HOW TO DO A BOUNCY BLOW DRY FROM HOME
There is no better feeling than stepping out of the salon with your hair blow dried before swishing away into the sunset. But unfortunately for most of us, getting a professional blow out every other day is just not feasible. So, learning how to do a bouncy blow dry at home is a life skill that needs to be mastered.
Which is why, here at Cult Beauty, we sat down with amika’s Global Education Ambassador, Michael Shaun Corby, to discover exactly how to do a bouncy blow dry and to uncover his stylist-approved tips and tricks for locks that look like they’ve been zhuzhed by a stylist.
So, without further ado, it’s time pick up your round hair brush and get re-acquainted with your blow drier.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
HOW TO PREP FOR AN AT-HOME BLOW OUT
Before you even begin blow drying, Michael explains that we should start “with damp hair rather than rough-drying to help lock a blow dry in place.” As for what type of hair drier tool to use? That depends on your hair type. “For longer hair, you might want to opt for a dryer that is lightweight and powerful to speed up drying time. For shorter hair, most dryers will work, although a compact size might be easier to manoeuvre. And for curly hair, look for a dryer with a diffuser attachment to enhance and define curls.”
MICHAEL’S STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO DO A BOUNCY BLOW DRY
Now we know what tools we need, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do a bouncy blow dry from home.
Step 1: Start with a volumising shampoo like amika’s Big Hit Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo primes your hair for maximum volume right from the start, setting the foundation for a bouncy blowout. If you have thicker hair, use the Hydro Rush Shampoo and Conditioner as it’s a great option for hydration without weight.
6
27.12€
18
32.00€
5
31.64€
Step 2: Gently towel dry your tresses using a microfibre towel to minimise flyaways and then apply a heat protectant like the Shield Anti-Humidity Spray to add shine and protect hair from heat.
17
34.00€
10
66.60€
131
31.60€
29
21.40€
12
22.60€
Step 3: Add a volumising product like amika’s Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray. Lightly mist onto damp locks, concentrating on the roots and mid-lengths.
49.72€
1
31.64€
31
12.43€
27.12€
135
29.30€
Step 4: Use the appropriate blow dryer for your hair like amika’s Blow Out Babe Thermal Brush and divide your hair from temple to temple (top), ear to ear (middle) and at the nape (bottom). Start at the bottom and then work your way up, taking small subsections of hair, wrapping them around your brush and blow-drying with firm tension. To maximise bounce, lift the roots while drying and curl inwards at the ends. Never use the hottest temperature on your blow-dryer, instead use a medium heat setting to prevent damage.
Step 5: Once each section is dry, pin each curl in place with your favourite hair clip to set the shape while cooling.
4
9.61€
16.95€
11.30€
Step 6: Set the style with a lightweight hair spray like amika’s Fluxus Touchable Hairspray.
And if you have short hair and want to create a blow out? “The techniques are the same, but brush sizes will need to be smaller to make sure you get a nice bend on your strands to maintain bounce and volume.”
MICHAEL’S BLOW OUT DO’S AND DON’TS
Now you’ve understood the process of how to do a bouncy blow dry, Michael shares his top tips to ensure your hard work pays off.
- Start with clean, towel-dried hair for best results.
- Always apply a heat protectant to prevent damage.
- Use volume-boosting products at the roots.
- Work in sections for even results.
- Avoid using too much product as it can weight hair down.
- Don’t blow dry soaking wet hair, towel-dry first for efficiency.
- Keep the dryer 6-8 inches away.
- Don’t rush! Make sure hair is fully dry to prevent frizz.
And for a styling tip to keep your blow dry looking luscious for longer? “Use amika’s Perk Up Dry Shampoo on the roots of your hair while you sleep to keep your scalp refreshed and for extra volume!”
HOW TO DO A BOUNCY BLOW DRY FAQs
How do you fake a bouncy blow dry?
The easiest way to fake a bouncy blow dry is by using the heatless curling method. You can do this on wet or dry hair (although it seems to work best on dry strands). This method is essentially the process of wrapping your locks onto a satin heatless curler rod and then sleeping with your strands styled like that overnight. Then, come morning, take them out, brush your fingers through and ta-da... a fake bouncy blow dry!
What is a boho blow dry?
Unlike a traditional blow dry, a boho blow dry looks much more lived in and focuses on a more relaxed, laid-back finish. This style features soft, loose waves that aren’t defined or structed, with heavy volume at the roots and intentional ‘messy’ texture throughout. A boho blow dry should look carefree and unpolished.
How to get 90s blowout hair with a straightener?
How to do a bouncy blow dry, but make it 90s? Easy. Using your hair straightener, simply curl your strands from root to tip by twisting your flat iron at 180° as you go down the hair shaft. This creates a soft, loose wave that will mimic a blow dry once styled. Do this in sections while alternating the direction of your curls to add dimension. Once you’ve curled all of your tresses, tip your locks upside down and gently shake them out with your fingers. This will also give you more volume at the roots. Then, lightly mist with a hair spray and voila! A 90s blow dry to rival Rachel Green.
So there you have it, now you know how to do a bouncy blow dry that’ll have even a professional hairstylist doing a double-take. Don’t be afraid to give it a few tries (and maybe add a little extra hairspray). And remember, it takes practice, practice and more practice to perfect those root-raising results.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
