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Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple. Instead of reaching for the straighteners or curling wand, why not go for the trusty hair dryer? With the right techniques, a quality hair dryer, and a few essentials like brushes and styling products, you can create a range of gorgeous styles. Whether you’re after a sleek, bouncy, or wavy look, your hair dryer can help create them all.
Our guide will help you choose the right settings, attachments, and products that work best for your hair type. Different hair types respond differently to heat and airflow, so if you’re unsure about your hair type, check out our expert guide to hair types.
GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR HAIR DRYER
Drying hair is just one of the functions of a hair dryer – it can also help with shaping, styling, and adding volume. They generally come with three speed or airflow settings – low, medium, and high. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best setting for your hair type.
Hair dryer speed settings
- Low speed: Perfect for fragile or fine hair, plus hair with a curly or coily texture, the low speed setting gives maximum control and helps prevent breakage, static, and flyaways. When combined with a low heat setting, a low airflow setting provides a gentle way to care for hair that needs a little extra TLC, for example recently bleached hair or menopausal hair.
- Medium speed: Ideal for medium to thick hair, and hair with a wavy texture, the medium speed setting allows you to get hair to a ‘damp’ stage without causing curls or waves to go fluffy.
- High speed: The high speed setting is great for thick hair, and hair that’s not prone to static or flyaways. While a high airflow setting dries hair super quickly, it doesn’t give much control over the shaping or styling of your hair.
Hair dryer heat settings
- Low heat: Works perfectly for fine hair that can be especially vulnerable to heat. The low heat setting is the kindest out of all the settings but takes a little longer to dry your hair. If you’ve got time on your side, set your hair dryer to a low heat with a low speed for a gentle blow-dry.
- Medium heat: If you have medium-density hair, medium heat can help you style your hair relatively quickly without over-drying.
- High heat: Thick hair types can withstand a higher temperature, which makes drying quicker, but keep high heat sessions short to avoid over-drying. High heat is great for smoothing out kinks – but always apply a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion to shield your hair.
- Cool shot: Most premium hair dryers, including our Airshot and Airshot Pro, have a Cool Shot button, which gives your hair a cool blast of air to help boost shine and lock in your style for longer.
Both the Airshot and Airshot Pro hair dryers offer Variable Temperature Control (with three heat settings) and multiple airflow settings, making them perfect for every hair type.
HOW TO STYLE STRAIGHT HAIR WITH A HAIR DRYER
Straight hair is a low maintenance hair type, but it can be challenging to style – straight, thin hair can be flyaway and limp, and styles can ‘fall out’ of thicker straight hair. However, there are a few ways you can use your hair dryer to add volume or set a range of styles.
Straight blow dry
If you’ve got straight (type 1) hair, it won’t need much styling to stay straight. But if you’re after that glossy, fresh-from-the-salon style, look no further than the Airshot hair dryer. Start by applying a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion to damp hair. Then set your hair dryer to the medium heat and medium speed settings, and use our Luxury Paddle Brush to dry your hair section by section. For an extra sleek look, straighten your hair after blow-drying using the CLOUD NINE Original Iron.
Bouncy blow-dry
Create a bouncy, voluminous look using a round brush to pull your hair up and outward at the roots. Focus the Airshot’s airflow at the root and use the Luxury Dressing Brush to add shine and lift. If your hair is type 1a or 1b, it might not hold volume easily, so you may need to apply a texturising spray at the roots to help maintain the lift. Gently backcombing the roots at the front section can also give a bouncier appearance. Finish with a lightweight hairspray for all-day hold that won’t weigh this high-volume look down.
Wavy blow-dry
To create loose, casual waves on type 1 hair, start with damp hair and work in a lightweight mousse and a generous spritz of Magical Quick Dry Potion. Braid your hair in sections for tight waves or in one or two braids for a looser wave. Then set your Airshot hair dryer to the medium heat setting, and dry your braids. Once mostly dry, unbraid your hair and comb through with the Luxury Texture Comb or your fingers. For more defined waves, sleep in your braids when they are slightly damp and give them a quick blast to finish drying before unbraiding in the morning. Finish with a little dab of Magical Remedy to add a little extra gloss and nourishment.
HOW TO STYLE WAVY HAIR WITH A HAIR DRYER
Wavy hair (type 2) is a hair dryer’s dream hair texture – it can be easily styled straight or wavy with minimal effort.
Straight blow-dry
Using a round brush with the Airshot on its medium heat and speed settings can help you achieve a sleek, straight finish. Start by applying plenty of Magical Quick Dry Potion and a straightening balm, then section your hair with clips. Dry it section by section, pointing the hair dryer nozzle downwards for smooth results. Apply a little Magical Remedy after drying and dress with our Luxury Dressing Brush for extra shine.
Wavy blow-dry
It might surprise you just how wavy your hair is – use the Airshot Pro and its diffuser attachment to find out. Diffusing your wavy hair is the perfect way to enhance your natural waves by scrunching or ‘plopping’ hair as it dries. Start with damp hair and apply a styling product specifically designed to enhance natural waves, along with a few spritzes of Magical Quick Dry Potion. Click on the Airshot Pro’s magnetic diffuser attachment and set the hair dryer to a low airflow and medium heat. Gently lift sections with the diffuser to build volume and texture – and there you have it – defined waves you could only dream of. Check out our diffuser guide for more on this technique.
HOW TO STYLE CURLY HAIR WITH A HAIR DRYER
Curly hair can be a bit trickier to blow-dry straight at home, but it’s possible to achieve a polished, wavy look with your hair dryer – it’s all in the prep.
Straight blow-dry
Curly hair needs a little extra care – and time – to achieve a smooth finish. Start with damp hair and apply a straightening product and heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion, then brush out your curls. Use clips to section your hair and the Airshot with its smaller nozzle for precise airflow to dry each section downward with a round brush. Aim to keep the section a little bit taut as you dry it, as this helps smooth the cuticles. Take your time. Once dry, apply a little Magical Remedy or a light serum to add shine. For second-day styling, the Hot Brush is great way to smooth and refresh your straight look without using straighteners.
Curly blow-dry
For bouncy, defined curls, you’ll need a curl-definition product (like a cream or lotion) and a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment like our Airshot Pro. Apply a curl-defining product and Magical Quick Dry Potion liberally from root to tip and use our Luxury Texture Comb or Wet Hairbrush to detangle and distribute the hair products. Twirl sections together to create larger, more uniform curls. Next, switch your hair dryer to a low speed and gently ‘plop’ (or scrunch) each section while drying. Remember to hold the diffuser close to your scalp to encourage lift at the roots. Once dry, gently separate the ‘twirled’ curls with your fingers to achieve a more defined look. Try to avoid touching your curls too much throughout the day to keep them in perfect shape and prevent frizz.
Head to our guide on how to use a diffuser for more tips on how to achieve the perfect curly blow-dry.
HOW TO STYLE COILY HAIR WITH A HAIR DRYER
Type 4 coily hair is naturally more delicate and prone to dryness, so TLC is the name of the game when it comes to drying it.
Stretched blow-dry
While a hair dryer alone couldn’t completely smooth out your gorgeous coils (and nor would we want to), you can achieve a ‘stretched out’ look with one. When it comes to washing and drying type 4 kinky hair, it’s all about moisture. So use a nourishing shampoo and hydrating conditioner like our Magical Remedy – which can also be used as a hair mask or leave-in conditioner – to hydrate your hair before applying any heat. While still wet, detangle using our Wet Hairbrush or Luxury Texture Comb,then section your hair using clips. Next, gently tug and braid or twist each section and secure. Set your Airshot Pro hair dryer to the low heat and low speed settings and gently dry each section while still twisted or braided. Once dry, untwist each section and brush through with the Luxury Dressing Brush.
Bouncy coils
The best way to show off hair with a kinky texture is with a diffused blow dry – the diffuser attachment of a hair dryer helps circulate the air around each coil to define them. Before reaching for your Airshot Pro hair dryer, make sure your hair is well-hydrated with a nourishing leave-in conditioner – our Magical Remedy does the job brilliantly and can even be used as a hair mask or wash-out conditioner. Coat your hair with a curl-enhancing product, spritz with a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion and detangle with the Wet Hairbrush or Luxury Texture Comb. Click the diffuser attachment onto your Airshot Pro and switch it to the low speed, low heat setting before gently diffusing your coils. Stop when your hair is around 80% dry to avoid over-drying and generating extra frizz.
HOW TO STYLE SHORT HAIR WITH A HAIR DRYER
A hair dryer is a great tool for giving short hair a little root lift or adding a curve or wave. Whether you’ve gone for the chop and don’t have much hair to play with, or are rocking a longer bob, we’ve got a couple of cool techniques for you to try out.
Voluminous bob
Adding volume to a bob haircut can accentuate your neck and jawline and is easily achievable using our Airshot hair dryer and a round brush. Start with damp hair and apply a liberal amount of our Magical Quick Dry Potion, which acts as a nourishing heat protectant and helps to dry your hair faster. Section your hair with clips, then set your hair dryer to the medium speed and medium heat before drying with a round brush. Hold the brush under each section of hair, near the scalp, and lift the hair upwards as you dry, curling the hair around the brush as you go. For an extra sleek finish, smooth out the ends of your hair with the Slim Iron or Hot Brush – which is perfect for second-day styling too.
Sleek pixie
If your hair is a shorter pixie style, it’s super quick to dry but you must apply a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion before using your hair dryer to protect against heat. Attach a nozzle attachment to your Airshot hair dryer and set it to medium heat and medium airflow. Split your hair into four sections – back, top, and two sides. Starting at the back, brush the hair down as you dry it using a soft bristle brush like our Luxury Dressing Brush. Work in sections to add definition and sleekness. To add a little more volume at the sides of your pixie, brush your hair forward and backward as you dry it. Finally, reach for a round brush to dry the top section of your hair and roll the hair over the brush a few times until it’s dry. You may want to spray with a light hairspray afterwards to lock in your style.
HOW TO STYLE A FRINGE WITH A HAIR DRYER
Whether you call it a fringe or bangs, it’s possible to style it with a hair dryer alone – but techniques vary depending on your fringe’s texture and length. Just like any other section of your hair, make sure your fringe gets a spritz of Magical Quick Dry Potion to protect it from the hair dryer’s heat. For the following fringe looks, we recommend using a nozzle on your hair dryer that helps to direct the airflow precisely and keep your cuticles smooth.
Curtain fringe
Set your Airshot hair dryer to a medium airflow and heat, then part your fringe and use a round brush to dry each side away from your face. Make sure you point the hair dryer down the hair shaft to reduce frizz.
Long flicks
To add a flick to the end of a long fringe, you’ll need a round brush and the Airshot hair dryer set to a medium heat and speed setting. Choose your parting – either off to one side or two equal sections. As you dry, make sure the hair dryer points down the hair shaft and your fringe drapes over the brush. Hold the brush and hair dryer in place for a few seconds to help set the curve and create that flicked look.
Short and blunt
A short, blunt fringe will dry in an instant, so set your Airshot hair dryer to a low speed and low temperature. Using the Luxury Dressing Brush, brush straight down while you dry, pointing the hair dryer in the same downward direction.
Long and blunt
To add a little volume to a long blunt fringe, you’ll need a round brush and the Airshot hair dryer set to a medium temperature and low speed. Before you switch on your hair dryer, place the brush under your fringe so it drapes over it. Dry your hair by pointing the nozzle downwards and holding the brush in place to set your fringe into a curve.
HOW TO STYLE HAIR WITH A HAIR DRYER: FAQS
Can you style dry hair with a hair dryer?
Yes, you can refresh and reshape dry hair with a hair dryer, particularly if you have type 1 or 2 hair. You could also use the Hot Brush to smooth out sections and add shine without re-wetting or reaching for the straighteners.
What’s the best hair dryer for styling?
A high-quality hair dryer with Variable Temperature Control, like the Airshot or Airshot Pro, is best for all hair types. Multiple heat and flow settings let you customise your blow-dry to suit your hair type and chosen style.
How do I maintain my blow-dried look?
Once you’ve blow-dried your hair, try to avoid using hair bobbles or clips to avoid unwanted kinks. For second-day touch-ups, a Hot Brush is the ideal tool because it lets you reshape and smooth out your hair without needing to start from scratch.
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