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Pretty Ideas for a Bad Hair Day

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Illustration of a red hair dryer with nozzleBrown Bird Design Page 1 of 12

3 Easy Steps to a Perfect Home Blow-Dry

By Elizabeth Graves

Get out the door on time: How to dry straight or curly hair faster―and better.

To Blow-Dry Straight Hair

Get the Tools

  • The right dryer: Look for at least 1,800 watts and multiple heat and air settings, says New York City stylist Sarah Potempa. Medium heat is best for predrying hair. High heat manipulates your hair’s shape, and air sets a style.
  • Nozzle: Don’t discard this. It is key to a smooth look and keeps hair from getting too close to the heat.
  • Round brush: Straighten strands, make ends flip, or create waves with this tool. Time-saving tip: The bigger the surface area of a brush, the faster the drying time. Brushes with vents also shave off minutes.
  • Hair clip: It keeps layers separate and easy to manage and prevents damage caused by overdrying sections.

 

Next: Pick Your Products
Skip to Daily Finds slides.
Illustration of a red hair dryer with nozzle
Illustration of styling products for straight hair
Predry and section hair illustration
Dry top layers illustration for straight hair
Shape ends and finish illustration for straight hair
Hair dryer with diffuser
Illustration of styling products for curly hair
Apply leave-in and gel illustration for curly hair
Diffuse hair at the roots illustration for curly hair
Smooth and finish illustration for curly hair

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