How To Blow Dry With A Round Brush

Choosing the Right Round Brush

When it comes to blow drying with a round brush, selecting the right brush can make all the difference in achieving the desired style. The size and material of the brush play a crucial role in determining the outcome of your blowout. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the right round brush:

Size: Round brushes come in various sizes, from small to large. The size you choose depends on the length and thickness of your hair. Smaller brushes are ideal for short hair or creating tight curls, while larger brushes work well for longer hair or adding volume.
Bristle Type: The bristles on the round brush can be made of different materials, including boar bristles, nylon, or a combination of both. Boar bristles are great for adding shine and reducing frizz, while nylon bristles work well for detangling and creating smoothness.
Barrel Shape: Round brushes can have a cylindrical barrel or a ceramic-coated barrel. Cylindrical barrels are great for straightening and adding body, while ceramic-coated barrels provide even heat distribution for faster drying.
Handle: A round brush should have a comfortable handle for ease of use. Look for brushes with ergonomic handles or rubber grips to prevent slipping during styling.

Remember, it may take some experimentation to find the perfect round brush for your hair type and desired style. Don’t be afraid to try different sizes and bristle types to achieve the best results.

Prepping Your Hair

Before you begin blow drying with a round brush, it’s important to properly prep your hair to ensure a smooth and successful styling session. Here are the key steps to follow when prepping your hair:

Wash and Condition: Start by washing your hair with a suitable shampoo and conditioner that cater to your hair type. This will help remove any dirt, build-up, and excess oils, making your hair more manageable for styling.
Towel Dry: After washing your hair, gently towel dry to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with the towel, as this can cause hair damage and frizz.
Apply Heat Protectant: Before using any hot tools, it’s crucial to apply a heat protectant spray or serum to shield your hair from heat damage. Distribute the product evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with widely spaced bristles to gently detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, minimizing breakage and knots in the process.
Apply Styling Product: Depending on your desired hairstyle, you may want to apply a styling product such as a volumizing mousse, smoothing cream, or texturizing spray. Apply the product according to the instructions and evenly distribute it throughout your hair.

By properly prepping your hair, you create a solid foundation for blow drying with a round brush. This not only helps in achieving a smoother and more polished look but also protects your hair from excessive heat exposure.

Sectioning Your Hair

Properly sectioning your hair is essential when blow drying with a round brush. This technique ensures that each section receives equal attention and allows for better control and precision during styling. Here’s how to section your hair for a seamless blowout:

Start with the Bottom: Begin by separating the bottom section of your hair and clipping the rest of it away. The bottom section should be around 1-2 inches above the nape of your neck.
Divide into Horizontal Sections: Within the bottom section, divide the hair into smaller horizontal sections, working from the back to the front. The number of sections will depend on the thickness and density of your hair.
Clip Remaining Hair: Once you finish blow drying each horizontal section, clip it away and move on to the next one. This prevents the already-dried hair from interfering with the wet sections.
Repeat with Middle and Top Sections: After completing the bottom sections, release the middle section of hair and repeat the same process. Finally, release the top section and continue sectioning.
Be Methodical: Remember to work systematically and consistently throughout each section. Starting from the roots, hold a section of hair taut with your round brush, and position the blow dryer nozzle facing downwards to mimic the natural direction of the hair shaft.

Properly sectioning your hair allows for thorough and even drying, ensuring that no areas are missed or under-styled. It also gives you better control over your blowout, making it easier to achieve the desired style and volume.

Blow Drying Technique

The blow drying technique is a crucial step in achieving a beautiful and polished look with a round brush. By mastering the proper technique, you can create volume, smoothness, and body in your hair. Here are the steps to follow:

Pre-Dry: Before using the round brush, pre-dry your hair with a blow dryer until it’s about 70-80% dry. This helps to reduce the overall drying time and minimizes heat damage.
Take Small Sections: Working with small sections of hair at a time allows for better manipulation and control. Take a section of hair that is narrower than the width of your round brush. This ensures that the hair wraps neatly around the brush for effective styling.
Tension and Heat: Hold the section of hair taut with the round brush and position the blow dryer nozzle facing downwards, directing the airflow along the hair shaft. Apply heat to the hair while simultaneously pulling the brush through the hair from roots to ends.
Rolling Motion: As you brush through the hair, use a rolling motion with the round brush. This technique helps to add volume and shape to the hair. Roll the brush inward or outward depending on the style you want to achieve.
Repeat: Continue working through the sections of your hair, repeating the process of tension, heat, and rolling motion until each section is dry and styled. Always make sure that the hair is completely dry before moving on to the next section.

Remember to be patient and take your time while blow drying with a round brush. It may take a bit of practice to perfect the technique, but with consistency, you’ll become more proficient in achieving salon-worthy results.

Creating Volume at the Roots

One of the key benefits of blow drying with a round brush is the ability to create volume at the roots. This technique adds lift and body to your hair, giving it a fuller and more voluminous look. Here’s how to achieve volume at the roots:

Sectioning: Begin by sectioning your hair as mentioned earlier. For maximum volume, start with the bottom sections and work your way up to the top sections.
Round Brush Size: Choose a round brush that is slightly larger in diameter than the size you would typically use. The larger brush will help create more lift and volume at the roots.
Technique: Place the round brush at the roots of a sectioned piece of hair. Lift the hair upwards and away from the scalp, directing the airflow of the blow dryer at the roots in an upward motion.
Hold and Cool: Once you have applied heat to the roots, hold the brush in place for a few seconds to allow the hair to cool down. This cooling effect helps to lock in the lift and volume.
Release and Repeat: Gently release the brush from the roots and continue working your way through the sections of your hair, repeating the process of lifting, heating, holding, and cooling.

By focusing on creating volume at the roots, you can achieve a fuller and more voluminous hairstyle. This technique adds height and body to your hair, giving it a noticeable bounce and lift that lasts throughout the day.

Adding Shape and Body to Your Hair

Blow drying with a round brush is an excellent way to add shape and body to your hair. This technique allows you to create movement, soft curls, and subtle waves that enhance the overall texture and style. Follow these steps to add shape and body to your hair:

Sectioning: Start by sectioning your hair as mentioned earlier. This helps to ensure that you can work through each section efficiently and achieve consistent results.
Round Brush Selection: Consider using a round brush with a smaller barrel size. This allows for tighter curls and more defined shapes. However, if you prefer softer waves, opt for a larger barrel brush.
Determine the Direction: Decide the direction in which you want your hair to fall. For natural-looking waves, rotate the round brush away from your face as you dry. You can also alternate the direction for a more tousled and textured look.
Wrap and Roll: Take a section of hair, wrap it around the round brush, and roll the brush up towards the roots while applying heat. This helps to create curls or waves while adding body and shape to your hair.
Hold and Cool: Once the hair is wrapped around the brush, hold it in place near the roots for a few seconds. This allows the hair to cool down and set in the desired shape.
Release and Repeat: Gently release the brush and move on to the next section. Repeat the process of wrapping, rolling, holding, and cooling until all sections are done.

By using these techniques, you can add beautiful shape and body to your hair. Whether you prefer loose waves or tight curls, blow drying with a round brush allows you to customize your hairstyle and achieve the desired texture and volume.

Finishing Touches

After blow drying your hair with a round brush, there are a few finishing touches you can add to complete your desired look. These final steps help set your style, add shine, and ensure that your hair looks polished and put together. Here are some tips for the perfect finishing touches:

Cool Shot: Use the cool shot button on your blow dryer to blast cool air throughout your hair. This helps to seal the hair cuticles, enhance shine, and set your style in place.
Texturizing Spray or Pomade: For added texture and definition, you can spritz a texturizing spray or apply a small amount of pomade to your fingertips and gently run it through the ends of your hair. This adds separation and a lived-in look.
Root Lift: If you want to boost your roots and add extra volume, you can use a root lifting spray or powder. Apply it directly to the roots, massage it in, and gently tousle your hair for a lifted effect.
Shine Spray or Serum: To enhance shine and tame any flyaways, lightly mist a shine spray or apply a small amount of shine serum to your hair. This adds a glossy finish and helps to control frizz.
Hairspray: For longer-lasting hold, you can lightly mist your hairstyle with a hairspray. Choose a flexible hold hairspray to keep your hair in place without feeling stiff.
Accessorize: Finally, you can add a finishing touch to your hairstyle by using accessories such as hair clips, headbands, or hairpins. These can elevate your look and add a touch of personality.

By incorporating these finishing touches, you can take your blow-dried hairstyle to the next level. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your hair type and desired style.