Blow-Dry Your Hair Like a Pro

The Importance of Predrying Your Hair

For the most effective styling, say the pros, predry your hair first. No matter what type of hair you have, always predry it a bit before you start the styling process, says Farel. Trying to style sopping-wet hair is a waste of time, and your arms will feel as if they've been doing military push-ups before too long. Instead, blot your hair with a towel. Then let it air-dry as long as possible, or wrap it in an absorbent towel, such as an Aquis Hair Towel ($18, amazon.com), to remove excess water while you apply makeup or get dressed. "Most of the styling occurs when hair is 90 percent dry," explains Farel. "The less time your hair is exposed to the heat of the dryer, which can be damaging, the better."