Blow Dry Like a Pro (Without Leaving Your Bathroom)

by Tara Gowen

Picture this: it's a fresh wash day, your hair smells like your favorite pro-recommended shampoo, and you're about to give yourself that bouncy, shiny blowout that makes you feel like you just walked out of Coastal Glo & Co. YES! You CAN do this at home, and I am going to walk you through it.

Set The Stage

Before we even think about touching that blow dryer, let's get your blowout toolkit ready. You'll need:

**Professional shampoo & conditioner... C'mon.... you knew I was going to say that--remember it's your insurance policy, and it is imperative to start with a good foundation.

**Leave-in Product: If your hair is thin/fine Carb Cocktail from Color Wow is a good one, if your hair is needing moisture Color Wow Money Mist is stellar, and if your hair is needing to be tamed from frizz then Dream Coat by Color Wow is amazing.

**Heat Protectant (if your leave in product doesn't have it in it already. All of the suggested products above have a thermal protectant built inside.)

**Structure Product: If you need hold or a boost in volume you will want some sort of product that will hold and maintain your style. My favorites are: Root Booster by Redken, Xtra Large by Color Wow, Toning Foam by Color Wow, Thickening Spray or Straightening Spray by R+Co.

**BONUS finishing Product: If you like to finish your look with a texture spray, hair spray, oil, or shine spray then you will also want that. My favorites are Dry Texture by Redken, Cult Classic by R+Co. Cult Favorite by Color Wow, and Redken touchable hairspray.

**Round Brush- Ceramic core by Olivia Garden is my go to. The thickness will depend on your hair length. Usually mine are between an inch and 2 inches depending on length of the hair.

**Sectioning Clips (alligator or butterfly will do... Heck even a hair tie can do in a pinch.)

**Your Blow Dryer: I always use my concentrator nozzle unless diffusing the hair.

The Prep

After washing, towel-dry by gently squeezing--NO rubbing like you're trying to start a campfire... Your hair is 50% more fragile when wet, so treat it delicately.

Apply your leave in product, detangle gently from ends to roots, then mist or work in the heat protectant & Structure products. Think of these products like your hair's Superhero cape--it shields against damage while you work your magic.

PRO TIP: Flip your head upside down and rough dry for 2-3 minutes first. Getting rid of that excess water will cut your blow dry time in half. If your hair is frizzy keeping your head upright and blowing in a downward way or with a comb attachment from blow dryer to remove some moisture first in a controlled way will help reduce drying time without working against yourself later to defrizz.

Divide and Conquer

Sectioning is your secret weapon. Divide your hair into 3-4 sections: two on the sides, one in the back, and clip up the crown. Work from the bottom to the top so you're not constantly fighting your own hair.

PRO TIP: Smaller sections = more control and smoother results.

The Technique

This is where the magic happens.

1. Start with your dryer on medium heat and medium speed.

2. Place round brush under a small section at the root.

3. Pull the brush slowly through the hair while following closely with the dryer nozzle approx. 1-2 inches from the hair.

4. ALWAYS point the airflow down the hair shaft--this seals the cuticle and gives you that glossy, frizz-free finish.

PRO TIP: For extra volume, lift the section at the root before pulling through opposite direction you want the hair to sit. (so up in the back, toward the face on top, and opposite the way you part in the front.) For a sleek look, keep the section taut and smooth as you dry downward.

Lock It In

Once your section is fully dry, hit it with the cool shot button on your dryer to set the style. It's like "save as" for your blowout--locks in shine, smoothness, and shape.

Finishing Touches

After all sections are dry, you can:

• Wrap the front pieces around the brush and blast them for a face-framing swoop.

• Add a pea sized amount of serum or light oil to the ends.

• Flip your head over for a quick root shake if you want extra movement.

• Finish with a texture or hair spray.

PRO TIP: Sleep with your hair in a loose, silk scrunchie ponytail on top of your head (pineapple style) to wake up with volume intact. Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction frizz. If you get an oily scalp use dry shampoo on your clean hair days to help absorb oil as its produced instead of trying to use it as an after though band-aid for oily hair.

The Self Love Connection

Here's the thing--a blowout isn't 'just' about smooth, shiny hair. It's about the way you carry yourself afterward. It's how you walk into work, date night, or even just your kitchen feeling a little more confident and polished. Taking this time for yourself says, "I'm worth it. I deserve to look and feel amazing." Because you DO.

Next week in our series: "Meditation, Mindset, and Mirror Time" -- How to connect the inner glow with the outer glam.