Do you find yourself struggling to get your smooth blow-dried hair to last more than a day? Does it start to frizz at your roots (I'm talking to all the curly hair chicas out there) or poof a little in the back? Chances are you're probably not blow-drying your hair correctly. I recently read a piece that had me thinking about common blow-drying mistakes that can be leading to your not-so-sleek look. It can be anything from not sectioning your hair, to using the wrong brush, to simply standing up. Yes, standing up can mess up your blowout! Read on to find out which common blow-drying mistakes you should avoid and learn how to do it right!
Readmore ¿Qué más? Look 10 years younger with these easy hair updates
Image via Thinkstock
Not sectioning hair
Before you begin to blow dry, you should always section your hair. This not only makes blow drying much easier, but it also prevents wet strands from wetting or frizzing your already dry sections. Try using duck bill clips, like Diana Longies Duck Bill Clips ($6), to help section hair on the top. Start by blow drying the back and work your way to the front.
Not prepping your strands
For a smooth, sleek blowout, I recommend applying a light coating of a smooth styling cream or an anti-frizz hair serum to clean, damp hair. I love Sally Hershberger Luxe Layers Pro Touch Perfect Blow Out Cream ($24). This is the best way to tame and prevent frizz.
Using the wrong brush
One of the biggest blow drying mistakes is styling with the wrong brush. Put aside that flat paddle brush, and ALWAYS use a round, boar bristle brush, like this Spornette Prix Round Boar Bristle Brush ($25). The bristles help grip the hair so it’s pulled straight and the round shape makes it easier to slide and draw the brush through the hair while blow drying. For short or medium length hair, use a medium size one and for long tresses opt for a larger version. If you have curly hair, try also using a thin, 1.25-inch round brush to help smooth those coiled frizzies at the root. Try Luxor Ultra Thin Bottle Brush ($3).
Not using the right blow dryer
No, not all blow-dryers are created equal. You have to find one that’s not only going to leave your hair sleek and shiny, but that’s going to cause the least amount of heat damage. Try the Sedu Revolution Pro Ionic Travel Dryer ($160). This professional blow-dryer contains 60 percent more power than a conventional dryer and includes a tourmaline coated ionic generator that helps reduce frizz and cut down your drying time without overheating your strands. It’s also compact enough to travel with! For the smoothest results, make sure to use the concentrator nozzle attachment and direct the flow from the roots to the ends.
Blow drying in the bathroom
After you shower, your bathroom gets steamy and humid, which can lead to some serious frizz. Try blow-drying your tresses in a moisture-free room. I also like to leave a fan on to prevent the room from getting too warm.
Standing up
Have a seat. You’d be surprised how much of a difference this can make. Blow drying your strands standing up can tire you out, causing you to rush through and not dry hair completely.
Holding the dryer in the wrong position
For starters, make sure you’re holding the hairdryer with your weaker hand so that your stronger hand is getting a strong grip on the brush. Make sure you keep the nozzle parallel to each section of hair you’re drying. Keep it at least an inch away from strands to prevent from over-drying or burning.
Drying too fast
Take your time and make sure to carefully and thoroughly dry each section. Racing through the process will only result in frizz and having to re-do sections. Keep a spray bottle of water, like this Neon Mist Spray Bottle ($3), nearby to refresh sections that may have already air dried.
