Want that smooth, bouncy, just-left-the-salon blowout—without leaving your bathroom? This step-by-step guide breaks down exactly how to achieve a voluminous blowout at home, with tips for different hair types, problem-solving advice, and how to make the volume last.
Who This Blowout Suits Best
- Hair Length: Works best on medium to long hair, but can be adapted for shorter layers with a smaller round brush.
- Texture: Straight, wavy, or loosely curly hair will achieve the most traditional blowout look. If your hair is tightly curled or coily, you’ll need to smooth it first (see troubleshooting below).
- Face Shape: Customizable! You can direct volume and shape to flatter any face shape—see variations at the end.
- Skill Level: Beginners welcome—you don’t need professional skills or tools, just some patience the first few times.
What You’ll Need
- Blow dryer (ideally with a nozzle attachment for directed airflow)
- Medium or large round brush (ceramic for extra smoothness, boar bristle for shine and tension)
- Sectioning clips (such as The Pro-Section Grip Clips)
- Heat protectant spray or cream
- Volumizing mousse or lightweight root lift spray (optional for finer hair)
- Finishing serum or light hair oil (optional, for shine and frizz control)
- Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
- Optional: velcro rollers for extra bounce
Step-by-Step: Creating a Voluminous Blowout at Home
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Start with Damp, Clean Hair
- Wash and condition; towel-dry until damp but not dripping.
- Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or gentle brush.
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Apply Heat Protectant and Volumizer
- Mist a heat protectant evenly from roots to ends.
- If your hair is fine or flat, apply a golf ball-sized amount of mousse or root lift spray at the roots.
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Rough Dry for Speed (Optional but Helpful)
- Use your dryer with just your fingers—no brush yet—to dry hair until about 70–80% dry. Focus on lifting at the roots with your fingers for initial volume.
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Section Your Hair
- Divide hair into 3–4 horizontal sections: bottom, mid, crown, and front/fringe. Clip away the upper layers.
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Blow Dry Section by Section
- Unclip the bottom section. Place the round brush under a 2–3 inch section of hair, starting close to (but not on) the roots.
- With dryer nozzle pointing downward for smoothness, pull the brush down the length of hair while following with the dryer. Turn the brush as you go for a curl-under or flick out, depending on your desired look.
- At the ends, roll the brush up and blast with heat for a few seconds, then cool shot to set the shape before releasing.
- Repeat for each section, moving up through all layers.
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Maximize Volume at the Crown
- Direct the brush straight up from your scalp at the crown for extra lift. Hold for a few seconds at the root, then cool shot before letting it drop.
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Detail the Front/Fringe
- Decide if you want a middle or side part, or curtain bangs. Dry these sections away from your face for a soft, face-framing effect.
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For Extra Bounce: Velcro Rollers (Optional)
- While hair is still warm, wrap 2–3 inch sections around large velcro rollers and let cool for 10–20 minutes, then gently remove.
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Finish for Hold and Shine
- Lightly smooth a small drop of serum or oil over ends (avoid roots to prevent flattening).
- Flip your head upside down and gently shake out for natural movement.
- Optional: Mist with light-hold hairspray if desired.
Common Blowout Mistakes & Troubleshooting
- Ends Look Frizzy: Make sure you’re working with small enough sections and always point the nozzle down the hair shaft. Finish with the cool shot button to seal the cuticle.
- Flat Roots: Focus on lifting the section up and away from the scalp as you dry. Try adding root volumizer before blow-drying.
- Hair Won’t Smooth: Use a higher-tension brush (boar bristle or mixed) and direct the airflow downward. If frizz persists, layer on a tiny bit more serum or oil as you finish.
- Volume Collapses Quickly: Allow hair to cool fully in the round brush or roller before touching. Don’t add heavy products that can weigh hair down.
- Natural or Coily Hair: If your hair is tightly curled or coily, use a blow dryer with a comb attachment or paddle brush to stretch and smooth first, then use the round brush for polish and shaping.
Variations: Customizing Your Blowout
- For a Face-Framing Look: Direct the front sections away from your face for volume and softness at the cheekbones.
- Sleek and Straight: Use a larger round brush and less tension at the ends for a softer, more modern finish.
- 70s-Inspired Flick: Angle the round brush outward at the ends, especially around the face.
- Extra Bounce: Use velcro rollers at the crown and front for retro lift.
- Defined Layers: Use a smaller brush on short layers or bangs for extra shape.
Maintenance: Making Your Blowout Last
- Sleep with hair loosely wrapped in a silk scarf or on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
- Use dry shampoo at the roots to absorb oil and refresh volume between washes.
- Touch up sections with a round brush and dryer on day two or three for quick revivals.
- Avoid heavy oils or creams, which can weigh down hair and kill volume.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers for detangling to preserve smoothness.
Blowout FAQ
- How can I get a blowout if my hair is very thick or curly?
Work in smaller sections and use a paddle brush or comb attachment first to stretch hair, then refine with the round brush. Use a strong heat protectant and finish with cool air for smoothness. - What if I don’t have a round brush?
Use a paddle brush for a sleeker look, or try large velcro rollers to shape hair after rough drying. - How do I keep my blowout from going flat by day two?
Sleep with your hair loosely clipped up or in a silk wrap, and use dry shampoo at the roots each morning. - Can I do a blowout on extensions?
Yes—be gentle at the roots and use a lower heat setting to avoid loosening bonds or tape-ins. Section carefully. - Will a blowout work if my hair is layered?
Absolutely! Blowouts are great for showing off layers; use a smaller brush to add definition to shorter pieces.
For more tips on volume, see our guide to boosting flat roots fix flat roots.
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