dryer’s heat towards your scalp. Move in a circular motion to distribute heat evenly.

  Start with medium heat to prevent hair damage. Only use high heat for very wet sections.

• Use the nozzle. The nozzle concentrates the airflow and offers a directed stream of hot air. This targeted approach is essential for precision styling. Always point the nozzle downward, moving along the direction of the hair shaft away from the root. Doing this ensures the hair cuticles lie flat, resulting in minimised frizz and maximised shine.

  Hold the dryer at least 15 cm away from your hair to avoid heat damage.

Add the Finishing Touches

After diligently following the blow-drying techniques, adding the final touches is crucial to seal in your style and ensure your hair remains gorgeous all day. Here’s how to give your blow-dry a professional finish.

• Cool down. Switching your dryer to a cool setting and giving your hair a blast of cold air helps to close the hair cuticles, enhance shine, and set your style. Focus the cool air on the ends to seal in moisture and prevent split ends.
• Hair serums & oils. These products add a layer of shine and help tame any remaining frizz. Rub a few drops between your palms and gently smooth over your hair. Start from mid-length and work your way to the ends. Avoid the roots to prevent your hair from looking greasy.
• Volumizing products. Consider using a volumising powder or spray if you crave more volume, especially at the roots. Lightly sprinkle or spray onto the roots, then use your fingers to tease and lift the hair for added height.
• Hairspray for hold. Select a hairspray that provides the right amount of hold depending on the look you’re going for. There are flexible, medium, and strong-hold sprays available. Hold the can about 30 cm away from your head and give it a light mist over your finished style. This will ensure your blow-dry remains intact throughout the day.

Visit Intaglio Hair Salon for More Hair Styling Tips

Intaglio Hair Salon is proud to deliver premium hairdressing services in Melbourne’s southern metro area. If you’re unsure about the best products or techniques for your hair type, book a consultation for advice. Our professional hairdressers are always available to help.