Blow Dry

Written and reviewed by Abigail Cabral, a stylist whose focus is creating calm in the chaos, with a specialty in bridal styling.

Updated September 3, 2026

Why It Looks Different From Home

Most people are not doing anything wrong at home. They are working with one hand, no mirror behind them, and a dryer pointed at the roots from the front. A stylist sections the hair, dries each section with tension and the nozzle following the brush, and finishes with a cool shot to set it. That is why it holds for days instead of falling by lunchtime.

The other half of it is the wash. Getting the shampoo fully rinsed and the right amount of conditioner only through the mid lengths and ends changes how the hair dries before a dryer even comes near it.

Three Finishes to Ask For

• Smooth and sleek. Straight, glossy, no bend. The most polished of the three and the best one for photographs.
• Soft volume. Body through the root and a gentle turn at the ends. What most guests mean when they say they just want it to look nice.
• Round brush waves. Loose, brushed out bends with movement. Reads as effortless and lasts the longest on most hair.

Tell your stylist which one you are after when you sit down, or bring a photo. It takes ten seconds and it is the difference between the blowout you wanted and a very nice blowout you did not.

Booking the Right One

There are three styling options on the menu and they are not interchangeable.

• Blow Dry is the standard service, right for most hair.
• Blowout for Long, Thick or Extension Hair books extra time. If you have extensions, dense hair or hair past your mid back, book this one so your stylist is not fighting the clock.
• Updo or Formal Style is for weddings and events where the hair is going up or being set.

If you have extensions, always say so when you book. Extension safe drying and brushing is a different technique at the bond line, and the timing is different too.

Making It Last

• Sleep on silk, or loosely pin the hair up. Friction on cotton is what flattens a blowout overnight.
• Dry shampoo at the root on day two, before it looks like it needs it rather than after.
• Keep it away from steam. A shower cap does more for a blowout than any product.
• A light spray or cream at the ends on day three brings it back rather than starting over.
• We carry Shibui and Aluram in the salon if you want to recreate the finish at home, and your stylist will tell you what they used on you.

Blowouts Every Month

If a blowout is a regular part of your routine rather than an occasional treat, look at the Lavish Blowout Society. It covers two, four or six blowouts a month at a member rate, with extension safe plans available.

See more finished work on Instagram at @lavishhairlounge__, and Abigail posts hers at @manestylistma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment for a blow dry?

Yes. Styling appointments are limited each week, so book in advance where you can, especially around events and holidays.

How long does a blow dry last?

Two to four days for most hair, longer if you sleep on silk and keep it out of steam. Fine hair drops sooner, coarse and wavy hair holds longest.

Can I add a blow dry to another service?

Most of our color and treatment services already finish with one. It can be added to almost anything else, so just mention it when you book.

Should I come in with clean or dirty hair?

Either. Your blow dry includes a wash, so come as you are.

I have extensions. Which service should I book?

Book the Blowout for Long, Thick or Extension Hair. It allows the extra time your hair needs and your stylist will use extension safe technique at the bonds.

Can I get a blow dry before a wedding or event?

Yes, and if the hair is going up or being set, book the Updo or Formal Style instead so enough time is reserved.