How to Blow Out Your Hair with a Round Brush

There’s a reason a salon blowout always hits differently. It’s bouncy, voluminous, polished, and for some reason, impossible to recreate at home. Or is it?

Learning how to blow out hair with a round brush is one of the most game-changing beauty skills out there. Once you get the hang of it, you can skip the weekly blowout appointments (and price tag) and get that same high-gloss, lifted finish from your bathroom. All you need is the right tools, a little technique, and a good playlist.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to do a blowout with a round brush, what to avoid, and how to make your style last. We’ll also share our go-to Bio Ionic tools for getting the look without the arm fatigue.

What you need to get started

Before you plug anything in, let’s talk prep. Here’s what you’ll need for a successful at-home blowout:

1. A powerful, lightweight dryer

You’ll want a dryer that cuts down on dry time but doesn’t leave your hair frizzy or crispy. The 10X™ UltraLight Speed Dryer is a favorite for a reason: it’s featherlight, lightning fast, and infused with Bio Ionic's signature Moisturizing Heat™ to keep your hair hydrated and smooth.

2. A round brush (square counts too)

Pick the right brush for your hair type and the style you want. For bounce, lift, and control, we recommend the BlueWave™ NanoIonic™ Square Round Brush. It combines the tension of a round brush with the smoothing power of a paddle. Bonus: it comes in multiple sizes so you can get tighter curls or soft bends depending on your vibe.

3. Styling products

Use a heat protectant, a smoothing serum, and a root-lifting spray or mousse if you want extra volume. Optional: a few velcro rollers and a clip for sectioning.

Step-by-step: how to blow out hair with a round brush

Step 1: Towel dry + prep

Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply your heat protectant and any other styling products while your hair is damp. Comb through to distribute evenly. If you have curly or frizz-prone hair, add a smoothing serum or leave-in.

Step 2: Rough dry

Using just your dryer and your hands, dry your hair about 70–80% of the way. Focus on your roots and mid-lengths. This step saves time, reduces heat exposure, and gives you more control when you start using the brush.

Stylist tip: Flip your head upside down while rough drying to build extra volume at the root.

Step 3: Section your hair

Divide your hair into 4–6 sections depending on thickness. Use clips to secure everything except the section you're working on. Always start from the bottom and work your way up.

Step 4: Brush and roll

Place the round brush underneath a section of hair at the root. With your dryer on medium heat and speed, aim the nozzle downward (always with the airflow going down the hair shaft). Slowly pull the brush through the hair while turning it under.

When you reach the ends, roll the brush all the way up and hold it there while applying heat. This sets the shape. You can then unwrap the section or let it cool on the brush. For more hold, pin it in place or use a velcro roller.

Stylist tip: Always keep the dryer moving—don’t let it hover in one place. And use the cool shot button after each section to lock in the style.

Step 5: Finish the crown + front last

Your crown and face-framing pieces have the most impact. Blow dry these sections last so they stay lifted and smooth. For a more dramatic blowout, over-direct your front pieces by pulling them forward and up while drying.

Mistakes to avoid (and how to fix them)

• Using too much product: Heavy products weigh the hair down. Use a light hand, you can always add more later.
  

• Skipping the rough dry: Going straight into round brushing when your hair is soaking wet will only slow you down.
  

• Wrong brush size: Bigger isn’t always better. For short or fine hair, choose a smaller barrel for more tension and control.
  

• No nozzle on the dryer: This directs airflow and smooths the cuticle. Without it, you’re just blowing air everywhere.
  

• Not letting sections cool: Heat sets the shape, but so does cool air. Letting each section cool before brushing out makes your style last way longer.
  

How to make your blowout last

Blowouts take effort, so let’s make it count. Here’s how to extend the life of your style:

• Sleep with your hair up or in braids: Use a silk scrunchie and tie your hair in a loose, high pony or bun to preserve volume. You can also put your hair in braids to keep the shape of your hair. 

• Dry shampoo is your friend: Use it before your hair looks greasy to absorb oil proactively.

• Avoid touching your hair: Your hands transfer oil and mess with the shape. Hands off the pretty mane!

• Spot refresh with your dryer: If a section falls flat, lightly mist it with water, then re-blow it with your round brush.
  

Tools that do the heavy lifting

You don’t need a dozen hot tools to get a good blowout, just smart ones.

 10X™ UltraLight Speed Dryer

This one changes the game. It’s light enough to hold overhead without fatigue, fast enough to dry your hair in half the time, and powerful enough to smooth even the most unruly strands. Plus, the Moisturizing Heat™ technology leaves your hair feeling hydrated, not fried.

BlueWave™ NanoIonic™ Square Round Brush

Part round brush, part paddle brush, this hybrid tool makes it easy to create tension and get a smooth, shiny finish. It also helps reduce frizz and static, thanks to the NanoIonic™ mineral-infused bristles.

That fresh-from-the-salon feeling

The magic of a good blowout is that it instantly elevates your mood. You feel put together, polished, confident. And now, you don’t have to rely on a stylist to get that feeling.

Mastering how to blow out hair with a round brush takes a little practice, but it’s worth it. Once you learn the rhythm—the brush, the pull, the heat, the cool shot—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. So cue up your favorite playlist, grab your Bio Ionic dryer and brush, and get ready to channel your inner blowout pro.