How to Blow Dry your Hair

How to Blow Dry Your Hair Smooth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to blow dry your hair smooth can be a challenging transition, especially if you’re used to straightening your hair with a flat iron for that flat, silky-straight look. However, blow-drying offers a healthier alternative with many benefits. Not only does it help create the illusion of thicker hair, but it also keeps those pesky flyaways down and helps maintain the natural texture of your hair.

While learning how to blow dry your hair takes practice, it’s definitely worth the effort! Here are the essential steps and tips to get that perfect smooth blow dry at home.

Why Blow Drying is a Game Changer for Your Hair Health

Blow-drying your hair correctly is much healthier than using a flat iron every day. It helps preserve hair health, adds volume, and gives your hair a smooth, polished finish without the damage caused by constant heat. With the right tools and technique, you can achieve smooth hair that’s shiny, bouncy, and full of life.

The Essential Blow Drying Tools & Products

Before we dive into the technique, let's talk about the products and tools you'll need for a flawless blow dry:

• Salon-quality products: These are a must for maintaining healthy, hydrated hair.

• Hydrating shampoo and mask: These will moisturise your hair and help control frizz, leaving your hair soft and manageable.

• Heat protectant spray: Protects your hair from heat damage.

• Hair serum: Seals the cuticle and adds a beautiful, healthy shine.

For tools, I recommend investing in a high-quality blow dryer, a round brush with good grip, and sectioning clips to help manage your hair.

Blow Drying Tips for Beginners

Blow-drying your hair smooth takes a little practice, so here are some important techniques to focus on:

1. Holding the blow dryer and brush in a way that feels comfortable.

2. Sectioning your hair properly

3. Creating the right tension with your round brush

4. Controlling the nozzle for maximum smoothness

Before you begin the blow drying process, I find it most effective when I break down the steps into three main sections:

1. Smoothing the roots and mid-lengths

2. Creating volume

3. Smoothing out your ends

Another step I like to encourage when I’m teaching how to professionally blow dry your own hair is to first attempt each step without turning on the blow dryer. This minimizes confusion and gives you the practice you need before applying heat to your hair. Once you feel confident with the movements, switch that dryer on and let’s get started!

---

Step-by-Step Blow Dry Guide

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Start by blow-drying your hair until it's about 80% dry. This minimizes blow-drying time and makes the smoothing process much easier.

Step 2: Section Your Hair

To make blow-drying easier, divide your hair into four sections:

1. Part your hair in half vertically, from the forehead to the back of your neck.

2. Create another horizontal part from ear to ear.

Now you have four sections to work with. This will help you focus on each section for a more precise blow dry.

Step 3: Smoothing the Roots & Mid-Lengths

I like to hold my round brush in my left hand and my blow dryer in my right hand (but feel free to experiment with both hands to find what works best for you).

Take a small section from the back quarter of your hair, about the same size as your round brush. Place the brush on top of the section and apply tension as you pull the brush down through your hair. Making sure the nozzle is on an angle start creating a C like action with your blow dryer, to smooth your roots & mid-lengths. Lift away from your hair and repeat about 3 times. 

💡 Tips for a Smooth Finish:

✔️ A C like action when blow drying should be scooping down onto the hair, sealing down the hair cuticle then lifting off

✔️ Keep the blow dryer nozzle angled downward to help seal the cuticle.

✔️ Never hold the nozzle directly on the hair—always keep it at an angle.

 Step 4: Adding Volume to Your Roots

After smoothing out the roots and mid-lengths, it's time to focus on creating volume at the roots— with the main focus on the crown area.

Over-direct each section by lifting it with your pinky finger and placing the round brush at the roots.

• Position the blow dryer nozzle downward and lift the hair upwards. Repeat this motion for 3 times.

💡 Pro Tip: The more you over-direct the hair, the more volume you'll achieve!

Step 5: Smoothing the Ends

To avoid frizzy, unruly ends, it’s essential to smooth them out. This will create a sleek, polished finish that complements the volume at your roots.

• Lift the section with your pinky finger, place your hair over the round brush, position the nozzle downward, and begin to blow-dry the ends.

💡 Tip: For extra smoothness, roll the handle of your round brush inward while guiding the nozzle downward at the end of each section.

Step 6: Repeat & Perfect

Continue these steps throughout your entire head. Once you've finished, your hair should be smooth, voluminous, and healthy—all without the need for a flat iron!

Final Thoughts

It may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, you'll be able to blow dry your hair like a pro in no time. And remember, it’s important to take your time and focus on each section for a flawless finish.

Once you're done, be sure to tag @tees.hairlounge on Instagram and TikTok to share your smooth blow dry results!