One hairstyle, two party nights. The glossy blow-out is soft, shiny and loose. With a hairdryer, a round brush and a few clips, you can do it at home. Read below for step-by-step instructions.
Why the blow-out is back this party season
The glossy blow-out is back at the top of party hairstyle roundups. Fashion magazines describe the look as soft, shiny and loose, with a nod to the nineties. The best part: it works with a dress for Christmas and just as well with an outfit for New Year's Eve.
What you need: hairdryer with nozzle, round brush, clips
- A hairdryer with a nozzle, such as the Labor Pro Fohn Neo Gen or the Ultron Borrum BLDC Fohn. The nozzle allows you to direct the airflow exactly where you want it.
- A round brush that suits your hair length, such as the Jaguar Fohnborstel Rond T-serie. Not sure about the size? The Sibel set thermische borstels gives you several options.
- Sectioning clips, such as the Y.S. Park Shark Clips.
- For the finish: a mousse or volumising product, a serum and a light hairspray.
You can find everything in the Glossy blow-out: everything for party shine collection.
Step 1: wash and towel-dry, then pre-treat
Gently squeeze the water out of your hair after washing. Wrap it in a soft towel or T-shirt and do not rub vigorously. Then apply a heat protectant to the damp hair. If you want volume, also use a volumising product, such as the Imago Brushing Mousse or the Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumizer. Comb through everything with a detangling brush.
Step 2: dry 80 percent of the way without a brush
First dry your hair to about 80 percent dry using only a hairdryer and your hands. Focus on the roots and the middle section. If you start with the round brush on soaking wet hair, it will take much longer. The hair should be damp, not wet.
Step 3: divide the hair into four sections and secure with clips
Divide your hair into at least four sections: the nape of the neck, the back of the head, the sides and the crown. If you have thick or long hair, create more sections. Secure everything with clips, except the section you are working on. Start at the nape of the neck and work upwards.
Take a section that is slightly narrower than your brush. A section that is too thick will feel dry on the outside while remaining damp on the inside.
Step 4: dry each section with the round brush, nozzle pointing downwards
Place the brush under the section, at the roots. Dry on medium heat and speed. Point the nozzle downwards, along the hair. This keeps the outer layer of the hair smooth and adds shine. Slowly pull the brush downwards and turn it inwards. Keep tension on the section and go over it two or three times. Do not leave the heat on one spot.
Step 5: let the ends cool on the brush for shape
Roll the brush all the way up at the ends and dry the section completely. Then apply a blast of cool air for a few seconds while it is still on the brush. Heat makes the hair pliable, while cooling sets the shape. Want extra hold? Secure the curled section with a clip for a moment.
Step 6: add shine with a few drops of serum or oil through the lengths
Warm one or two drops of serum in your palms. Apply only to the lengths and ends, never to the roots. For example, the L'Oréal Vitamino Color Glass Shine Serum or the Imago Haircare Serum. Less is more: too much will weigh your hair down.
Step 7: light hairspray and loose brushing with your fingers
Go through your hair one more time without heat so that the sections blend beautifully together. Finish with a light mist of hairspray with flexible hold. If you want it even looser, gently run your fingers through it.
Mid-length or bob: smaller brush and turn more inwards
Mid-length hair and bobs require a smaller brush. The larger the brush, the larger the wave. For short hair, you can work with two sections: the top and the bottom. Turn the ends slightly inwards for that soft, rounded line. Also check out the Olivia Garden Essential Blowout Classic and smaller clips such as the Y.S. Park Clip M.
This is how you keep it until after midnight, and for day two with dry shampoo
A blow-out usually falls flat due to three things: starting on hair that is too wet, taking sections that are too large and skipping the cool air. Do those three things properly, and you will have the best chance of keeping it in place all evening. Dry the crown and the front last so they stay lifted and smooth.
Feeling a little less fresh at the roots on January 1? A little dry shampoo at the roots will help you get through the day.
Gift idea for Sinterklaas: put together a blow-out set
Put together your own blow-out set for the shoe or under the tree:
- a hairdryer with a nozzle;
- a round brush in the right size;
- a set of sectioning clips, such as the My Jaw Clips Double;
- a mousse or volumising product;
- a serum for shine.
This way, the recipient can get started right away for the holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Which size round brush should I choose for mid-length hair?
That depends on your length. A commonly used size chart recommends 32 to 38 mm for hair between the chin and shoulder, and 44 to 50 mm for hair between the shoulder and collarbone. The larger the brush, the larger the wave. If you want more curl inwards, choose the smaller size.
How can I prevent my blow-out from going flat at a party?
Do not start on hair that is too wet, work with small sections and do not skip the cool air. Apply cool air to each section while it is still on the brush, on hair that is completely dry. Dry the crown and the front last and finish with a light hairspray with flexible hold.
Should I use serum or oil for shine, and how much?
Either is fine. A serum coats the hair in a layer and provides smoothness and shine. Oil is usually a blend of plant oils. Use one or two drops of serum on dry hair, warmed in your hands, only on the lengths and ends. Do not use too much, or your hair will become greasy.
Can I do a blow-out the evening before?
Yes. How long it stays in place varies by hair type. Make sure each section is completely dry and properly cooled on the brush, as that sets the shape. Refresh it the next day with a few passes of the brush without heat and some dry shampoo at the roots if necessary.
