Mastering the Art of Blow-Drying

Nothing beats a salon-quality blowout! But when you can’t make it to the salon, you can still achieve that professional finish at home.

Our expert stylists at Koko Blaq are here to share their top tips for achieving a flawless, salon-quality blow-dry right in the comfort of your own home.

The Foundation: Preparing Your Hair

1. Start with Clean, Towel-Dried Hair

The key to a great blow-dry begins with clean hair. Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type. After washing, gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water, but avoid vigorous rubbing to prevent frizz and damage.

2. Apply Heat Protectant

Before you begin blow-drying, apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This is crucial for safeguarding your hair from heat damage and keeping it healthy and shiny. We recommend Kevin Murphy Heated Defence! This is a lightweight foam product that doesn’t weigh the hair down (perfect for those fine-hair girlies!).

Tools of the Trade: What You’ll Need

1. A High-Quality Hair Dryer

Invest in a powerful hair dryer with multiple heat and speed settings. A good dryer can make all the difference in achieving a smooth, professional finish.

2. Round Brush

Choose a round brush with natural bristles for a sleek, polished look. The size of the brush should depend on your hair length and desired style; smaller brushes are great for short hair and tighter curls, while larger brushes are ideal for longer hair and volume.

Tip: If you don’t quite have the dexterity of using both a hair dryer and round brush, we recommend the two-in-one Mermade Blow Dry Brush! Use code KOKOBLAQ for 15% off your order via mermadehair.com.au.

The Technique: Steps to Perfection

1. Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into manageable sections. Start with the bottom layers and work your way up. This ensures each section is thoroughly dried and styled.

2. Use the Nozzle Attachment

Attach the concentrator nozzle to your hair dryer. This helps direct the airflow and reduces frizz, giving you more control over the styling process.

3. Start with the Roots

Begin blow-drying at the roots, where your hair is the thickest and takes the longest to dry. Lift each section with your round brush and direct the airflow from the roots to the ends for maximum volume and smoothness.

4. Roll and Pull

As you blow-dry each section, roll the hair around the brush and pull it taut. This creates tension, which is essential for a sleek, straight finish or defined curls.

5. Cool Shot

Once you’ve dried and styled each section, finish with a blast of cool air. This helps set the style and adds shine, giving your hair that professional touch.

Finishing Touches: Locking in the Style

1. Use a Lightweight Serum or Oil

Apply a small amount of lightweight serum or oil to your ends to smooth any flyaways and add a glossy finish.

2. Hairspray

For extra hold, lightly mist your hair with a flexible-hold hairspray. This keeps your style in place without making it stiff while still allowing movement through the hair.

Expert Tips from Koko Blaq

1. Don’t Rush

Take your time when blow-drying. Rushing can lead to uneven drying and styling, which can cause frizz and damage.

2. Keep Your Tools Clean

Regularly clean your hair dryer and brush to ensure they work effectively and don’t transfer dirt or oil to your hair. 

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Blow-drying is an art that takes practice to master. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect—keep practicing, and you’ll improve over time. 

By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve a professional blow-dry finish at home, keeping your hair looking beautiful and healthy between salon visits. 

Ready for a professional touch? Book an appointment at Koko Blaq and let our expert stylists transform your hair with a luxurious blow-dry.