How to Get a Salon Blowout at Home with Volume that Lasts
A full, bouncy blowout that lasts for days is not just for the salon. With the right technique, tools and prep, you can get a salon-quality blowout at home with long-lasting volume, shine and smoothness.
The biggest mistake? Skipping the pre-dry. Most people go straight to styling, but pre-drying is where volume, direction and longevity are created.
Why pre-drying matters for a blowout
If you want a blowout that lasts for days, this step is non-negotiable:
- Cuts blow-dry time in half
- Reduces heat damage and breakage
- Builds natural lift at the roots
- Helps your style hold longer with less effort
Follow our step-by-step process: How to do a salon blowout at home
Step 1: Start with clean, prepped hair.
Begin with freshly washed, towel-dried hair. This is key for volume and movement.
Apply:
- Heat protectant (prevents damage and adds smoothness)
- Root lifter or volumizing spray (for lift at the crown)
A lightweight option like Maria Nila Cream Heat Spray or Kevin Murphy HEATED.DEFENSE works well for heat protection without weighing hair down.
Root lifter or volume sprays we recommend are Eufora Boost, Kevin Murphy ANTI.GRAVITY or Maria Nila Volume Mousse.
Step 2: Rough dry to 70-80 percent
Before you touch a brush, use your hands to rough dry your hair about 70 to 80 percent.
How to do it:
- Flip your head upside down or lift at the roots
- Use your fingers to move hair in the opposite direction of how it falls
- Focus airflow at the roots for natural lift
This is the step that creates volume at the crown without extra teasing later.
Step 3: Section your hair the right way
Proper sectioning is what separates a basic blow-dry from a professional blowout at home.
Divide your hair into:
- Nape section
- Two side sections
- Top “mohawk” section (key for volume)
Clip each section to stay organized and ensure even drying.
Step 4: Master the blowout technique
This is where the transformation happens. Use these techniques for maximum volume:
- Direct airflow where you want the hair to sit
- Use a boar bristle or ceramic round brush for tension and shine
- Work in small sections no wider than your brush
For the best results:
- Pull each section up and away from the head, not straight down
- Keep tension from roots to ends
- Roll the brush at the ends for a soft, bouncy finish
Pro tip: The angle you dry your hair determines your volume. Lift equals fullness.
Step 5: Set the style for long-lasting volume
Once each section is dry, lock it in:
- Use the cool shot on your dryer
- Or set sections in metal rollers for extra bounce
This step helps your blowout hold its shape for multiple days.
Pro tips for a blowout that lasts for days
How to maintain your blowout overnight:
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction
- Wrap hair in a loose, high bun or ponytail
- Use a silk scrunchie to prevent creases
How to refresh your blowout on day two (and beyond):
- Apply dry shampoo at the roots to absorb oil and boost lift
- Use a thermal round brush to re-volumize the crown
- Add rollers for a quick refresh without full restyling
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about at-home blowouts
- How do I get volume in my hair without teasing?
- Focus on root direction during pre-drying and blow-drying. Lift sections upward and use a round brush with tension.
- What size round brush should I use?
- Short hair: small barrel
- Medium hair: medium barrel
- Long hair: large barrel for smooth volume
- How long should a blowout last?
- With proper prep and maintenance, a blowout can last 3 to 5 days.
- Can I do a blowout on curly or frizzy hair?
- Yes. Use smoothing products, work in smaller sections and ensure hair is mostly dry before using a brush.
- Can I do a blowout on curly or frizzy hair?
- Yes. Use smoothing products, work in smaller sections and ensure hair is mostly dry before using a brush.
