What’s the Difference Between a Blow Dry & a Blow Wave?

If you’re curious about the best way to dry your hair to achieve a stunning style, it’s helpful to understand two primary hair drying methods: blow dry and blow wave. Each technique offers a different way to style your hair, helping you achieve your desired look when at the salon.

Whether you’re aiming for chic and polished straight hair or a voluminous and textured vibe, understanding each method’s process and final result can help you choose the right drying service at your next hair salon visit.

What is a Blow Wave?

A blow wave is a popular hair styling technique that gives your locks a smooth, bouncy, and voluminous look. It involves using a hair dryer and a round brush to create waves and add body to your hair.

Unlike blow drying, which focuses on hair drying, blow waving is about creating a polished and glamorous finish. It is a more advanced process that includes sectioning the hair, wrapping it around the brush, and using the blow dryer to heat and set the waves in place.

A blow wave is typically done by an experienced stylist in a salon, as they have the skills and tools needed to achieve a beautiful result for your hair.

What is Blow Drying

Blow drying is a versatile technique for drying and styling hair. This drying method uses a blow dryer to quickly dry wet hair while shaping it into your desired style. It’s a go-to method for many people, whether they want a sleek and straight look or to achieve a more full-bodied hairstyle.

Blow drying is often done at home as an easy way to tame frizz and style hair; however, prolonged or frequent use of high heat settings, or holding the dryer too close to your locks can cause damage, frizz, and moisture loss.

Difference Between Blow Wave and Blow Dry

Although a blow dry and a blow wave both use a blow dryer to dry your hair, each method uses varied techniques and produces different finished results. There are also differences between a blow wave and blow dry regarding time, skill, and cost.

• Technique: A blow wave refers to a specific technique commonly used in salons, where the hair is sectioned off and rolled around a brush before blow drying. A blow dry is a more general term that encompasses various drying and styling techniques, including the use of brushes, round brushes, or paddle brushes, depending on the desired outcome.
• Volume and shape: Blow waves often focus on creating volume and movement by rolling the hair around a brush while drying. This technique is commonly used for creating loose curls or waves, giving the hair a bouncy, voluminous look. Blow dry encompasses different styles, including straightening, smoothing, or adding curls, depending on the client’s preference.
• Curl definition: A blow wave creates more defined curls or waves by wrapping the hair around a brush and applying heat while the hair is in tension. Blow dry techniques can also include curling the hair using hot tools like curling irons or straightening irons after the initial drying process.
• Time and effort: Blow waves generally require more time and effort compared to blow dry techniques. The process of sectioning the hair, rolling it around a brush, and drying it in sections can be more time-consuming than a simple blow dry with a brush or using the hands to manipulate the hair.
• Professional skill: Blow waves are performed by hairstylists who have been trained specifically in this technique. They have expertise in creating volume, movement, and defining curls using the blow wave method. Blow drying can be done by professionals or individuals at home with varying skill levels.
• Cost: The cost of a blow wave is typically higher than a blow dry due to the additional time and skill required to achieve defined curls and waves. However, the hairstyle can elevate your look, giving you a glamorous style you can’t always achieve with regular blow drying. 

Which Method is Best for Your Hair?

Determining whether a blow wave or blow dry is right for your hair depends on your hair type, desired style, and personal preferences. The best way to know which style is to consult a professional hairstylist at Intaglio Hair Salon, who can assess your hair type and discuss your desired style to determine the most suitable technique for achieving your desired look.

A blow wave is ideal for those with straight or fine hair who desire more volume and movement. The rolling technique used in a blow wave helps create beautiful curls or waves, adding texture and body to the hair. This method is excellent for special occasions or when you want to achieve a glamorous, red-carpet-worthy look.

If you opt for a blow wave, you may want to use styling products to extend the life of the hairstyle, such as mousse, hairspray, or a curl-enhancing cream. These products can help provide hold, definition, and frizz control, allowing your curls or waves to last longer and maintain their shape.

Avoid excessive touching or brushing, use dry shampoo, and consider wrapping your hair in a silk scarf or using a silk pillowcase while sleeping to help preserve the style and minimise any disruption to the curls or waves.

Alternatively, blow drying your hair is an excellent option if you want a sleek, straight look and add smoothness and shine to the hair. When you blow dry your locks, whether it’s at the salon or at home, protect your hair with heat-protectant products and use moisturising oils such as argan or coconut to maintain your hair’s hydration after blow drying.

Schedule Your Blow Wave Today

Whether you have a special event, a night out with friends, or simply want to feel beautiful and refreshed, a blow wave appointment is the perfect way to elevate your style and boost your self-esteem.

At Intaglio, our expert stylists are ready to work their magic, ensuring your hair looks and feels its best. From adding volume and shine to creating gorgeous curls or sleek straight looks, trust in our skilled professionals, so you’ll leave our salon feeling like a superstar.

Contact Intaglio today to book your blow wave appointment.