There is a specific kind of confidence that only comes from a fresh salon blowout. Your hair feels lighter, the shine is blinding, and the bounce follows your every move. But you don’t need a standing appointment with a stylist to achieve that “just stepped out of the chair” look. With the right technique, a high-quality round brush, and a bit of patience, you can master the art of the blowout at home.
Whether you are working with a short pixie, a mid-length bob, or waist-skimming layers, the perfect blowout is about architecture—building volume at the root and sealing the cuticle for a frizz-free finish. Here are 15 blowout styles that will keep you looking polished and professional every single day.
1. 90s Supermodel
The 90s supermodel blowout is the holy grail of hair styling. Characterized by “bigger is better” volume and soft, face-framing flips, this look relies on large velcro rollers and a heavy dose of volumizing mousse. The key is to lift the hair directly upward from the scalp while drying and then “set” the hair in rollers while it is still warm. Once you shake it out, you’re left with a bombshell aesthetic that screams luxury.
2. Sleek Straight
Not every blowout needs to be about curls. The sleek straight blowout focuses on an ultra-smooth texture and a mirror-like shine. To achieve this, use a concentrated nozzle on your hair dryer and a large paddle brush. Keep the tension high as you pull the dryer down the hair shaft to flatten the cuticle. Finish with a silk-infused serum to eliminate flyaways and give it that high-fashion, “glass hair” effect.
3. Bouncy Bob
The bob is a classic, but a blowout takes it from a simple cut to a statement style. For a bouncy bob, focus on the ends. Use a medium-sized round brush to curl the hair inward toward your chin, creating a rounded, feminine shape. This style adds width to the face and makes thin hair appear much thicker than it actually is.
4. Flicked Ends
Popularized in the 60s and revived in the early 2000s, flicked ends are back in a major way. Instead of curling the hair under, use your round brush to rotate the hair outward and upward away from your neck. It’s a playful, energetic look that works exceptionally well on shoulder-length hair and adds a touch of retro charm to a modern outfit.
5. Hollywood Waves
For those who want a blowout that feels like a red-carpet event, Hollywood waves are the answer. This requires a bit more precision, as you want the waves to align perfectly. Blow-dry the hair in one direction and then use a large-barrel brush to create uniform loops. Pin the loops to your head to cool. Once released, brush them through gently with a boar-bristle brush to merge the sections into a singular, flowing wave.
6. Butterfly Cut
The butterfly blowout is all about movement. Because this haircut features short layers on top and long layers on the bottom, the blowout needs to emphasize that contrast. Use a smaller round brush on the top layers to create “wing-like” flips that move away from the face, while keeping the bottom layers long and soft. It’s the ultimate style for anyone who wants to maintain length but add incredible texture.
7. Textured Shag
A shag blowout should never look too “perfect.” The goal here is a “cool-girl” lived-in vibe. Use a diffuser attachment or a rough-dry technique until the hair is 80% dry, then use a round brush only on the very ends and the face-framing pieces. Add a spritz of sea salt spray or dry shampoo at the roots to give it that gritty, rock-and-roll edge.
8. Deep Side Part
A blowout can be completely transformed just by shifting your part. The deep side part blowout creates an asymmetrical look that is incredibly flattering for most face shapes. By drying the hair in the opposite direction of where it will eventually lay, you create “over-directed” volume that stays lifted all day long.
9. Face Framing
If you’re short on time, focusing your blowout on the face-framing layers (often called “money pieces”) can make your entire head of hair look professionally done. Use a round brush to pull these front sections forward and away from the face. This opens up your features and gives a polished look even if the back of your hair is left more natural.
10. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are the trend that refuses to die, and for good reason—they are incredibly flattering. To blow them out, use a small round brush and dry them forward toward your nose, then flip them back. This creates that perfect “curtain” effect that frames the eyes and blends effortlessly into the rest of your blowout.
11. Polished Pixie
Who says short hair can’t have a blowout? A polished pixie blowout uses a very small round brush or even just the fingers to lift the hair at the root. The goal is to avoid the hair lying flat against the scalp. A touch of pomade after the blowout adds definition to the ends and keeps the volume locked in.
12. Beachy Blowout
The beachy blowout is the relaxed cousin of the Hollywood wave. Instead of tight, structured curls, this look uses a round brush to create loose, vertical twists. The trick is to leave the last inch of the hair straight. This prevents the look from appearing too “done” and gives it that effortless, summery feel.
13. Voluminous Crown
If you have fine hair, the voluminous crown blowout is your best friend. By focusing your drying efforts on the “crown” of the head (the top back area), you create a silhouette that looks full and healthy. Use a root-lifting spray and keep the brush moving in a circular motion at the top of the head to ensure there are no flat spots.
14. Glass Hair
The “Glass Hair” blowout is the pinnacle of hair health. It requires a perfectly flat, frizz-free surface. To achieve this, you must use a heat-activated shine spray and a high-quality ionic hair dryer. The ions break down water molecules faster, allowing the hair to dry with less heat damage and more shine. It is the ultimate “clean girl” aesthetic.
15. Messy Chic
The messy chic blowout is for the woman who wants her hair to look like she just woke up looking fabulous. It’s about volume and movement without the stiffness. After a standard blowout, flip your head upside down and give it a good shake. Use a texture spray to break up the curls. It’s perfectly imperfect and looks even better on the second day.
Pro-Tips for a Longer-Lasting Blowout:
- Start with a Clean Slate:Â Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove product buildup that can weigh down your blowout.
- Heat Protection is Non-Negotiable:Â Always apply a heat protectant while the hair is damp to prevent breakage and split ends.
- The Cool Shot:Â Every professional hair dryer has a “cool shot” button. Use it! Once a section of hair is dry and wrapped around the brush, blast it with cold air to “set” the shape.
- Sleep on Silk: Swap your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin one. It reduces friction, meaning you’ll wake up with far less frizz and your blowout will last twice as long.
