Tips and Tricks for a Quicker Blow Dry
Blow drying is one of those jobs most of us would happily skip — it eats into the morning, and on a busy day it’s tempting to leave hair to dry on its own. The good news is that a faster blow dry isn’t about rushing; it’s about technique. A few simple changes can genuinely shave time off your routine without sacrificing the condition or finish of your hair. Here are some honest, easy-to-use tips from the team at Wisteria Avenue in Abingdon.
Get the most from your hairdryer
Your hairdryer does a lot of the heavy lifting, so it’s worth understanding what actually makes a difference — which isn’t the same as buying the most expensive model on the shelf. Look for features rather than price tags: ceramic and ionic technology help dry hair more evenly and with less frizz, which is kinder to its condition. Power matters too. An average dryer runs at around 1,800 watts, which is fine for most hair, but if your hair is thick or particularly voluminous, a more powerful dryer will get you to a finished result noticeably faster. If you’re unsure what suits your hair, just ask your stylist at your next appointment — we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
Dry your roots first
This is the single easiest change to make, and it makes a real difference. Always tackle the root area first and get it completely dry before moving down the lengths. Roots take the longest to dry and are where hair looks flat or damp if rushed — getting them done first means the rest follows quickly, and your hair looks healthier and more lifted for it.
Let a towel do some of the work
This one sounds counter-intuitive when the goal is speed, but it saves time overall. If you can, wash your hair first and then wrap it in a towel for around fifteen minutes while you get on with something else. The towel draws out a good amount of moisture with no effort from you, so there’s simply less water left for the dryer to deal with — and that’s less heat exposure for your hair, too. It’s effortless multitasking.
Use the right brush for your hair
The brush you reach for matters more than people think. A few simple rules of thumb:
- Skip the paddle brush for blow drying — it’s not designed for it and won’t give you shape or speed.
- For thick hair, a boar bristle brush helps grip and smooth the hair as you dry.
- Match the barrel size to your hair: smaller barrels for shorter or finer hair, larger barrels for longer or thicker hair.
Getting the brush right means each section dries faster and falls into place as it does — less time, better finish.
Leave the trickier blow dries to us
These tips will speed up your everyday routine, but some looks — a proper smooth, polished finish, or hair-up prep for an occasion — are genuinely hard to achieve on yourself. There’s no shame in that; a professional blow dry is one of the things we do most. If you’d like to see what’s possible, our guide to hair styling options runs through it.
Book a blow dry in Abingdon
Whether you want to sharpen up your home routine or treat yourself to a professional finish, we’re happy to help. Book in at Wisteria Avenue, and have a look at our price list to see what’s involved.
