How To Blow Dry Hair at Home: 5 Easy Steps

Wish your blow-dry looked as good as it does in the salon? You’re not the only one.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I blow-dry my hair at home like they do at the salon?” — this guide is for you. Creating the perfect at-home blow-dry doesn’t have to be hard. With the right tools, smart techniques, and a little expert know-how, salon-worthy results are totally doable.

Whether you’re trying to build volume, boost shine, define shape, blow dry straight hair, use a round brush for lift, tame curls or style a short cut — we’ve got you covered. These blow dry tips will help turn your everyday routine into a polished, professional-level finish — no stylist required..

First Up - The Secret Sauce: Sectioning

Before you even touch that hair dryer, you need to section with precision and confidence. Trust us, it’s a game-changer for getting that flawless finish (and it makes drying way easier).
Check out this quick guide: How to Section Hair the Right Way.

How To Blow Dry Hair for Volume

1. Prep Your Tresses

• Start with towel-dried hair 
• Apply heat protectant to prep your hair — it’s a must for shielding strands from heat damage and locking in moisture before you start your blow-dry. Focus on mid-lengths to ends, and comb through for even coverage.
• Section your hair: The key is to section the top, middle, and bottom layers. The key is not to rush — sectioning gives you better control and smoother results. 

2. Prep Your Hair Dryer

• Attach the concentrator nozzle to direct airflow more precisely.
• We recommend starting with the medium heat and speed setting combination to style your hair effectively. Using the highest settings can create excessive airflow that blows your strands around, leading to tangling, breakage, and dryness. Medium settings provide enough heat to shape your hair while keeping it more controlled and manageable — ideal for achieving a smooth, healthy blowout. That said, every hair type is different, so feel free to adjust based on your hair’s thickness, texture, and how much moisture it holds.

3. Use The Right Tools

• Take a round or oval hair brush to help shape and smooth your hair as you dry. 
• A round brush is great for creating volume, bend, and bounce — especially at the roots or through the ends. 
• An oval brush is great if you’re after a straighter, more polished finish with a bit of curve,  as it offers more surface area for smoothing while still adding body. Choose the brush size based on your hair length: smaller barrels for shorter styles or tighter curls, larger barrels for longer hair and loose waves

4. Mastering The Technique 

Work from roots to ends:

• Take sections roughly the same size as your round or oval hair brush.
• Drape the hair section over the top of the hair brush, with the hairdryer pointing down, close to the hair section.
• Slowly direct the hairdryer down the section.
• Wrap and roll the ends of each section around the hair brush, repeating as needed
• Lift and pull each section up and out as you dry for max volume.

PRO TIP - to create more of a bouncy blowout, hold the hair dryer as you roll the hair brush under the section 

5. Lock In Your Style 

• Once your hair is dry and styled, switch to the cool shot setting to lock it all in place. 
• The burst of cool air helps set the shape, reduce frizz, and boost shine by sealing the hair cuticle. It’s a simple but effective final step for a long-lasting, salon-worthy finish.

Finishing Touches 

• Gently tousle at the roots for added volume and a more effortless, lived-in finish. 
• Smooth down any flyaways with a lightweight serum or shine spray,
• Add a touch of texturising spray through the mid-lengths and ends for movement and hold. This final step helps personalise your style and take it from “just dried” to “fully styled.”

How To Blow Dry Hair for a Smooth, Straight Look

Dreaming of sleek, smooth, straight hair that lasts all day?

Blow drying your hair straight at home can feel tricky, but with the right technique and tools, you can achieve that polished, salon-worthy finish without a visit to the stylist. Whether your hair is naturally wavy, curly, or frizzy, this step-by-step guide will show you how to master the art of blow drying for smooth, shiny, straight locks — all from the comfort of your own bathroom.

1. Prep Your Tresses - Section your hair: top, middle, and bottom.
2. Choose Your Settings - Select medium heat and speed setting combination.
3. Use a Fine Concentrator Nozzle + Round Hair Brush - For a smoother style, use a fine and wide concentrator nozzle. Work the brush over each section with the dryer on top and concentrator facing down for added smoothness.
4. Style The Ends - Don't forget to dry the ends around the brush for a beautiful finish.
5. Lock In Your Style - Switch to the cool shot setting to lock it all in place. 
6. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat - Style and smooth through all sections until dry.

How To Blow Dry Curly Hair

Calling all curl lovers — this guide’s got your name on it! Want next-level bounce, definition, and shine? We’ve got you. If you’ve been wondering how to diffuse curly hair the right way, you're in the perfect place.

A hair diffuser is one of the best tools for enhancing your natural curl pattern. This blow dryer attachment helps reduce frizz, boost volume, and define curls — all while protecting your strands and keeping crunch far, far away.

Whether you’re new to diffusing or just want to perfect your technique, these expert tips will help you get that effortlessly curly look every time.

What Does a Diffuser Do for Curly Hair?

A diffuser spreads airflow more evenly and gently, so your curls dry with shape and bounce, not frizz or disruption. It’s ideal for anyone looking to enhance their curl definition while maintaining softness and moisture.

Ready, Set, Diffuse

Grab your dryer, snap on that diffuser, and watch our tutorial to learn how to use a diffuser for curly hair — and get salon-worthy results at home.

Blow Drying Long Hair: Tips for Rapunzel Vibes

1. Section, section, section: Long hair needs extra attention. Divide into smaller, manageable sections so you don’t miss a spot.
2. If you missed it: How to Section Hair the Right Way
3. If you have time, let your hair air dry before you start. If you’re short on time, rough blow dry your hair without any attachments on the hair dryer 
4. Attach the concentrator nozzle to your hair dryer and style with a large round or oval hair brush: This helps tame frizz and gives you those swooshy, bouncy ends. Or style using a paddle brush for smooth, sleekness.
5. Work from roots to ends: Always aim the hair dryer down the hair shaft for a smooth finish.
6. Finish with a cool shot: This little detail locks in shine and keeps your style looking fresh all day.

Blow Drying Short Hair: Pixie-Perfect

1. Let your hair air dry and section it into three.
2. Attach the concentrator nozzle to your hair dryer for precise smoothing. 
3. Start with the bottom section, split into smaller bits the width of your brush.
4. Wrap and roll hair around the brush until dry. Leave it wrapped and hit the cool shot to set.
5. Repeat for all sections. For max volume at the front, wrap and roll in the opposite direction you want your hair to fall.
6. Flip and style with your fingers.

VS Sassoon Tips for All Hair Types

• Don’t skip sectioning: Seriously, it’s the secret to pro results.
• Use the right hair dryer and heat/speed combination settings suitable for your hair type 
• Brush matters: Round or oval for volume, paddle for smooth, sleekness.
• Always finish with the cool shot: It sets your style for longer-lasting results and keeps it looking fresh.

Shop our blow dryers here

We have a range of cutting-edge hair dryers that help you dry hair fast with frizz-free results while protecting your locks. Learn all the sciency stuff about our ceramic versus ionic technology for blow-drying here. 

Love Your Style, from the VS Sassoon Team! x