Hair Basics: Blowout How-To

If you're looking to boost your blow-drying skills, you've come to the right place. Stylist Danielle Caputo shares the professional tricks and tips for a sleek, smooth blowout -- no matter what your hair type is.

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Detangler
Start with a leave-in detangling spritz to nourish damp hair and scalp.

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Volumizer
Use a volumizing spray at your roots to add height and control to the hair.

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Grooming Cream
"You want your hair, and especially the ends, to look very polished so I like to use a little bit of grooming cream through the ends," says Danielle.

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Pre-Dry Hair

You'll cut down on a lot on drying time by blow-drying your hair with your hands until it's about 90 dry.

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Section Hair

Separate hair into three sections, from the top, the middle and the nape. Leave the nape section loose because this is where you'll begin blow-drying.

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Pick the Right Brush

"Use a paddle brush for a sleek look and a round brush for more volume and bend," suggests Danielle.

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Direct the Nozzle Down

Always point the nozzle attachment on your dryer facing down the hair shaft. This helps to flatten the cuticle for the sleekest results.

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Follow Through

It's good to get the roots completely dry first and then move on to the ends. Remember to brush and dry all the way through the ends so that they end up polished and smooth--not neglected.

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Add Some Lift

"On the middle section of hair, you want to achieve some volume. I do that by placing the brush right under the section of hair, and then bringing the brush up" says Danielle. Direct the dryer flow against the hair as you lift to lock in volume, then smooth through the rest of the strand as usual.

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