Professional Hair Styling & Finishing Masterclass
A great style depends on the right technique. I will show you how to master blow-dries, add volume, and create lasting curls by focusing on brush control and the cooling phase.
Let's start an out-curl blow dry. This technique works best on medium length hair with layers. I've sectioned the hair and am ready to begin with two different sized round brushes.
The size of your brush is very important. A smaller brush will give you tighter curls. For a smooth blow dry, the hair should be slightly damp, not completely dry.
The first step in any blow dry is to smooth the roots. I work around the head to get the roots smooth before moving down to the mid-lengths.
For out-curls, you need to polish the hair with the brush and dryer, then just fold the ends outward. The smoother the polish, the better the final result will look.
After heating the hair with the dryer, you need to let it cool on the brush to set the curl. This makes the style last longer. You can use the cool shot button on your dryer to speed this up.
Make sure the brush moves smoothly through the hair. Cooling the section on the brush is the secret to making your curls last all day.
To get a smooth finish, you must first polish the hair from roots to ends. Once the hair is smooth, the out-curl at the end will fall naturally.
After creating curls on two separate sections, I take them together to ensure they are even and blend seamlessly. This creates a more cohesive look.
Smoothing the hair means you are polishing it with the brush. As you release the hair from the brush, you can see it fall into a natural looking out-curl.
This is the finished look of a classic out-curl blow dry. While it's not as common today, it's an important technique for every stylist to know how to do properly.
About Styling & Finishing Masterclass
Before you book, remember that a lasting style isn't just about heat—it's about the 'polish' and the cooling phase. Whether you want volume with an in-blow dry or movement with out-curls, the secret lies in how you hold the brush and when you use the cool shot on your dryer. If you’re here to learn, check out my upcoming masterclass spots; if you just want the service, my team and I can handle the prep work to get your hair looking perfect.
Mastering Your Blow-Dry
Many people think a blow-dry is just about drying hair, but it’s actually about polishing the cuticle. If you want results that stay, you need to follow a few rules.
The In-Blow vs. Out-Curls
- In-Blow Dry: This is for volume. We use a round brush to fold the ends inward. It’s perfect if you have a U-cut or layers and want to create a heavy, rounded shape at the base.
- Out-Curls: This technique uses the brush to polish the mid-lengths and then folds the ends outward. It’s a classic, elegant look for medium-length hair.
Why Cooling Matters
Sabse important cheez? The cooling phase. When you heat the hair with your dryer, you are softening it. When you use the cool shot button on your dryer while the hair is still on the brush, you are 'freezing' the shape. If you don't let it cool, the style will fall flat in an hour.
Professional Tips for Home
- Brush Size: A smaller brush gives you tighter curls; a bigger one creates softer volume. Choose your tool based on the result you want.
- Distance: Never keep the dryer nozzle pressed against the hair or the brush. Keep a distance to avoid damaging the hair texture.
- Polish: You must polish the hair from roots to ends before trying to create a curl. If the section isn't smooth, the curl will look messy.
Whether you are a professional wanting to upskill or a client looking for a fresh look, the technique remains the same. Solid basics are the only way to get a style that lasts.
Naushad Ahmed
I’ve spent 20 years obsessed with hair—not just cutting it, but teaching the art behind it. Whether you're sitting in my chair in Powai or learning in my academy, my focus is always on getting the technique perfect so your style actually lasts.
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