Have you ever wanted to create a show-stopping hairstyle that looks fresh out of the salon at home? Well, if you thought your only styling tool being a hairdryer meant you couldn’t, then it’s time to think again, because armed with the right set of techniques, you can create a wide variety of different looks with nothing else besides a hairbrush required.
Contrary to popular belief, a hair dryer can be used for far more than simply drying your ‘do – although it certainly comes in handy when you’re looking to create that polished, blow-dried look. With just the attachments driers often come with, you can easily unlock a whole new collection of looks, ranging from poker straight to beachy waves and even bouncy Hollywood curls.
Unsure where to begin? Here, we break down all you need to know to create these gorgeous styles anywhere, anytime.
Getting to know your hair dryer attachments
When you buy a hair dryer, whether it be an entry-level or your top-of-the-range GHD hair dryer, it usually comes with a few attachments – but these often go unused and unloved because people simply don’t know what to do with them. But in fact, they are there to assist in drying your hair in different ways and as a result, help you to mix up your look with some different styles when the mood strikes.
Almost every hairdryer will come with a diffuser, which is great for those with curly hair as it helps to create some bounce and shape – but even those with relatively straight hair can use it to create some volume and texture. Diffusers work by diffusing the air from your dryer evenly over your hair, reducing frizz and allowing you to dry each area a little bit faster.
If you get a comb with your hairdryer, then this can be used to detangle and straighten curly or textured hair, lifting and separating sections to allow the heat to penetrate them more evenly. This makes it a great tool for straightening hair, too.
Many hair dryers often come with a concentrator nozzle, which allows you to direct the air through a narrower space and concentrate it on specific areas of your hair. This nozzle is great for straightening your hair, giving you that sleek, smooth look without frizz.
Only some hair dryers come with attachments that have silicone bristles on them, but if yours does then it’s a great tool to get to grips with. They make it easier to detangle and smooth the hair as you dry it and achieve a perfectly smooth and polished look.
Last but not least is the styling pik, which is very similar to the comb and k is designed to add lift and volume to the roots of your hair. It’s often used to create fuller looks, especially in thicker hair types.
Different styles to try with your hair dryer
Now that you know what attachments do what, here are a few hairstyles that you can practice that only require a hair dryer to pull off:
Waves
One of the simplest yet most stunning hairstyles you can easily create with a hair dryer is waves. To ensure you get them right, always make sure your hair is clean. If you need to wash it first then once you’re done, dry it lightly with a towel and split it into two sections. Now, tie each section into a loose plait and make sure it’s secure. Using your hair dryer, dry each plait, then when they’re completely done, carefully untie them and run your fingers through your hair to release your gorgeous, bouncy new waves.
Straight
For some people, straightened hair is the go-to everyday look, and when it comes to polish, it doesn’t get much better. The great news is that to create this simple, sleek look you don’t even need a pair of hair straighteners, as you can achieve the same great results with just your hairdryer.
Again, make sure your hair is clean before you begin, and spray liberally with heat protectant spray from root to tip to safeguard it from the heat you’ll be applying to it. For this hairstyle, you’re going to want to use the comb or Pik; the goal is for the heat to reach the roots of your hair as you straighten it with your hairdryer. so starting at the roots, brush slowly and carefully through each section until you get to the ends and move the dryer downwards as you go so that you’re applying an even amount of heat throughout the lengths. The result will be smooth, straight locks that stay in place all day.
Curls
If your hair is naturally straight then styling your hair into bouncy curls is a great way to infuse a sense of glamour into your look for a special occasion, or simply enjoy some variety day-to-day.
Starting with damp hair, divide it into sections – for big, bouncy curls, stick to just a few, or for smaller curls, do a few more. From there, simply wrap each section around a roller, then dry completely and allow a few minutes for the style to set once you’re done before releasing each one. Then, you can either brush through to create added bounce, or leave in individual curls if you’re looking to create a more defined look. Your hair should maintain its curly shape once it’s done, but a good spritz of hairspray will ensure it lasts a little longer.
The bottom line
While having a comprehensive arsenal of hairstyling gadgets comprising all of the latest luxury tools is helpful when it comes to mixing up your hairstyles, if you’re going away and want to pack light then your hairdryer is all you need to create these sophisticated looks anytime. From voluminous curls to poker-straight perfection, it really can do it all, making the humble hairdryer the most versatile tool on the block.
