How to Blow-dry Hair Without Frizz

Good news! Pulling off a smooth, bouncy blowout doesn’t require a pro—at least, not when we can bring the pro to you. We talked to Moroccanoil Artistic Director (and all-around star stylist) Kevin Hughes to get the scoop on how to achieve a frizz-free blowout, every time. Read on for his top tips.

What causes frizz while blow-drying?

There are several reasons that hair can frizz from blow-drying.

One: If the hair isn’t dried 100%. Any moisture left in the hair after blow-drying can create frizz.

Two: If you are not using a proper brush. I recommend something like the Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brushes; they give the best even heat distribution and help seal down the cuticle layer.

Three: The right products. Products are designed to make our lives easier. Using products designed to give you control and help take away frizz like Moroccanoil Treatment, Hydrating Styling Cream for a blowout, or Curl Defining Cream for wavy or curly hair.

Are certain hair types more prone to frizz than others?

Yes, generally the more wavy or curly the hair is, the more prone to frizz. Straight hair is the least prone to frizz because the cuticle layer is already more flat.

What kinds of brushes are best for preventing frizz?

Using ceramic brushes are ideal, they give even heat distribution, which is very important as well as laying that cuticle layer down, the flatter the cuticle layer the shinier and less frizzy the hair is. That is why when you go over a section of hair several times it looks better than going over it just once.

What products should you use to prep hair before blow-drying?

First thing I would use would be the All in One Leave-in Conditioner. This instantly detangles the hair, which cuts down on that breakage than can happen when you brush through knotted hair. Next, I would always use Moroccanoil Treatment—this allows you to glide through the hair during sectioning and blow-drying.

Do you have any tips for using hair dryers at home?

Number one thing to me is make sure you use a decent blow dryer with enough power and an air flow direction nozzle. This automatically keeps a 2-inch barrier between your locks and the intense heat coming out of the blow dryer. This helps to maintain the health of the hair.

If your goal is frizz reduction, are you better off starting with soaking wet hair or waiting until hair has somewhat dried on its own?

Hair is stronger when it is dry. So I always recommend putting in a part line if you like to wear one when the hair is wet. But prior to blow-drying, the hair should be 70-80% dry. I sometimes use a detangling comb to lift the hair at the root, and then use my blow dryer on a lower speed to remove any excess moisture prior to going into the hair while it is soaking wet. This gets the hair drier and also increases volume at the root area.

Should you continue using a hair dryer until hair is completely dry, or just mostly dry?

Since you should only start blow-drying when the hair is about 75% dry, I recommend you always get all of the moisture out of the hair, as any moisture left in the hair can cause frizz.

What are the best products to lock in a frizz-free style?

You can use Moroccanoil Treatment on the hair after it is dry to define layers or remove any frizz that came about during blow-drying. I also love Moroccanoil Mending Infusion—it eliminates the appearance of any split ends or flyaways and gives your hair that fresh, shiny appearance.

Are there lifestyle factors that can help control frizz?

Yes of course. Anything that damages the hair is causing frizz—for instance, over-processing haircolor or using heat styling tools with temps set too high, or using them without a heat protectant. (Try Moroccanoil Perfect Defense, which will protect the hair up to 450 degrees.) So if you safeguard against environmental factors like heat or chemical damage, this can help control frizz.

Any other tips you have for preventing frizz while blow-drying?

Always start your frizz control from the very beginning by using the perfect Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Next, make sure you are using a styling product with a hold factor, this will ensure your cuticle layer lays flat which ensures more shine and definition along with less frizz.