Stylist tips for more shine with less static all season long.
If you’ve ever walked out of a salon with a professional blowout, you know the feeling of suddenly having hair that is lustrous, silky, and full of movement, without a hint of static or frizz in sight. You can’t stop touching it, finding any excuse to catch a peek of yourself in the mirror.
Unfortunately, weekly styling appointments aren’t realistic for most of us—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on that just-left-the-chair magic when blow drying your hair at home.
Amber Thorne, K18 Director of Education, Design + Development, shares her step-by-step guide to mastering your at-home blowout—and tips to extend the life of your salon style—just in time for the holiday season.
check the weather
In the summer, blow-dry routines are largely focused on humidity-proofing hair. Come winter, it’s more about keeping the right amount of moisture locked in. “Once the air turns dry and the weather cools, your hair gets thirstier,” says Thorne. “It’s like swapping your tinted moisturizer for a winter night cream—same you, just with more moisture.”
The best results start in the shower with a pH-optimized shampoo, followed by fortifying hair with the molecular repair hair mask a few times a week. Powered by the patented K18PEPTIDE™, it works on a molecular level to reverse damage and keep hair strong and resilient from the inside out.
don’t rush into things
The number one at-home blowout mistake? Starting while your hair’s still sopping wet.
“If you start brushing right after towel-drying, you’re just moving water around,” says Thorne. “Let your hair air dry or towel dry until it’s about 70–80% dry before you style. You’ll get smoother, faster results—and less arm fatigue.”
prep like you mean it
Think of your blowout routine like a skincare regimen—the right prep does half the work.
“Using a good heat protectant like HeatBounce is non-negotiable for any blowout,” says Thorne. “Less is more, but be sure to apply it throughout sectioned hair methodically so every strand gets some love. Then, depending on your vibe, you can add a volumizer like AstroLift™ reparative volume spray for fuller, all-over volume.”
choose your tools wisely
Ok, you’re nearly ready to turn on the heat, but before you start, it’s time to gather your tools. You don’t need a full salon’s worth, but there are a few essentials from Thorne’s must-have list required to achieve a pro-level look.
lightweight dryer with a concentrator nozzle for control and shine
medium round brush for volume
paddle brush for a sleek, polished finish.
match your technique to your texture
Some blowout rules are universal, but to achieve a truly perfect one, it’s important to tweak your technique to match your unique texture.
“A good blowout is all about tension and direction, no matter what your hair type,” says Thorne. “Start by using your brush to gently pull the hair taut as you dry, and always point your nozzle down the hair shaft to seal in shine, working slowly throughout each section.”
For curls and waves, it’s essential to practice patience. “Think: low heat, low airflow,” says Thorne.
For wavy or straight textures, she recommends focusing on creating “lift at the roots and smoothing through the mids and ends for movement that lasts.”
make it last
A great blowout deserves longevity—who wants a blowout that only lasts a day?
“AirWash™ is your secret weapon here,” says Thorne. “Spritz it at the roots on day one of your blowout, and it’ll soak up oil as it forms.” This is not your standard dry shampoo: it keeps hair + scalp fresh for up to 3 days* without any sticky residue or buildup.
Her other top tips: Sleep on a silk pillowcase to keep frizz at bay and, if you’re traveling, twist hair into a loose, high bun to preserve volume and shape overnight.
finish with festive shine
The holiday season calls for extra sparkle—and your hair is no exception. Thorne loves finishing her blowouts with molecular repair oil for added shine.
“It gives hair that glossy fresh blowout finish while keeping everything frizz-free and touchably soft, and it also smells incredible” she says.
So there you have it, your guide to the perfect at-home blowout. Your office holiday parties won’t know what hit them.