What Products Should I Use When Blow Drying?

by Editorial Team

Achieving the perfect blowout can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re aiming to get straight hair or to style straight hair from curly or wavy textures. Using the right products is essential for a sleek, salon-quality finish. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what products to use when blow drying, whether you have straight hair curly, straight hair wavy, or you’re simply looking to keep hair straight.

Why the Right Products Matter

Before diving into specific products, it’s important to understand why using the right products matters. The right products can:

  • Protect your hair from heat damage
  • Enhance the longevity of your style
  • Provide necessary hydration
  • Add shine and smoothness
  • Control frizz and flyaways

Essential Products for Blow Drying

1. Heat Protectant

A heat protectant is non-negotiable. Heat protectants form a barrier between your hair and the high temperatures of your blow dryer, preventing damage and breakage.

  • Recommended Heat Protectants:
    • Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer
    • CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray
    • Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray

2. Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in conditioners provide an extra layer of protection, moisture, and detangling benefits. They are particularly helpful for those with straight hair wavy or straight hair curly, as they help to smooth and prepare your hair for styling.

Recommended Leave-In Conditioners:

    • It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product
    • Ouai Leave-In Conditioner
    • SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner

3. Smoothing Serum or Cream

For a sleek, straight look, smoothing serums or creams can help tame frizz and add shine. These products are essential to keep hair straight and smooth throughout the day.

Recommended Smoothing Products:

    • John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum
    • Moroccanoil Treatment
    • Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream

4. Volumizing Mousse

If you have fine hair and want to get straight hair without it looking flat, a volumizing mousse can add body and lift. This is particularly useful when trying to style straight hair that may otherwise fall flat.

Recommended Volumizing Mousses:

    • Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Soft Mousse
    • TRESemmé Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse
    • L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse

5. Blow-Dry Spray

Blow-dry sprays can cut down drying time and add additional smoothness to your hair. They are especially useful for straight hair curly and straight hair wavy, helping to reduce frizz and enhance the sleekness of your blowout.

Recommended Blow-Dry Sprays:

    • Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray
    • KMS ThermaShape Quick Blow Dry
    • Amika Brooklyn Bombshell Blowout Spray

Step-by-Step Blow Drying Process

Preparation

  1. Wash and Condition: Start with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to ensure your hair is clean and moisturized.
  2. Towel Dry: Gently blot your hair with a towel to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause frizz.
  3. Apply Leave-In Conditioner: Spray or apply a leave-in conditioner to detangle and provide additional moisture.
  4. Apply Heat Protectant: Spray or apply a heat protectant evenly through damp hair.

Blow Drying

  1. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips.
  2. Use the Right Brush: For straight styles, use a round brush or paddle brush. A round brush is great for volume and curl control, while a paddle brush is ideal for a sleek finish.
  3. Dry from Roots to Ends: Focus on drying the roots first, as they take longer to dry. Hold the blow dryer at a downward angle to minimize frizz.
  4. Tension is Key: Apply tension with your brush as you dry each section. This helps to straighten the hair and adds smoothness.
  5. Cool Shot: Once a section is dry, use the cool shot button on your blow dryer to set the style and add shine.

Finishing Touches

  1. Apply Smoothing Serum: Apply a small amount of smoothing serum or cream to the ends of your hair to control frizz and add shine.
  2. Use a Flat Iron (Optional): For an extra sleek finish, you can use a flat iron on low to medium heat.
  3. Hairspray: Lightly mist with a flexible hold hairspray to keep your style in place without making it stiff.

Troubleshooting Common Blow Dry Issues

Frizz and Flyaways

  • Solution: Ensure you’re using a heat protectant and a smoothing serum. Avoid over-drying your hair and use a boar bristle brush for extra smoothness.

Lack of Volume

  • Solution: Use a volumizing mousse and lift your roots while blow drying. Consider blow drying upside down for extra lift.

Too Much Volume

  • Solution: If your hair is too voluminous, switch to a paddle brush and use a light-weight smoothing serum to weigh it down slightly.

Uneven Drying

  • Solution: Section your hair and focus on one section at a time. Make sure you’re holding the blow dryer at the right angle and using consistent tension with your brush.

Tips for Long-Lasting Straight Hair

  • Sleep on Silk: Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
  • Touch-Up: Use a dry shampoo to absorb oil and add volume between washes.
  • Avoid Humidity: Use anti-humidity sprays to maintain your style in humid conditions.
  • Regular Trims: Get regular trims to keep your ends healthy and prevent split ends.

Conclusion

Blow drying your hair to perfection requires the right products and techniques. Whether you’re aiming to get straight hair from curly or wavy textures, or simply want to keep hair straight, the right combination of heat protectants, leave-in conditioners, smoothing serums, and styling tools can make all the difference. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your hair type, and remember to always protect your hair from heat to maintain its health and shine. Happy styling!

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