Five Blow-Dry Mistakes We’ve All Made

Good hair is often less about what you do, and more about what you stop doing.

A proper blow-dry can survive a dinner, a night’s sleep and, with a little help from Dryclean, possibly several days of real life.

But when it falls flat before you have even left the bathroom, the hairdryer is rarely to blame. 

After many years behind the chair, we have seen almost every blow-dry mistake possible. We have also made most of them ourselves.

Here are the five that matter.

1. Starting when the hair is soaking wet

Wet hair is not ready for a round brush.

If water is still dripping down your back, you will spend far too long applying heat without creating any shape. The hair becomes tired. Your arms become tired. Eventually, everyone gives up.

Gently squeeze out excess water with a towel, never rub, and allow the hair to air-dry briefly if you have time. Then rough-dry it with your fingers until it is approximately 70–80 per cent dry.

Only then should the real styling begin. Less time with the brush. Less heat on the hair. Considerably less frustration.

2. Using too much product, or none at all

A blow-dry needs preparation.

Heat protection is essential, and the right styling product gives the hair hold, movement and a reason to remain as you intended it.

But applying three creams, two serums, a mousse and an optimistic amount of oil is not preparation. It is panic.

Choose products according to what your hair needs. Fine hair may want lightweight volume at the roots and heat protection through the lengths. Thick or dry hair may need more control and moisture.

Begin with a small amount and distribute it properly. The goal is styled hair, not hair carrying the full weight of your bathroom shelf.

3. Ignoring the roots

Volume is decided at the beginning, not added hopefully at the end.

If the roots dry flat against the scalp, no amount of enthusiastic brushing through the lengths will completely rescue them.

Lift the hair away from the scalp while drying. Direct the roots in the opposite direction from where you want them to fall, or move the hair from side to side using your fingers.

Once the roots are almost dry, you can begin working in sections with a brush.

And please start at the back. The front always receives attention. The back deserves a life too.

4. Pointing the dryer in every direction

Airflow matters.

Keep the nozzle attached to the hairdryer and direct the air down the hair shaft, from roots towards ends. This helps smooth the surface and creates shine.

Blowing upwards against the hair may create volume, but it can also create an atmosphere you did not request.

The dryer should follow the brush without touching the hair. Keep it moving and maintain a little distance. Heat should shape the hair, not interrogate it.

5. Stopping while the hair is still warm

This is the mistake almost everyone makes.

You create a beautiful section, release it from the brush while it is hot and immediately begin touching it. The shape disappears before your eyes.

Hair needs to cool in the position you want it to keep.

Finish each section with cool air, or leave it wrapped around the brush for a moment before releasing it. If you are creating waves or movement, clip the section loosely while it cools.

And make sure the hair is completely dry. Even a small amount of moisture will allow it to return to its natural shape, usually just after you have put on your coat.

The final rule

Don’t keep correcting it.

When the hair is dry, let it settle. Use your fingers to loosen the shape, add a very small amount of oil to the ends if needed and then step away from the mirror.

A good blow-dry should look like beautiful hair. Not evidence of how hard you worked.

Patrik