How to Blow Dry Men's Hair

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When done correctly, blow-drying your hair allows you to control your hairstyle more easily. If you already use product to style your hair, using a blow dryer can help you cut down on the amount of time and product it takes to achieve your desired look. Learning the correct way to blow-dry your hair will allow you to achieve the perfect hairstyle quickly and efficiently.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing Your Hair

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  1. Blow-drying requires applying direct heat, which can damage your hair. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help your hair retain its natural oils. This will minimize breakage, dryness, and/or frizziness. [1]
    • Moisturizing products that contain natural oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, are great choices to help your hair retain and restore its natural oils. [2]
  2. Blow-drying your hair while it is soaking wet requires more heat and can damage your hair. [3] Gently blot your hair with a towel to remove the excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, squeezing, or twisting your hair, as this can damage it.
    • Use a microfiber towel or a soft T-shirt to dry your hair if possible. Microfiber towels cause less friction and put less stress on your hair than cotton towels. This leads to less frizz and less damage to your hair over time.
    • You can tell if your hair is dry enough by grabbing a strand of hair near the root and running your fingers along its length to the tips. If water drips from your hair, you should continue towel- or air-drying it before blow-drying. [4]
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  3. Combing a part into your hair will make it easier to style. Your hair should naturally fall around the part already. [5] Run a comb through your hair to remove any knots. This will allow you to dry your hair more evenly.
    • When combing your hair, always start at the ends and work your way toward the crown of your head.
    • It's better to comb instead of brush your hair when it's wet because your strands are weaker when wet. Be gentle as you comb your wet hair, as you can cause significant breakage.
    • If your hair is curly, use a wide-tooth comb to gently untangle any knots. Brushing curly hair can make it frizzy and unmanageable. [6]
  4. Blow-drying can cause intense damage to your hair if it isn’t properly protected. [7] Apply a thermal protectant product, such as a heat-activated spray or mousse, to keep it from being fried by the blow dryer. Use enough product to cover every strand of hair.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Using the Blow Dryer

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  1. When your hair follicles get warm, they open up, which allows them to become more flexible and easier to control. But if you apply too much heat, it can damage your hair and make it frizzy and unmanageable. Medium is usually a good heat setting to dry your hair without frying it.
    • If your hair dryer has 3 settings, the middle setting is usually the best.
    • If your hair is healthier, you can use a higher temperature. For fine, weak, or brittle hair, use the lowest heat setting possible.
  2. [8] If you hold it too close, the hot air can burn your hair and/or scalp. Use a brush, comb, or your fingers to pull your hair closer to the blow dryer if necessary.
    • Avoid targeting any single area of hair for too long, as this can damage your hair and cause it to be flat and limp. Keep moving the blow dryer around, aiming the airflow parallel to the section of hair you're drying. [9]
    • Dry your hair from roots to ends, keeping the dryer behind your brush, comb or fingers, whichever you're using to style your hair. You can also wave the hair dryer back and forth to avoid directing the heat onto a single spot for too long.
  3. Use a comb or brush to grab the hair and help you control it while drying it. If you don't have a brush, use your fingers and tug the hair gently in the direction you are drying it. Move from roots to tips for more control and less frizz. [10]
    • To give your hair more volume, angle the airflow upward from underneath the section of hair you want to give volume to. This will push the hair upward and help it set with more volume. It's best to use an air flow attachment nozzle to do this, as it makes it easier to direct the air flow onto your hair. [11]
    • To give your hair less volume, angle the airflow downward from above the section of hair you want to lay flat. This will push the hair downward and help it set closer to your crown.
    • Most blow dryers are sold with an attachable air concentrator nozzle, which can be clipped onto the end of your blow dryer for more control of the airflow.
  4. Angle the blow dryer up from beneath your hairline so the air is pushing your hair upward. Use your fingers to gently lift and tug the hair at the front of your crown upward while you dry it. This will create a natural lift and add volume to the front of your hair. For even more volume, use a round brush to pull the hair up and away from you while drying. [12]
  5. If you're in a hurry or don't want to spend a lot of time fixing your hair, this is an easy way to give your hair more volume with less hassle. Focus the blow dryer on the crown of your head first, using your fingers to gently tug your hair up at the root while drying. This will add volume to fine or limp hair and create a more natural, textured look. [13]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Finishing Your Look

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  1. Just as hair follicles are easier to control when they're hot, they close and become more rigid when cold. When your hair is completely dry, use the cold setting on your blow dryer to blast your hair with cold air. This will add shine and lock the hair follicles in place. [14]
  2. Different products achieve different results, so it's important to know what look you want to achieve before you choose a finishing product. Products with a lighter hold strength will provide more flexibility, while products with a stronger hold will create stiffer hair. Use the right product for the type of style you wish to achieve. [15]
    • You may have to experiment with different products until you find the right fit for your hair length, texture, and style.
  3. Gels typically provide high hold and high shine. These are great options for finishing side-swept or slicked-back styles, but should not be used for styles that require flexibility.
    • For a wet, sleek look, comb gel into hair while wet. Then, allow your hair to air dry or dry it using a diffuser attachment.
    • If you want a strong hold that looks smooth, apply your gel to wet hair, then use a brush while blow-drying it.
    • For thicker hair, use a gel with a stronger hold. For fine or thin hair, use a lighter hold gel.
  4. Pomades and waxes work best on medium to medium-long hair. They can also be used in wavy or curly hair for shine and separation. [16]
    • To get a "messy" look, squeeze a dime-sized amount of pomade or wax onto your fingers and rub it around. Run your fingers through your hair, starting at the roots and brushing your fingers outward toward the tips. Make sure the product is evenly layered throughout your hair. Continue to gently tousle your hair with your fingers until you achieve the desired look. [17]
    • If your hair is naturally oily, use wax instead of pomade. Pomades contain oil that will make your hair appear even oilier. [18]
    • If your hair is thin, try a pomade. If it's thicker, try a wax.
    • Don't use too much product, as this can make your hair appear heavy and greasy.
  5. These are great for men with basic haircuts who want something simple. Use a cream when you want a flexible hold, want to tame fly-aways and control frizz.
    • Creams work well for men who don't want anyone to know they have product in their hair. [19]
    • If you need more control over your style, try a wax or pomade instead.
  6. Apply mousse to add volume to your hair while keeping it light and flexible. Mousse is especially great for adding definition and volume to long, wavy, or curly hair. It can be used for almost any hairstyle, except those that require a very strong hold.
    • You should always apply mousse to wet hair. Then, you can blow-dry it. [20]
  7. Hold the can about arm's length from your head. Move the can in circular motions as you spray, making sure not to concentrate on one area of your hair for too long. [21] This will ensure your style stays put all day long. It can also help tame any last fly-aways. Use more hairspray and less gel if the product seems to be weighing your hair down too much.
    • Hairsprays are sold in varying hold strengths as well. Avoid using a heavy hairspray that can weigh your hair down. Choose a lighter hold for less weight and more volume.
    • Always keep your hand moving while applying hairspray. This prevents your hair from becoming over-saturated and heavy. [22]
    • Wait until the hairspray dries completely before touching your hair.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is blow drying good for the hair?
    Courtney Foster
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
    Courtney Foster
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    If you're using a blow dryer correctly, it's neither good nor bad. It's more of a cosmetic thing to make sure that your hair is styled the way you want. Hair can kind of dry in a funny way if you don't blow dry your hair, so it's a good idea to blow dry your hair if you're going for a specific style.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Does blow drying hair make it straight?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can make hair straight with a dryer. This works best with a boar bristle brush or a comb that can provide tension while you're drying. A straightening balm also helps.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
  • Question
    What products should I use to blow dry my hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    This depends on the result you are trying to achieve. Mousse is great for creating volume, while a straightening balm or gel is great for smoothing.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
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      Tips

      • Blow-drying in the direction of the cuticle can increase your hair's shininess. [23]
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      • Be gentle, work with your hair, and take your time. The best styles are achieved with time. Practice makes perfect!
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      • Clip a diffuser to the end of your blow dryer if you want to speed up the drying process and don't care as much about the style.
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      Warnings

      • Don't blow-dry your hair if it's thinning, or if it's already damaged, dry, or prone to excessive breakage. Blow-drying it will only damage it more.
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      References

      1. ↑ Courtney Foster. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4458934/
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpFpgvVcb4I
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpFpgvVcb4I
      5. ↑ https://blog.thelonghairs.us/how-to-brush-your-hair-for-men/
      6. ↑ https://blog.thelonghairs.us/how-to-brush-your-hair-for-men/
      7. ↑ https://goodmansbarberlounge.com/blog/blow-drying-mens-hair-how-to-guide/
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGIs0GU1V6M
      9. ↑ https://www.wellnessbin.com/common-blow-drying-mistakes/
      1. ↑ Courtney Foster. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      2. ↑ Courtney Foster. Professional Hair Stylist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9OrtmwpG4I
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRYOU5Nx10c
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grzey-cFdV8
      6. ↑ https://blacklapel.com/thecompass/how-to-choose-the-right-hair-product/
      7. ↑ https://blacklapel.com/thecompass/how-to-choose-the-right-hair-product/
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZGesadH6Nk
      9. ↑ https://blacklapel.com/thecompass/how-to-choose-the-right-hair-product/
      10. ↑ https://blacklapel.com/thecompass/how-to-choose-the-right-hair-product/
      11. ↑ https://blacklapel.com/thecompass/how-to-choose-the-right-hair-product/
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0BAmnpS6yw
      13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0BAmnpS6yw
      14. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/ada-polla/blow-dry-hair-styling-tips_b_2630839.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      As a man, blow drying your hair can save you time and give you more control over your hairstyle. Before your blow dry your hair, blot it with a towel to soak up most of the water. Then, set your blow dryer to medium heat to minimize the heat damage to your hair. To give your hair volume, blow the strands from underneath. To give your hair less volume, blow them from above. Use a brush, comb, or your fingers to lift strands away from your head. When your hair is dry, set your blow dryer to cold and quickly go over your hair again. This helps to close your hair follicles and set your hair style in place. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to style your hair with gel or wax, read on!

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