These Genius Blow-Dry Hacks Actually Make It Super Easy

Blow-drying your hair can often be tedious, but with these genius blow-dry hacks, it becomes a breeze. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also achieve salon-quality results. These hacks will quickly become your secret styling weapon, whether you’re after volume, sleekness, or a casual tousled look. Here are some tried-and-true tips to transform your blow-dry routine.

Start with the Right Tools

A successful blow-dry is not just about the technique but also about the tools you use. The right tools are the key to efficient styling, hair protection, and achieving professional-quality results.

• Invest in a high-quality hair dryer. A good hair dryer is essential for a quick and efficient blow-dry. Prolonged heat exposure from styling tools can damage your strands’ cuticles and cause moisture loss. Look for a model with high wattage (1800-2000 watts), multiple heat settings, and ionic technology to reduce frizz and enhance shine.
• Use the right brush. The type of brush you use can impact your results. For volume, use a wide round brush with natural boar bristles. A paddle brush works best for sleek, straight hair, while a vented brush is great for speeding up the drying process as it allows more airflow.

Prep Your Hair Properly

Properly preparing your hair protects it against heat damage, ensures even drying, and helps achieve a smoother, more polished finish.

• Towel dry thoroughly. Before you start blow-drying, remove as much moisture as possible with a towel. Gently squeeze out the water—avoid rubbing, as it can cause frizz and damage.
  You can also wrap your hair with a clean, 100% cotton t-shirt. Cotton is highly absorbent and helps remove excess water faster without roughening your strands like a terry cloth towel. This technique is an excellent way to dry wavy, curly, or natural hair.
• Apply a heat protectant. Using a heat protectant spray or serum prevents heat damage. Choose a formula that contains humectants like propylene glycol or glycerin to help your hair retain moisture and proteins like hydrolysed silk or wheat to strengthen your tresses. Apply it evenly from roots to ends to shield your hair from the high temperatures of the dryer.

Section Your Hair

Sectioning your hair allows for more control and even drying, allowing you to manage your locks better and ensure each part gets dried thoroughly.

• Use the right comb. A rat-tail comb creates precise sections, and a detangling brush can smooth out each section before drying.
• Divide into multiple sections. The more sections you use, the faster each section will dry. If you have fine to medium-density hair, start with four to six sections. Divide your hair into two sections horizontally (ear to ear) and then split each half vertically.
  If you have thicker or very long hair, opt for six to eight sections. Divide your hair into three horizontal sections (bottom, middle, top), then split each horizontal section into two.
• Invest in strong clips. Use sturdy, non-slip clips to hold sections in place. Alligator clips or butterfly clips are the best type for blow-drying.

Master the Technique

Mastering the blow-dry technique is important because it optimizes the drying process, minimizes heat damage, and ensures a sleek, professional finish for your hairstyle.

• Dry roots. Start by drying the roots, which takes longer than the ends. Hold the dryer about 15 cm away from your scalp and direct the airflow downwards to smooth the cuticle and prevent frizz.
• Use the nozzle. Attach the concentrator nozzle to your dryer to focus the airflow and reduce frizz. Always keep the nozzle pointing down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle and enhance shine.
• Angle for volume. For extra volume, blow-dry your hair upside down or use a round brush to lift the roots. Pull the brush upwards and outwards, directing the airflow towards the roots for added lift.

Speed Up the Process

Speeding up the blow-dry process is a good hack because it reduces heat exposure, saving time while achieving a professional look.

• Pre-dry before styling. Instead of styling your hair from soaking wet, rough-dry it by running your fingers through it until it’s about 80% dry. This not only speeds up the overall process but also reduces the amount of heat your hair is exposed to. Otherwise, you can partially air dry your hair before blow drying.
• Use the cool shot. Most hair dryers have a cool shot button. Once you’ve dried a section, blast it with cool air to set the style and add shine. This also helps to close the hair cuticle, making your hair look smoother and shinier.

Adjust for Hair Type

Adjusting for your hair type is essential because it ensures that the blow-drying process meets your hair’s specific needs, providing the best results while minimizing damage and improving your hair’s overall look and health.

• Fine hair. Avoid using high heat settings for fine hair, as they can cause damage. Use a volumizing mousse before drying, and dry your hair in sections to add body and fullness.
• Thick or curly hair. Thick or curly hair can take longer to dry, so be patient and use a diffuser attachment to enhance natural curls and reduce frizz. Work in smaller sections to ensure even drying and avoid tangling.

Finishing Touches

Finishing touches are important because they help to smooth any flyaways, add shine, and set your hairstyle, ensuring a polished and lasting look.

• Smooth with a serum. After blow-drying, apply a small amount of smoothing serum or oil to tame any flyaways and add shine. Focus on the ends and avoid the roots to prevent your hair from looking greasy.
• Add Texture. If you’re aiming for a more tousled, natural look, use a texturising spray or sea salt spray. Apply it to the lengths and scrunch your hair with your hands for that effortlessly chic vibe.