How to Blow Dry Hair

Some people think blow drying hair is very simple. However, there is more to it than you'd think. Your hair always looks better after it is blown in a hair salon than when you do it yourself, because stylists know what they're doing. Hairstylists' secrets to blow drying hair are not that complex, just a little taxing on the arms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Towel
• Mirror
• Blow dryer with a concentrator/targeting nozzle
• Detangler
• Wide toothed comb
• Brush
• Hair clips
• Smoothing serum or hair spray

1. Shampoo and condition your hair. Gently squeeze as much water out as you can and wrap it in a towel for at least five minutes. If you don't have five minutes, blot your hair to get it as dry as possible, but don't rub.
2. Spray or apply detangling product if desired and comb out the tangles with a wide-toothed comb.
3. Direct the air flow from the dryer down the hair shaft from the roots to the ends. This means using a concentrator/targeting nozzle on your hair dryer and holding it above your head to project the air flow down, mimicking the way a hairstylist would do if you were in a salon. It is no easy task to hold a hair dryer above your head for an extended period of time, and can be tiring.
4. Keep the blow dryer at least six inches away from your head and do not direct the flow of air to one section for longer than a few seconds at a time to prevent overheating the hair. Comb your fingers through your hair while drying to keep hair from tangling. Do this until your hair is 80 percent dry.
5. Apply the desired styling product to your hair. The less product you use, the softer your hair will be. Mousse or gel mousse should be used for fine or thin hair to medium textured hair, or if you wish to give your hair body and curl. With thick hair, you can use extra strength mousse, gel or creams. To achieve straight, sleek hair use straightening products.
6. Separate your hair into three to four sections. Clip all hair up, leaving one section down to dry. If you have very thick hair, you may need to separate it into more sections.
7. Choose the brush. Use a paddle brush (flat and wide brush) if you desire a straight hair style and a round brush for volume and texture. Brush your hair while continuing to dry hair with the airflow directed downward until each section is dry. Start drying with hot air first, then when almost dry, use cold air. The heat opens the cuticle, which helps to style the hair and the cold air locks the set.
8. Apply a smoothing serum or hair spray last to hold your style.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no need to shake the hair dryer when drying your hair. It doesn't help it to dry faster or prevent damage. Just don't keep the airflow on one area for more than a few seconds.
• Rubbing your hair with a towel will cause damage to your cuticles and cause split ends.
• Don't use a brush the entire time you are blow drying your hair. You will only tire out your arm if you do. The hair doesn't begin taking shape until it is at least 80 percent dry.