The Perfect Blowout: Essentials, Tips and Video

No matter the season, no matter the event, a classic blowout is always a hair do. The perfect blowout leaves hair looking shiny, full of body and, most importantly, healthy.

Heading to the salon for a special occasion is fine every once in a while. However, going often will undoubtedly put a strain on your bank account. Your best bet is to learn how to perform the perfect blowout on yourself.


Before doing anything else, get yourself a professional grade hair dryer. I promise you, it's absolutely worth the investment.

Why? Because higher end blow dryers incorporate various technologies that minimize drying time (the longer you use heat, the larger the toll is on your hair). Many also have ionic technology, which reduces frizz. Additionally, professional grade blow dryers allow you to customize the heat settings.

Fact: If your hair is on the thinner (or even medium-thickness) side, you do not need to set your hair dryer to the hottest temperature possible. That's damaging to your hair.

Try Sedu's Revolution Dryer ($160), pictured at right. It uses advanced ceramic tourmaline ionic technology with a far-infrared moisturizing heat. The result? Frizz free, healthy and manageable hair.

In addition to professional grade blow dryers, use a heat protectant before blow drying. They reduce breakage and lessen the overall effects of heat.

Try Kenra's Platinum Blow Dry Collection for sleeker locks, subtle volume and touchable waves.

Pictured at left is is Kenra's Platinum Blow Dry Spray ($16), which reduces blow-dry time by 50% and smooths/softens.

Lastly, you should use a round, bristle boar brush to smooth and stretch each section of hair as you blow dry.

Bristle boar brushes spread your hair's natural oils down the whole shaft and are less likely to break your hair.

Pictured at right is Spornette 955 Italian Double Bristle Boar Round Brush ($21.95).