HJ Feature

The BLOW-DRY Edit

When it comes to achieving perfect blow-dry results, never underestimate the importance of using the right brush

LUCY BOODELL

In the hands of a talented stylist, the right brush can transform a blow-dry from everyday to editorial. From sleek, glassy lengths to big, bouncy movement, there’s a brush for every texture, every technique and every finish. And these hair pros know exactly how to make those bristles earn their place on the station.

“Tension is everything – use the brush to create consistent tension while keeping airflow directed down the hair for a smoother cuticle and a glossy finish,” explains Janie Tongue, Director of Education at Ergo Professional. The key is control: guiding the hair with intention so every section sits exactly where it should as it dries.

Coarse textures, meanwhile, call for a softer, more considered approach. “It needs to be dried smooth from damp as rough drying only encourages frizz and instability,” says Amiee Sillis, Olivia Garden Educator. “A large-barrel ceramic brush, such as the Olivia Garden Speed, allows you to take bigger sections, speeding up drying time while keeping the finish controlled and polished.” With the right tool, density becomes an asset rather than a challenge.

Before the round brush even touches the hair, prep sets the tone. “Make sure all the hair is detangled before you use your round brush,” advises Megan Morris, Head Jog Ambassador. “Apply enough heat to heat up the brush so you can leave it in the hair to act like a heated roller.” It’s a simple step that locks in shape and gives that coveted, long-lasting lift.

For full-bodied, glamorous curls, it’s all in the wrap. “Hair needs to wrap twice around the brush for extra curl and bounce, so creating big, bouncy curls is easier on longer hair,” says Denman Creative Zoë Rees. That extra rotation delivers lift at the root and soft, controlled movement through the ends.

“Always use a brush that moves with the hair, not against it,” reminds Tim Binnington, Founder of Manta. “A flexible brush allows you to smooth, shape and style without tension, helping the hair retain its natural strength, shine, and condition long after you’ve put the hairdryer down.” Think of it as working with the hair’s natural flow, not fighting against it.

Airflow for Curls

Ceramic brushes aren’t just about aesthetics – they’re serious performers behind the chair. “Ceramic core brushes allow more airflow throughout the barrel meaning faster drying, and an airier, lighter looking result,” says Tom Smith, evo International Creative Colour Director. “The ability of ceramic to heat the hair, combined with the lower tension pins means it’s easier to create curls and bounce with a blow-dry.” It’s where smart materials meet solid technique.

Avoid Doubling the Heat

Minimising heat damage is as much about method as it is about tools. “Always blow-dry in sections to avoid going over the same piece of hair twice and providing it with unnecessary heat,” advises Efi Davies, TONI&GUY International Artistic Director. “The size and length of the section should always reflect the size of the brush in order to achieve a beautiful, even finish. The longer the hair, the wider the barrel needs to be.” Smart sectioning equals a smoother, more professional result.

And when it comes to the final flourish, brush choice matters more than you might think. “Matching the brush size to the hair length completely elevates the blow-dry, making the finish cleaner, more balanced, and more professional,” says Justin Mackland, Styling Ambassador at Alfa Italia. It’s a small switch that makes a big visual difference.

The perfect blow-dry is never just about hot air. It’s the combination of knowledge, technique and the right tools at the right moment. From tension and airflow to barrel size and sectioning, every decision shapes the finish – and separates a good blow-dry from a truly salon-worthy one.

BLOW YOUR OWN TRUMPET

Denman Creative Zoë Rees of Bliss Sustainable Salon shares how to boost your blow-dry services.

Talk it Through

Blow-dries are promoted best when they’re positioned as a solution to a problem for example ‘hair that drops by lunchtime’, ‘struggling to style at home’, ‘busy schedules that demand hair to last more than one day’.

A simple, recommendation such as ‘This is the kind of blow-dry that holds for three to four days, would you like to try it?’ builds trust without pressure. In a busy world, clients want hair that works around their life.

Trend Report

Also, talk to your clients about hair trends like the 90's Supermodel Blowout that we saw at the Golden Globes. This is a trending style we can achieve for clients that will last days.

Get Social

Promote your blow-dry services on social media by sharing the longevity of the style. Social media has changed how clients buy, they want proof, so make sure you show them. Examples might include, ‘day one versus day three hair’, ‘shiny and smooth finish in natural light’ or ‘movement, bounce and softness’.

JORDANNA COBELLA

KIT BAG ESSENTIALS

1 Denman D81M Style & Shine Brush brings a water-themed elegance to any kit. Featuring mixed nylon and boar bristles and an air cushioned pad for ultimate scalp comfort, it is the ideal finishing brush for extra smoothing and glossing.

RRP £20.00

2 Ideal for thick textures and long hair lengths, the LABEL.M Jumbo Hot Brush adds body and eliminates frizz. The fast-heating ceramic barrel is perfect whether blow-drying straight or curly, while the combination of boar and ionic nylon bristles combat static.

RRP: £16.01

3 The hank from evo brushes is ideal for quick and easy blow-drying. Available in 35mm, 43mm and 52mm, it features vent holes in the barrel to allow heat to circulate at the roots making it the must-have brush for added volume and bounce.

RRP: From £35.50

4 Head Jog Twilight Blue brushes feature an extra-long barrel for quicker blow-drying and styling. The barrels feature a copper and ceramic coating for smooth and healthy results full of radiant shine. Available in sizes 25mm, 33mm, 43mm and 53mm.

RRP: From £7.95

5 Designed specifically for 3A–4C curls, the Manta Curls brush features wide-spaced teeth, long bristles, and the patented Manta flex with flexgaurd technology, which allows the brush to glide effortlessly through knots without pulling, reducing breakage while protecting the scalp.

RRP: £30.00

6 The ERG65 from Ergo Professional is the perfect blow-dry partner, delivering long-lasting, frizz-free shine. Ideal for smoothing or volumising and perfect for use on fine, fragile or thinning hair, extensions or sensitive scalps.

RRP: £41.95

7 The Olivia Garden Fingerbrush is designed to be gentle but effective. Its flexible, finger-like design and curved body follow the scalp’s natural shape, gliding through the hair without tugging or pulling.

RRP: £24.95

8 The Alfa Italia Icona Pro Copper Thermal brush is ideal for creating sleek, refined results. The copper barrel retains heat, helping to smooth the cuticle, giving hair a polished, glossy finish.

RRP: £24.00

GET THE LOOK: The Wolf Cut

BEFORE

AFTER

T he Wolf Cut is a versatile style with soft layers and light texture at the front to frame the face. Using the right brush type at different stages in the process is key to achieving a unique finish, says Denman Creative and leading session stylist, Josh Woodman.

Step 1

Apply firm control mousse to the roots and mid-lengths before using a Denman D38 Detangling & Styling Paddle to wrap-dry, stretching and lifting the roots for maximum volume.

Step 2

Once nearly dry, use a large Denman DHH3 Head Hugger radial to add large, soft waves and build more loose volume.

Step 3

With an extra-large Denman DHH4 Head Hugger, take a full section across the forehead. Roll tight with maximum root-lift away from the face and then cool to set. Use setting spray for a stronger hold.

Step 4

Backcomb loosely with a Denman D28 Wide-Tooth Detangler comb to create natural softness and a little texture.

Step 5

Finally, use the teeth of the Denman D28 Wide Tooth Detangler comb to loosely direct the hair into a soft finish and spray with a soft-hold dry hairspray. The result is full-bodied, soft and elegant.