How to Get a Smooth, Lasting Blowout at Home (From a Columbia Stylist)

Almost every day, someone in my chair says, “I can never make it look this good at home.” Honestly, I get it. A salon blowout just has that soft, bouncy finish that feels impossible to recreate. But here’s the thing, it’s not magic. With a little patience and the right technique, you can get close to that same smooth look on your own.

I’m Lexie Rodgers, a stylist at Hyde - Vista here in Columbia, and I want to walk you through how I teach my own clients to do it.

Prep Your Hair the Smart Way

The biggest mistake I see? People start blow drying soaking wet hair. It takes forever and creates more frizz. Instead, towel dry gently, then let your hair air dry until it’s about 70% dry before you start. This saves time and keeps your hair healthier in the long run.

• Detangle your hair first so your brush can glide through smoothly.
• Use sectioning clips to keep your hair organized as you dry it.
• Focus on making your hair smooth while it’s damp, not after it’s already dry.

I always tell my clients: what you do before you pick up the dryer is just as important as the blowout itself.

Work in Manageable Sections

Trying to dry huge chunks of hair at once almost always leads to frizz. Split your hair into smaller sections, about the width of your brush. Wrap each section around your brush, pull it gently, and follow the brush slowly with your dryer.

Angle the nozzle downward along the strand. This smooths the cuticle so your hair reflects light instead of puffing up. That’s how you get that salon shine.

A quick trick for movement around your face: roll those front pieces away from your cheeks. It opens up your face and gives your hair that soft, effortless bounce everyone wants.

Lock in the Shape

Once a section is dry, give it a quick shot of cool air to set the shape. It only takes a few seconds, but it keeps your style from falling flat the moment you walk outside into the Columbia heat.

One of my regulars swears this is what keeps her hair looking fresh through a full weekend out downtown, and she’s probably right. Setting it while it cools really does make a difference.

Lift the Roots for Volume

The crown area is usually the first to go flat. To fight that, lift the hair straight up from the root with your brush while you dry it. Hold it there a few extra seconds, then let it cool in place. This adds volume that actually lasts instead of deflating an hour later.

When your hair is completely dry, gently run your hands through it to loosen the sections. It makes everything blend together while keeping the shape you worked for.

If you want a guaranteed smooth, long-lasting finish, you can always book a styling session with us at Hyde - Vista. It’s a great way to see the technique up close while enjoying a little pampering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the prep and starting with soaking wet hair
• Using a brush that’s too small for your hair length
• Not drying the roots fully (damp roots frizz fast)
• Rushing through sections instead of taking your time

These little habits can undo all your effort. Fixing them makes a huge difference in how polished your blowout looks.

Want It Done for You?

If you’d rather skip the trial and error and just enjoy that fresh blowout feeling, come see us at Hyde - Vista. We’re at 801 Gervais St, Suite C, Columbia, SC 29201, right near The Dragon Room. Call 803.667.9606 or book online to grab your spot. I’d love to show you how to make your hair look like it just left the salon, because once you learn the trick, it’s way easier than it seems.