If you’re looking to give your straight or wavy hair more volume, an old school blowout is a way to add some curl and bounce to your hair without a curling iron. A blowout is a technique and process that uses a blow dryer, a round brush, and other simple hairdressing tools to create an entirely new look. This works best for people with hair types of type 1 or type 2 (straight or wavy). Let’s go through the basic steps of how to do a 1990s style blowout at the salon or at home.
Gathering the Tools
To do a proper blowout, you’ll need the following:
- Blow dryer with a concentrator attachment
- Round brush (longer hair will need a wider diameter)
- Mousse
- Heat protectant or blow dry cream with heat protectant
- Hair clip
- Rat tail comb (optional)
- Rollers (optional)
Steps to a Voluminous Blowout
1 Shampoo and Rinse
If you use conditioner, be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all product from your hair. It is very important to have clean hair before doing a blowout.
2 Rough Dry Your Hair
You want to get your hair about 80 percent dry, be sure to blow dry the roots because those take a long time to dry. Use a heat protectant or thermal styling spray to protect your hair from heat damage. Set your blow dryer to “cool” or “medium” heat setting.
3 Add Product
You will want to add a mousse or other product to make sure your hair sets. Use your fingers to detangle your hair. Using a round brush, make sure there are no knots in your hair.
4 Section Your Hair, Roll and Blow Out
It’s best to create three sections, bottom, middle and top. Pin up your hair with a clip to focus on the bottom layer. Take sections of your hair, not any bigger than the round brush, and wrap your hair around the brush, starting and the mid-point, and going towards the ends. Keep your brush held vertically the entire time. Unroll, then roll the entire length of hair up the root, around the round brush. Remember, longer hair will need a wider diameter brush, with medium to short hair using a medium diameter round brush.
Blow dry the hair on “cool” using the concentrator nozzle, blowing from the root to further down the length of hair. The cool air will help set the curl.
5 Release the Hair and Repeat for Each Section
When releasing the curl for each section, gently untwist the hair moving away from the face. When you get near the end of the hair, gently grab above the ends and pull it out of the brush. If your hair gets stuck in the round brush, use the handle of the rat tail comb to unlodge the hair from the brush.
Repeat this entire process for each section of the hair. Focus on the hair that frames your face, the very back of your hair, and any other highly visible areas.
For Bigger Volume Curls (optional)
To get bigger curls, use rollers to create curls and pin them up for up to an hour, setting the curls with cool air from the blow dryer. When ready to release the curls, gently unwind the rollers in a twisting motion similar to how it’s described with the round brush.
6 Final Prep
Comb through the curls with your fingers, or if you prefer, a wide tooth comb. You can moisturize the ends with a hair mask or hydrating oil.
Extra Tips
The curlier the hair is, the more moisture it might take to create the right blowout look.
Be careful doing the rough dry with fine hair, as this hair type is more prone to frizz.
If your brush is getting stuck when you go to release, the tension in the curls isn’t enough and the hair may be getting stuck in the wrong direction in the bristles of the brush. Reverse the rotation when you go to release.
If the curl isn’t setting correctly, you may need more mousse. Use a full curl with the round brush, holding vertically, blowing down. When you untwist the hair, let the hair cool completely before using the brush again if you are making adjustments.
Protect and Preserve Your Blowout
Here are some maintenance tips for preserving your blowout waves.
Use dry shampoo at the roots periodically to absorb excess sebum and add volume. This will help extend the lifespan of your blowout.
When you go to sleep, tie your hair loosely in a satin scrunchie and use silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction on your hair during the night.
Are You Ready to Start Your Career as a Hairstylist?
If you’re ready to become a licensed cosmetologist, Campus Sacramento has a world-class Cosmetology training program that will give you the skills you need to start your career. Paul Mitchell the School at Campus Sacramento has both day and night classes which can help teach you hairstyling, skin care, nail care, and the knowledge you need to pass the State licensing exam. For more information on start dates, class schedules, student kits, and financial aid, contact our friendly Admissions team or call 888-675-2460.