How to Blow-Dry Your Hair Into the Shape You Want

Remove excess water gently with a towel before using the dryer. Hair that is still dripping requires more drying time and is harder to arrange precisely. Avoid rough rubbing that tangles the sections you are trying to guide.

If you use a product before drying, follow its directions and apply the recommended amount. A finishing product is not automatically designed for use with heat, so check the label rather than assuming.

For a side part, guide the hair toward the side you want while it dries. For a swept-back style, direct the front away from the forehead. If you want lift, focus on supporting the root area instead of pulling only at the ends.

A brush or your fingers may be enough, depending on the shape. Do not force an elaborate brush technique if a simpler method gives you the finish you prefer.

Use a comfortable setting and keep airflow moving rather than concentrating heat on one spot. Follow the appliance instructions for distance and use. If the air feels uncomfortably hot against your scalp, adjust the setting and position.

The attachment also matters. A concentrator can direct airflow more precisely, while a diffuser may be useful for a textured finish. Use the method your barber recommends for the way you want to wear your hair.

Once the shape is established, repeatedly brushing and heating the same area may not improve it. If one section refuses to sit correctly, reassess the direction or amount of moisture rather than simply increasing the heat.

A stubborn crown or fringe may be a length issue. Mention it at your next haircut so the routine can be supported by the cut itself.

Check what the hair already does before applying more hold. You may need less product once the direction is established. Distribute a small amount and refine only the areas that need it.

At your next City Barbers appointment in Salt Lake City, ask to see a drying routine using tools similar to yours. Book a haircut with your normal morning schedule in mind, and leave with a method you can practice at home.