How To Blow Dry Hair (2)
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The brush used varies depending on the results you want and, to a lesser extent, the texture and type of hair. For hair with natural waves that you want to preserve, a vented brush with widely-spaced bristles is good. It will separate the strands for maximum air circulation without exerting excessive tension, which can straighten the hair too much.
If you want to style the hair straight, you should use a flat paddle brush with closely spaced bristles. The larger surface area of the brush head with more bristles separates the hair with increased tension. This allows the hair to be kept taut as it dries, resulting in straighter hair.
Finally, when dealing with naturally curly hair, using a hair brush may not be advisable. To maintain the hair's curl, you can attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently lift and fluff the hair, allowing it to dry without stretching or flattening the curls.
How To Tips
To achieve the best results from your blow-dry styling, there are some tips that can make a dramatic difference. These tips cover various aspects, from the angle of airflow to the elevation of the hair during drying. When incorporated, they can significantly enhance the outcome of your blowout. Here are the tips:
Airflow & Heat: Start high, finish low.
When blow drying the hair, begin with your blow dryer's heat and airflow settings on high to remove excess moisture from the hair. Continue until the hair is partially dry, and then reduce both the heat and airflow to complete the styling. This provides better control over the hair and helps prevent damage from excessive heat.
If you have fine-textured or damaged hair, start with medium settings and quickly switch to low settings as soon as the hair starts to dry.
Since the hair grows outward from the scalp and the strands are covered with overlapping scales known as the cuticle, directing the airflow toward the scalp increases the likelihood of raised cuticle scales and frizzy, damaged-looking hair.
On the contrary, by keeping the airflow aligned with the direction of the cuticle, you can maintain a smooth and shiny appearance during the drying process. When it's not possible to direct the air exactly in the direction the hair grows, aim to keep the airflow perpendicular to the hair.
Elevation: Creating volume through lift.
The key to a great blow-dry style often comes down to achieving volume. To create volume, particularly at the scalp, it's important to elevate the hair while drying it.
Use your brush to lift the hair straight out from the scalp as you dry it. This technique helps create lift and volume. Pause the airflow and hold the hair in place for a brief period to allow it to cool down (or use the cool shot feature) and maximize the lift you've created.
Cool Shot: Setting a style.
Most high-quality hair dryers include a "cool shot" button or mechanism that turns off the heat and provides cooler airflow. This feature is beneficial for styling because heat can be used to reshape the hair's wave.
By directing the cool air across the hair while it is shaped around a brush or other styling tool, you can create different styles. This works particularly well with a round brush for curling bangs, flipping the ends of the hair outward, or creating a turned-under effect at the bottom. With practice, you can master other techniques as well.
The blowout can be one of the most valuable styling techniques for women, and although it may require some extra practice to master, it is well worth it when you achieve the looks that make you happiest.
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