At times, washing and blow drying our hair can most definitely feel like a chore, especially when we’re already exhausted by everything else that has to be done in our day. Yes, hair styling can be enjoyable for many. And we’d all agree that we want our hair to look its best. But often, if we lack time, if our hair isn’t really cooperating and if we just don’t have complete confidence in our styling abilities, blow drying may not be your most favourite activity. Plus, styling can also cause unnecessary hair damage and breakage if we’re not intentional with our routine.
However, styling our hair doesn’t have to be complicated or damaging if we know what to do and if we use the correct products that not only make our hair look nice, but also support good hair health. So, let’s talk about the best blow drying tips and hair products that will improve your styling results and leave you with fresh, bouncy and beautiful hair. And no, you don’t need to be an expert styler. Blow drying is not just about skill; it’s about knowing how to manage your hair correctly for your best results.
Now, different hair types require unique haircare and hairstyling routines. Styling, most certainly, is not a one size fits all approach. So, be sure to understand your specific hair type and needs when creating your overall haircare routine. These hair styling tips we’re about to discuss are important for all hair types but are particularly effective for those of us with thin, fine hair who are looking for some added volume and body.
BLOW DRYING TIPS
1. Blow dry with your head forward
When starting off your blow dry, allow your dryer to gently toss around your hair and start the drying process before committing to any styling brushes. In this first stage of blow drying where you’re not yet using styling brushes, the best way to dry the bulk of your hair quickly while also adding volume is to lean and toss your hair forward. Drying your hair forward is an easy and guaranteed way of creating body, root lift and volume, regardless of hair styling expertise, especially for naturally fine or flat hair. For curly or wavy hair types, you might like to consider adding a diffuser to your blow dryer when drying forward for more control.
2. Dry your roots in the opposite direction for more lift
Similar to blow drying while leaning forward, another way to increase root lift and enjoy maximum volume is to dry your roots in the opposite direct. When standing up straight, gently brush or toss your hair across to one side, and blow dry your hair while the roots are lifted towards the opposite direction. This creates more volume at the roots when you then toss your hair back over. Repeat this process on the other side of your hair. This process doesn’t need to be time consuming. It is simply a quick way to focus on adding volume to the roots for maximum bounce.
3. Use low to medium heat and use shots of cold air
Successful hair styling is not solely about how to make your hair look it’s best. It also involves using care and intention to support healthy hair. So, be sure to not overheat or damage your hair when blow drying by using the highest temperature on your dryer. All you need is low to medium heat settings for general styling purposes.
Another useful tip to keep in mind when you’re creating root life and bounce in your hair is to use shots of cold air. After blow drying a section or piece of hair with heat and your styling brush, switch your dryer temperature to cold air to instantly cool the hair. This is important when wanting to create a long-lasting blow out hairstyle because the cold air helps to set the style, as opposed to simply heating your hair and letting the curl or volume drop as the hair cools. Many hair dryers and heated hair styling tools will have a cold air button or setting. Yes, all hair styles will naturally drop and lose some shape, but setting the hair is an important part of enjoying a long-lasting blow out.
4. Invest in the right brushes for YOUR hair type
Everyone needs a good detangling hairbrush. The right detangling brush is essential for removing knots without causing breakage, as well as for when brushing out any unwanted tangles or matting caused by the blow dryer. However, in addition to your detangling brush, when it comes to styling, you also need to choose the right styling brushes for your hair type. Round brushes of all different sizes are the go-to option for lifting roots, adding bounce and even just creating a simple, elegant straight blow dry. So, depending on how you prefer to style your hair, choose the right type and size of styling brush that you specifically require.
5. Dry your hair with a microfibre hair towel first
To reduce blow drying time, always use a microfibre hair towel to absorb excess water from your hair after washing. Doing this will not only help to reduce drying time, but it will also help to prevent damage and promote smooth, healthy hair. Our hair is most fragile when wet, so always use your hair towel before starting to brush. And the reason why it is so important to use a microfibre towel over a standard cotton shower towel is that microfibre is known to cause less friction to the hair shaft, which is essential for reducing frizz and maintaining smoother hair.
6. Use a lightweight styling serum
If you struggle with frizzy, dry hair when blow drying, start applying a styling serum to your ends. Unless your hair is properly prepared with the right hair products before styling, blow drying can cause some hair types to be left looking and feeling dry, fluffy/fuzzy and difficult to manage. However, with the right haircare routine, which includes a lightweight styling serum, you can protect your hair, as well as increase shine and smooth frizz.
NATURAL HAIRCARE PRODUCTS TO MAKE STYLING EASIER
In addition to our blow drying techniques and overall styling routine, we must not forget about the prep work that needs to be done before styling to enjoy better blow drying results. Here are the most important hair products to consider for your natural haircare routine that will support easier styling and blow drying.
1. Wash with our Sozo Hair Health Shampoo & Conditioner
Beautiful hair is not just created by good styling; it starts with achieving healthy hair with the best haircare products. The foundation of any haircare routine is your shampoo and conditioner. Our Sozo Hair Health Duo provides a sulphate free, nourishing shampoo that effectively cleans and lathers without drying or stripping your hair. For a clean, fresh, healthy scalp and hair, apply our shampoo gel generously across all parts of your scalp, massaging it under the weight of your hair. Then, repeat the process for a double shampoo. After this, follow with our Hair Health Conditioner that is specifically formulated to be hydrating, nourishing and conditioning while also being lightweight. This means you can support natural body and volume while also enjoying smooth, shiny, strong, healthy hair. With its lightweight formula that won’t leave your hair heavy or greasy, you can apply our conditioner generously for your best hair health results.
2. Use our Bamboo Microfibre Hair Towel
We’ve already discussed the importance of using a microfibre hair towel for drying your hair before styling. Our Sozo Bamboo Microfibre Hair Towel is ultra soft and super absorbent, while also being lightweight and comfortable to wear. Plus, it is designed to sit firmly on your hair without awkwardly falling or slipping off part way through your post-shower routines. It is a rectangular towel, not a pre-shaped wrap or turban, making it suitable for all hair types and lengths.
3. Apply our Sozo Scalp & Hair Health Serum before styling
After drying your hair with our Bamboo Microfibre Hair Towel, before you start brushing, apply a couple of drops of our Sozo Scalp & Hair Health Serum at a time to your ends, not your scalp. It is an ultra-lightweight, hydrating hair oil that is formulated for prewash oil treatments, as well as for styling. It is silicone free and contains natural ingredients known to help protect against heat damage, increase shine, hydrate, strengthen and smooth. Simply apply small amounts to your ends and gradually add more as needed, depending on your hair type, thickness and length, then proceed to enjoy easier styling.
4. Manage knots with our Sozo Detangling Hairbrush
Before blow drying and using styling brushes, always detangle any knots in your hair to prevent unnecessary damage. Hair breakage and damage are likely to occur if you try to brush out knots with a round styling brush that is not designed for detangling. But with our Sozo Detangling Hairbrush, you can safely detangle both wet and dry hair. Our detangling brush is designed to glide easily through the hair to prevent breakage. Always brush in small sections, starting at your ends and working up to your roots.
Although blow drying and styling can be time consuming, especially for those of us with long or thick hair types, styling can be made easier with the right blow drying techniques and when we prepare our hair with the right haircare products. Blow dryers can be used to create a range of different styles, from smooth, straight hair, to a bouncy, voluminous blow out. So, however you prefer to style your hair, always consider your temperature settings, brushes, styling tools and your specific hair type in order to create your best styling results. And don’t underestimate the importance of establishing a strong, natural haircare routine as your first step to supporting beautifully styled hair. With the correct blow drying techniques and routine, you can make styling easier and more enjoyable.
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