A blowout is a way of styling hair with a blow dryer and a round brush so that it dries smooth, shiny and full of volume, without a curling iron or flat iron. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your stylist for and how to style it.
Blowout at a glance
- Length: Shoulder length or longer works best
- Shape: Layers help the ends curve and bounce
- Maintenance: Medium
- Trim every: 8 to 10 weeks for the layers underneath; the blowout itself lasts 3 to 5 days
What makes it different
It's a styling technique, not a haircut. The 90s blowout is the bouncy version: lifted roots, curved ends and face-framing pieces flicked away from the face.
Who it suits
Any hair type. Straight and wavy hair take the least time; curly and coily hair need more tension and heat protection. Layers and face-framing pieces make the shape show.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to face shapes.
How to ask your stylist for a blowout
- At a salon, ask for a blowout and say smooth and sleek, or bouncy with volume.
- For the haircut underneath, ask for long layers and face-framing layers.
- Ask which brush size suits your length.
- Bring a photo. Stylists use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Apply heat protectant and mousse to damp hair. Rough dry to about 80 percent, then section and dry each piece over a round brush, lifting at the root and rolling the ends. Set each section in a velcro roller while it cools, then brush out.
Variations
- 90s blowout: big volume and flipped ends.
- Sleek blowout: smooth and straight.
- Blowout with curtain bangs: bangs rolled away from the face.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes months to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see a blowout on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
Related haircuts
FAQ
What is a blowout?
A blowout is a way of styling hair with a blow dryer and a round brush so that it dries smooth, shiny and full of volume, without a curling iron or flat iron.
Who suits a blowout?
Any hair type. Straight and wavy hair take the least time; curly and coily hair need more tension and heat protection.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 8 to 10 weeks for the layers underneath; the blowout itself lasts 3 to 5 days.
How long does a blowout last?
Usually 3 to 5 days if you keep it dry and sleep with your hair loosely tied or wrapped.
