What Is Blowout Hair And How To Do It At Home?

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Reviewed by Alicia Igess, Hairstylist Alicia Igess Alicia IgessHairstylist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Monomita Chakraborty MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
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Getting a salon-like hair blowout at home may seem difficult initially, but you will eventually master the art with more practice and frequent application. So, why a blowout? It is the simplest way of styling your hair and making it bouncy and fuller. All you need is a blow dryer and a round brush.

Firstly, you need to pay attention to the nuances involved — tugging, rolling, and other arm actions. Do not get discouraged if you are finding the process a bit difficult. Fortunately, there are a few tricks to help you with. In this article, we will learn how to do a blowout, manage it to last long, and many more. Keep reading.

What Does Blowout Hair Mean?

A blowout is simply the act of washing, blow-drying, and styling your hair to make it smooth, voluminous, glossy, and sleek without using straighteners or other heat-styling tools. It is the easiest way to say goodbye to bad hair days and zen out as you no longer need to worry about frizz and flyaways.

Here are some more perks of getting a routine blowout.

Key Takeaways

  • A blowout is an act of washing, blow-drying, and styling the hair to make it smooth, voluminous, and glossy without using heat-styling tools.
  • Depending on hair texture and thickness, a hair blowout retains its form between 3 to 5 days.
  • Moisturize your blowout using a leave-in conditioner that contains wheat germ extract, cetrimonium bromide, or cetrimonium chloride.

The Perks Of Getting A Blowout

Blowouts are ideal for those who want a quick hair makeover minus any extreme styling and permanent hair treatments. The benefits of a hair blowout go beyond the result. Here is a list:

1. Time Management Becomes Easy

Because you will be no longer spending too much time styling your hair! When appropriately maintained, a good blowout may last for 4-5 days. So, no more ponytail days when you are running out of time.

2. That Enviable Volume

The perfect blowout makes every day a good hair day. The heat and brush movement does the trick and lifts the hair to give a lion’s mane-like volume to flat and limp hair.

3. No Frequent Washing

After getting a blowout, you do not need to shampoo for at least 2-3 days. The right products will help hold your style during the no-poo days.

4. No More Frizz

After a blowout, you will notice that the strands have become much smoother. It is because blowout helps the cuticles sit flat, minimizing breakage and giving you smooth hair.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Applying a heat protectant spray can shield your hair from the potential damage of heat styling tools.

Blowouts can make your life easier in so many ways. But can they damage your tresses? Find out in the next section.

Can A Blowout Damage Your Hair?

Anything in excess can be damaging to the hair. The same goes for blowouts too. Blowouts are great for your hair. However, if you do them more than once a week, it can dry out the hair.

Although blow dryers are less damaging to your hair, you have to use the dryer in a high-heat setting when doing a blowout. Moreover, it also involves tugging and rolling the hair quickly. If you do this regularly, a blowout can damage the strands and cause breakage.

However, weekly blowouts are fine. On another note, for Alicia James, a blogger, it is different. In her blog, she described her journey into using heat on her hair, particularly blowouts. Her preferred method involves the tension technique, starting on clean hair post-protein treatment and deep conditioning. She shared, “I do understand regular use of heat can alter the curl pattern. For over two years I have not noticed a change in my curl pattern. My coils are still super tight (i).”

In the next section, we have explained what to expect during a blowout session at the salon.

The Ins And Outs Of A Hair Blowout

Step 1: Shampoo Time!

The hairstylist will wash your hair with a shampoo that suits your hair type.

Step 2: A Hydrating Conditioner For An Extra Dose Of Shine

The stylist will apply a hydrating conditioner to detangle your hair and protect it from the heat. The hair is washed with cold water to seal your cuticles and give your mane a natural sheen. A few salons can also suggest a few treatment upgrades to tackle dryness, brittle hair, and frizz.

Step 3: The Stylist Will Blow Dry Your Hair

The stylist will first dry your hair using a blow dryer. Once the hair is dry, they will section your hair and wrap it around a round brush, and blowout on a high heat setting. They will wrap the hair section, apply heat to it, and slowly pull the brush to unwrap it. The techniques may change depending on what style (curls, waves, or straight) you want.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Opt for a dryer with multiple heat and speed settings, and a round brush that suits your hair length for the best results. Investing in good tools will also save you time and make the process easier.

Step 4: Wrapping Up With A Killer Hair Styling Technique

Your hairstylist will add the finishing touches to your hair with a flat or curling iron, depending on the final look you want.
Voilà! You have smooth, voluminous, and bouncy hair in no time!

You don’t need to rush to the salon every time you want a blowout. You can easily do one at home. We have outlined the steps below.

How To Blow Out Your Hair: A DIY Method

  1. Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. If you have oily hair, use warm water. But for dry hair, always wash your hair with room-temperature water.
  1. After shampooing, flip your hair down and apply a frizz-control serum. Distribute the product evenly with a boar bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb.
  1. Set your blow dryer to a medium heat setting and divide the hair on the back of your head into 2-4-inch sections.
  1. Wrap the hair around a round brush and start blow drying. Hold the dryer closer to the hair.
  1. Roll and unwrap the hair as you blow dry it. As you reach the ends, roll the brush through your hair up to the scalp, pointing the dryer towards the hairbrush.
  1. Once your back hair is dry, roll your hair up and clip it. However, leave a small section at the end for an extra bouncy look.
  1. For the front hair section, wrap it around the brush. Roll your brush as you dry as you did in the previous steps.
  1. Take the clips out and run your fingers through the hair to loosen the curls. Finish off with a serum of your choice.

Additional Tip: Wrap the hair section away from your face and blow dry to create a flip hairstyle. You can do this to the hair ends to flip them out.

Now that you know how to blow dry your hair at home, what can you do to make this sleek, salon-like hairdo last longer? We have a few surefire tips below!

How Long Does A Blowout Last?

Depending on your hair texture and thickness, a hair blowout retains its form for anywhere between 3 to 5 days.

If you want to preserve the blowout overnight (and longer), wrap it properly around your head before hitting the bed. Alicia Igess, a hairstylist, suggests, “Part your hair from the top of your head to behind your ear. Comb or brush your hair around your head and use oversized bobby pins or duckbill clips to hold the hair in place as you wrap it around your head. Cover your hair with a scarf and pull the clips or pins out from under the scarf. It’s called a wrap. Your hair stays smooth.”

Remember that your hair adapts to the shape and style with every blowout session, allowing it to last longer every time. Plus, you need to follow proper hair care practices and use appropriate products to extend your blowout hairstyle between sessions. Here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:

Top 9 Practices To Maintain A Blowout

  • Do not use any hair products on the day of the blowout. You can use only an anti-humidity spray if you live in a humid place.
  • Use a hydrating shine spray to add shine to your hair after a few days.
  • Sleep on a silk/satin pillowcase to retain the style and shape.
  • Tie your hair in a loose bun/ponytail when sleeping at night.
  • Avoid fiddling with your hair too much.
  • If you have oily roots, you can use an expert-recommended dry shampoo.
  • Be sure not to wet your hair. As a thumb rule, use a sweat-absorbing headband while working out and a shower cap when showering.
  • To revive your blowout, blow dry your hair again as you did on the first day of the blowout treatment.
  • To moisturize your blowout, use a leave-in conditioner that contains wheat germ extract, cetrimonium bromide, or cetrimonium chloride.

Follow these tips to keep your blowout hairstyle in place and give the roots and strands some extra nourishment.

Blowout hair is the simple art of washing and blow-drying your hair to make it look bouncy and smooth without using heat-styling tools. Blowouts do not require frequent washing, reduce frizz, and provide voluminous hair in a short amount of time. However, doing a blowout more than once a week can cause damage and hair loss. Instead, follow easy tips such as using sulfate-free shampoo and blow-drying your hair at medium heat to get a smooth and sleek look. Also, avoid touching your hair too often and moisturize your hair to keep it hydrated and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a blowout take?

Depending on your hair thickness and length, the average blowout will take around 45 minutes. That said, it can potentially take more or less time based on your desired outcomes.

Are blowouts better than flat ironing?

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. However, it is advisable to blow dry your hair more frequently and save your flat iron for special events or when you want your hair to be super-straight. Not only is a blowout less harmful, but once mastered, it can give you a gorgeous style that a flat iron simply cannot.

How do you shower after a blowout?

Simply use a shower cap or part your hair into two portions behind each ear. Create a bun by twisting each segment away from your face, and secure it with a pin. Cover it with a silk scarf to control the flyaways as you take a shower.

Watch the following informative video on how to blow out your hair like a pro from the comfort of your home. Learn some expert tips and step-by-step instructions on how to do it to achieve flawless results.

Personal Experience: Source

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Alicia Igess
Alicia IgessHairstylist
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.

Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Ramona Sinha
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Monomita Chakraborty
Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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