How to Do a Blowout at Home Like a Professional Hair Stylist
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You know that feeling when you step out of a salon with a perfect blowout—your hair bouncy, shiny, and frizz-free? Now compare that to the struggle of trying to recreate it at home. It’s not even close, right? The brush snags, the dryer overheats, and halfway through, you’re wondering if it’s even worth the effort.
Here’s the thing: doing a salon-quality blowout at home isn’t as impossible as it seems. The secret lies in having the right tools, techniques, and a clear step-by-step plan tailored to your hair’s needs.
Most of the mistakes people make aren’t from lack of skill—they’re from not knowing the little details that hairstylists like me rely on.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to do a blowout at home so good, that it might just make your salon visits feel optional. From shiny strands to effortless volume, you’ll learn to achieve it all—without the stress.
Let’s dive in and master your blowout technique once and for all.
What Does a Perfect Blowout Look Like
A professional-quality blowout focuses on healthy, shiny strands from root to tip, with just the right balance of smoothness and volume. This is the kind of finish we’re working towards:
Frizz-free, smooth results that withstand humidity and stay polished.
Effortless volume with just the right amount of bounce and movement.
A long-lasting style that holds up for days, making your mornings a breeze.
Ready to make it happen? Let’s dive into the essentials!
What You Need to Get Started
Before we jump into the blowout process, let’s make sure you have all the essentials for achieving a bouncy, polished, salon-quality finish at home:
BaBylissPRO Ionic & Nano-Titanium Portofino Hairdryer
When someone asks me what dryer to use for blowouts, this is always the first one that comes to mind. The ionic and nano-titanium technology works to speed up drying time while reducing frizz, leaving your hair smooth, shiny, and salon-ready. With multiple heat and speed settings, it’s perfect for every hair type, whether your strands are fine, thick, or somewhere in between.
Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Speed XL Extra-Long Barrel Round Brush
The round brush is the star of the show when it comes to blowouts, and this one is a personal favorite. The extra-long barrel makes it perfect for long hair, helping you style more efficiently. Ceramic and ionic technology in the brush smooths the hair while adding shine, giving your strands that signature blowout glow.
👉 Not sure which round brush size is right for you? Check out my Round Brush Size Guide for the perfect match!
Kitsch Ceramic Thermal Hair Rollers
Want extra volume and bounce? These ceramic thermal rollers are a must. They’re designed to hold heat, so while your hair cools down, the rollers lock in your style for long-lasting lift and curl.
Double Prong Clips
These might seem like a small addition, but trust me, they’re essential. They help secure your rollers or hold sections of your hair while you blow-dry, keeping everything organized and making the process much smoother.
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra Thin Flat Iron
Sometimes, a flat iron is the finishing touch you need to perfect your blowout. This ultra-thin option provides precise control, making it easy to smooth out any stubborn sections or add a sleek finish.
| Ready to take your toolkit to the next level? |
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| Download my FREE Blowout Starter Kit! It includes a detailed list of my favorite tools and products to help you achieve your best blowout yet. |
How to do a Salon-Worthy Blowout at Home: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Now that you’ve gathered your essentials, it’s time to put them to work. Achieving a salon-worthy blowout at home might seem like a challenge, but when you follow these steps, you’ll be styling like a pro in no time.
Step 1: Start Fresh with a Clean Slate
Starting with fresh, clean hair is essential for achieving a flawless blowout that looks its best and lasts longer. Begin by washing your hair with a shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type. Opt for a volumizing formula if your hair is fine or limp, or a hydrating and smoothing option for dryness or frizz.
While shampooing, gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to boost blood flow and ensure a thorough cleanse. Rinse thoroughly to eliminate any residue, as leftover products can weigh your hair down and interfere with styling.
Finally, use a microfiber towel or soft cotton T-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water, keeping frizz and damage at bay. This simple prep step sets the stage for the polished, bouncy blowout you’re aiming for.
If you’re still figuring out what your hair needs or struggling with product choices, my Hair Care 101 ebook is the ultimate guide to understanding and caring for your hair like a pro. It’s packed with personalized insights and routines to help you perfect your hair care foundation—because every great blowout starts with healthy hair.
Step 2: Prep Your Hair with the Right Products
Properly prepping your hair with the right products makes all the difference between a mediocre blowout and a salon-quality one. After washing, start with a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner to smooth your hair and make it more manageable.
Heat protection is a non-negotiable step to prevent heat-damaged hair. Apply a lightweight thermal protectant to shield your strands from the high temperatures of blow-drying.
If you’re aiming for extra volume, work a volumizing mousse into the roots, focusing on the crown for that added lift. For frizz-prone or dry hair, reach for a smoothing cream or anti-frizz serum to tame flyaways and boost shine.
Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the products evenly, ensuring every strand is prepped and protected. With this foundation, you’re setting yourself up for a bouncy, long-lasting blowout that’s as healthy as it is beautiful.
Step 3: Rough Dry for Volume and Speed
Rough drying is a game-changer when it comes to achieving volume while cutting down on styling time. It’s all about removing excess moisture before diving into detailed blow-drying with a brush.
For curly or wavy hair, aim to rough dry until it’s about 30-40% dry. This helps gently stretch out your natural texture, making it easier to style while minimizing frizz.
If you have straight hair, rough dry until it’s 60-80% dry. This approach speeds up the blow-drying process, so you spend less time with the heat on your strands while still setting a great foundation for a polished finish.
Use your fingers to lift sections at the roots as you dry—this creates instant volume and prevents your hair from lying flat. Keep the blow dryer moving to avoid overheating any single spot.
With the bulk of the moisture out, your hair is prepped and ready for the next step.
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Step 4: Section Your Hair for Easy Styling
The secret to a polished blowout is working in sections—it keeps the process organized and ensures every strand gets the attention it needs.
Start by dividing your hair into four main sections: two at the front and two at the back. If you have thicker hair, you can divide these further for even more control.
Secure each section with claw clips, sectioning clips, or any tool you’re comfortable with. This keeps the rest of your hair out of the way while you focus on one area at a time, making the process smoother and less overwhelming.
By sectioning your hair, you’ll also be able to achieve more consistent results, especially when creating volume and smoothness. It’s a simple but essential step to elevate your blowout from “good enough” to absolutely salon-worthy.
Step 5: Blow Drying Technique
Mastering the right blow-drying technique is where the magic happens. Start with the bottom section of your hair.
Take a round brush and pull the hair taut while aiming the dryer’s nozzle downward along the hair shaft. This technique smooths the cuticle, minimizes frizz, and enhances shine.
As you move to the top sections, focus on creating volume. Use the round brush to lift the hair at the roots, rolling it upwards and forward for maximum bounce. Not sure what size round brush to use? Check out my Round Brush Size Guide for everything from the perfect brush for blowouts to achieving bouncy curls or extra volume.
Remember, smaller brushes are perfect for short hair or tighter curls, while larger brushes are ideal for long hair or loose, voluminous waves.
Always keep the dryer’s nozzle close to the brush but not touching it—this helps concentrate heat where it’s needed without damaging the hair. With steady movements and the right round brush size, you’ll be able to achieve a smooth, professional-quality blowout every time.
Step 6: Set with Rollers for Extra Volume (Optional)
For an even more polished and voluminous blowout, adding rollers to your routine is a game-changer. After blow-drying each section, immediately wrap it around a roller while the hair is still warm and secure it with a clip. This locks in the shape and adds extra bounce to your style.
Focus on the crown area for maximum volume, but feel free to use rollers all over for a uniform, lifted look. Let your hair cool completely in the rollers—it’s this cooling process that sets the style and ensures your blowout lasts longer.
Once cooled, carefully remove the rollers, shake out your hair gently, and watch the salon-quality bounce come to life.
For best results, choose the roller size that suits your desired finish. Larger rollers create soft, voluminous waves, while smaller ones give tighter curls. Rollers might be optional, but their impact on your at-home blowout is undeniable!
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Once your hair is completely dry, it’s time to elevate your blowout with some final touches. Start by applying a lightweight serum or hair oil to tame any flyaways and add a touch of shine. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to keep the roots light and bouncy. This step not only polishes the look but also protects your hair from environmental stressors.
For added volume and hold, reach for a volumizing spray. Lightly spritz it onto the roots and mid-lengths, then use your fingers to gently lift and fluff the hair. If you want to add a soft, lived-in texture, a dry texture spray can work wonders without sacrificing the smoothness of your blowout.
The final touches tie everything together, elevating your blowout from great to truly salon-worthy—sleek, polished, and ready to turn heads
FAQs: Do Blowout at Home
Do you wash your own hair before a blowout?
Yes, you should wash your hair before a blowout. Clean hair ensures the style holds better and lasts longer. Use a shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type, and make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all product residue.
Are blowouts done on wet or dry hair?
Blowouts are done on damp hair, not completely wet or dry. Start with freshly washed hair, towel-dried to remove excess water. Hair that’s too wet will take longer to dry and style, while completely dry hair won’t hold the shape as effectively.
What is a basic blowout?
A basic blowout involves drying your hair with a brush to create smoothness and volume. It’s all about achieving shiny, frizz-free strands with a polished finish, whether sleek or slightly voluminous, without complex techniques or tools.
How to get a fluffy blowout?
To get a fluffy blowout, focus on creating volume at the roots and maintaining softness through the lengths. Use a volumizing mousse on damp hair and rough dry upside down to lift the roots. While blow-drying, use a round brush to curl the hair upward and outward. For extra fluff, finish with a texturizing spray.
Can you do a blowout without rollers?
Yes, you can do a blowout without rollers. Using a round brush while blow-drying creates similar volume and shape. However, rollers help set the style and add extra bounce, especially for longer-lasting results.
How long does a blowout last?
A blowout typically lasts 3 to 5 days, depending on your hair type, how well you prep your hair, and how you maintain it. Using a dry shampoo at the roots and sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help extend its life.
Are blowouts damaging to hair?
Blowouts can be damaging if heat protection isn’t used or if the heat is too high. Always use a thermal protectant before blow-drying and avoid excessive tugging with brushes. When done correctly with the right tools, blowouts can be a safe styling option.
Ready to Take Your Blowouts to the Next Level?
Mastering the basics of a great blowout at home is a game-changer, but what if you could elevate your skills even further? Imagine achieving salon-quality blowouts with ease, every time—complete with pro-level tips and tricks that hairstylists swear by.
That’s exactly what my Blowout Basics Course is designed to help you do. From perfecting your blow-dry technique to learning advanced tips like setting with rollers and maintaining your style for days, this course covers everything you need to become your own blowout expert.
This course is your ultimate guide to bouncy, frizz-free, long-lasting blowouts.
Click here to learn more and grab your spot today!
