If you visit hair salons frequently, you’re probably very familiar with the term “blowout.” It’s one of the most common ways to finish off any hair appointment. Whether you’ve gone to your stylist for a simple haircut or something more specialized like highlights, a balayage, or even a perm, you might end up getting a blowout too.
However, while most people are familiar with the term “blowout”, some still don’t know exactly what it means. Some people assume that “blowout” just means using a hair dryer on your hair after it’s been washed. However, there’s more to the process than you’d think.
A blowout is one of the best ways to ensure your hair looks and feels its absolute best before you walk out of the salon. Here’s everything you need to know about blowouts, and why they’re such an amazing part of the salon experience.
What is a Blowout? The Basics

A blowout, by definition, is the art of drying your hair after a wash so it achieves the perfect style, volume, and overall appearance. Most people get a blowout after virtually any hair service, whether it’s a cut, a perm, or a hair colour.
However, you can also book an appointment for nothing but a blowout. It’s a great way to keep your hair looking professionally styled even in between regular appointments. Just like many other hair treatments, there are various types of blowout you may be able to choose from, depending on the finished result you want to achieve.
Experienced hairstylists can use a blowout to achieve just about any type of look, whether you’re looking for shiny, straight hair, waves, curls, or massive volume.
Some of the most popular types of blowout include:
Curly Blowout
This usually involves using specific techniques and hair dryer to give you tight, bouncy curls, and plenty of volume. It’s a good choice for people who have naturally curly hair, or have just gotten a perm, as it can give more definition and shape to your hair, without having to rely on curling irons and additional rollers.
Natural Blowout
This option usually works best for people who have naturally curly or wavy hair, and are looking for a more subtle look, with a decent amount of volume. This blowout focuses on enhancing the existing features of your hair and keeping it healthy. A stylist will use their hands to work through your hair and bring out its natural structure.
Root Lift Blowout
With a root lift blowout, your stylist will use a round brush and curling iron to create more volume at the roots, while maintaining your hair’s natural structure throughout the body. They may also use additional products to add to your hair’s volume and lift, such as mousses or styling sprays.
Signature Blowout
The classic choice for individuals looking for an effortlessly beautiful look, this type of hairstyle can be tailored to suit any hair style or texture. This is one of the longest-lasting types of blowouts, and every stylist has their own unique approach to achieving the best results for clients.
Straightening Blowout
Straightening blowouts are a great way to end up with smooth, sleek hair without the hassle of using straighteners. Most of the time, a stylist will prep your hair with a smoothing product before beginning the blowout process. This will help to minimize frizz and create a sophisticated finished look.
How Does a Blowout Work? The Process

Since there are many types of blowouts, and different stylists take their own unique approach to achieving the best results, there’s no one-size-fits-all blowout experience. In most cases though, the process will usually involve the following steps:
Step 1: First, your stylist will wash and condition your hair, eliminating any grease, residue, or tangles, so your hair feels fresh and looks as healthy as possible.
Step 2: Next, your stylist will usually add products to your hair, such as detangling sprays, heat protection sprays, and other treatments to enhance hair health.
Step 3: Before beginning to dry your hair, your stylist will part it into sections, to ensure they can focus their attention on the right locations at the correct times. This helps to achieve the right distribution of volume, based on the look you want to achieve.
Step 4: Your stylist will begin to dry your hair carefully, using specific products like diffusers to minimize frizz and make your hair look shiny and beautiful. They may also use additional hot tools, like flat irons or curling irons, depending on the results you want.
Step 5: Finally, your stylist may apply more products to your hair, such as setting and fixing sprays, so your look stays consistent for as long as possible.
What is a Blowout Good For?

Blowouts are a versatile way to enhance the look and feel of your hair whenever you visit a salon. They’re not specifically tailored to a certain hair style or type; anyone can get a blowout and achieve beautiful results.
Beyond simply giving you a “finished look” before you leave the salon, a blowout can accomplish a lot of things. It can enhance your hair health, particularly if your stylist uses specific products on your hair that help to cleanse your scalp, reduce unnecessary oils, and unclog pores. The use of heat during a blowout can also help to seal hair cuticles and lock in moisture.
Blowouts are also a great way to eliminate frizz and make your hair look more sleek and well-managed. It can smooth hair cuticles to give your hair a polished look. Plus, it can add volume and body to your hair, transforming a lifeless look into something that seems red-carpet ready.
Additionally, unlike simply drying your hair at home and using specific products to achieve a certain look, a professionally-done blowout is designed to last. It can keep your hair looking fresh and styled for several days, particularly if you know how to care for your hair correctly.
How to Get the Best Results From Your Blowout
Most professionally trained stylists will have no problem giving you a fantastic blowout. However, it’s still important to make sure you know how to get the best results from the treatment. The most important thing you can do is communicate with your stylist ahead of time.
Give them a clear idea of exactly what you want to accomplish with your hair. Do you want extra volume? Are you trying to get rid of frizz? Maybe you just want to make your curls and waves look as professionally maintained as possible. The more you can tell your stylist about what you want to achieve, as well as anything they might need to know about the condition of your hair, the better.
Make sure your stylist is aware of whether you have any products you prefer to use, or avoid when styling your hair. If you suffer with issues like scalp sensitivity and frizz, let them know ahead of time so they can prepare accordingly.
How to Make Your Blowout Last Longer

Once you’ve received the ideal blowout, ask your stylist about what you can do to make it last as long as possible. Blowouts can last for up to a week depending on the texture of your hair, and how well you care for the look. Here are some great tips for maintaining your blowout:
- Protect your hair: Instead of using elastic ties and cotton pillow cases, switch to silk. This will help to minimize friction to your hair and hopefully ensure the style lasts as long as possible. If you can, avoid putting your hair up at all, and try not to touch it too much.
- Avoid getting your hair wet: Ideally, if you want to ensure your new style lasts as long as possible, you should avoid washing it or getting it wet for a few days. Getting your hair wet won’t cause any damage, but it will wash away any products that might be holding your hair in place, so stick to dry shampoo for a little while if you need to refresh your hair.
- Use styling tools sparingly: If you feel like your hair starts to lose some of its volume, you could consider using rollers to give it a little extra bounce. Alternatively, you could turn to your straighteners if your natural waves and curls start to return over time. Just try to avoid exposing your hair to excessive heat without protective sprays.
Make an Impact with a Professional Blowout
Getting a blowout might not be as drastic as getting a perm or colouring your hair, but it’s still a wonderful way to refresh your style and boost your confidence. Whether you’re seeking the perfect look for a special occasion, or you just want to add a blowout to your existing treatment (like a colour or hair cut), you’ll end up with an eye-catching, unique hairstyle that can last for days.
If you want to experience the joys of a professional blowout for yourself, contact us or book an appointment today.