How to Get the Perfect Blowout

How to Get the Perfect Blowout

Achieve that just-from-the-salon look without an appointment.
By Kari Molvar

What to do when you need smooth, shiny hair, and there’s ‘nary a blow-dry bar in sight? Fire up your tools and take your strands into your own hands. Here, we got insider tips and pro pointers from stylist Gregory Patterson of Blow, the New York Blow Dry Bar, to help you achieve that just-from-the-salon look without an appointment.
 
“A great blow-out actually starts in the shower,” says Patterson. “Many women don’t wash out their conditioner enough. But that residue will ruin your blow-dry. So I shampoo, condition and then shampoo again to really get the hair clean. And to help ensure hair doesn’t get singed, make sure you get a blowdryer that comes with a nozzle attachment to keep some distance between your hair and the heat.”
 
“After the shower, try patting hair with a shammy rather than terry towel to absorb excess water without putting stress on delicate strands. Then apply a heat protective spray to detangle and add shine. My favorite is Blowpro The Heat Is On—it’s like vitamin water for your hair with aloe vera to calm a sensitive scalp.”

“Divide your hair into eight sections around the head—the key is to work in small zones and to use a round or oval brush that will allow you to create enough tension to give hair a smooth and polished look.”
 
“If you have really thick hair that takes a long time to dry, mist on a product that speeds up your blow-dry. I like Blowpro Ready, Set, Blow since it pushes water off the hair so you can do less passes with the dryer.”

“A lot of women start their blow-out in the back of the head, but we start at the front. That’s the area you see first and really want to smooth while it’s still wet and you have more control. Once you’ve gotten the top party completely dry, pop in two Velcro rollers—it’ll add body while your hair cools and sets.”

“Next blow-dry the sides, holding your brush vertically and twirling it away from your face for a soft effect. Always keep the nozzle pointed down to prevent frizz. Once that area is dry, wrap hair into loose curls with your fingers and secure with duckbill clips. This keeps a soft bend in the hair without creating kinks.”

“Finish the back sections of your head, holding the brush horizontally and curling the hair toward your face now. Work your way through from left to right, making sure that no wet hair sits on top of dry hair as you’re going along. Drape sections over your shoulder to cool and set. To seal everything, flip your head over and mist on a flexible hairspray.”

​“To preserve your blow-out, it’s all about the dry shampoo. Work it into your roots to absorb excess oil, especially if you’re hitting the gym and will be sweating. At night, it does help to sleep on silk or satin sheets to minimize friction that can cause tangles or frizz. Otherwise, wrapping your hair in a silk scarf also does the trick.”