Achieve the Iconic ’90s Blowout: A Step-by-Step Guide to Voluminous Hair

The ’90s are back in a big way, and that includes the decade’s signature hairstyles! One of the most coveted looks is the voluminous, bouncy ’90s blowout. Think Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and all the supermodels gracing magazine covers. This hairstyle is all about big, glamorous hair with plenty of body and shine. While it might seem intimidating to recreate, with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve this iconic look at home. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from prepping your hair to adding the finishing touches, so you can rock the ’90s blowout with confidence.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and products. Having everything within reach will make the process smoother and more efficient.

• Heat Protectant Spray: This is crucial to protect your hair from heat damage caused by blow dryers and other hot tools.
• Volumizing Mousse or Root Lift Spray: These products add lift and body at the roots, which is essential for achieving the ’90s blowout.
• Blow Dryer: A good quality blow dryer with adjustable heat and speed settings is a must. Look for one with a concentrator nozzle.
• Round Brush: The size of the round brush will depend on your hair length and the desired level of curl. Smaller brushes create tighter curls, while larger brushes create looser waves and volume. A 2-3 inch barrel is generally a good starting point.
• Sectioning Clips: These will help you divide your hair into manageable sections.
• Volumizing Hairspray: A flexible hold hairspray will help maintain the volume and shape of your blowout without making your hair stiff or sticky.
• Optional: Velcro Rollers: These can be used to set the hair and further enhance volume and curl after blow-drying.
• Optional: Shine Serum or Oil: A small amount of shine serum or oil can add gloss and smoothness to the finished look.

Step-by-Step Guide to the ’90s Blowout

Now that you have your tools and products ready, let’s get started!

Step 1: Wash and Condition Your Hair

Start with clean, freshly washed hair. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to add body and lift. Avoid using heavy conditioners that can weigh your hair down. Rinse thoroughly and gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water. You want your hair to be damp, but not soaking wet.

Step 2: Apply Heat Protectant and Volumizing Product

This step is essential for protecting your hair from heat damage and adding the foundation for volume. Spray a generous amount of heat protectant evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Next, apply a volumizing mousse or root lift spray to your roots. Use your fingers to massage the product into your scalp and distribute it evenly. For mousse, use about a golf ball-sized amount. For root lift spray, apply directly to the roots in short bursts.

Step 3: Rough Dry Your Hair (Optional)

If you have thick or long hair, you can rough dry it before using the round brush. This will remove some of the excess moisture and make the blow-drying process faster. Use your blow dryer on a medium heat setting and direct the airflow at your roots, lifting your hair with your fingers to create volume. Dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry.

Step 4: Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into manageable sections using sectioning clips. A good starting point is to divide your hair into three horizontal sections: the bottom section (nape of your neck to the ears), the middle section (ears to the crown of your head), and the top section (crown of your head to the hairline). Within each horizontal section, you can further divide your hair into smaller, vertical sections, about 1-2 inches wide.

Step 5: Blow Dry Each Section with a Round Brush

This is the most important step for creating the ’90s blowout. Take one section of hair at a time, starting with the bottom section. Place the round brush underneath the section of hair, close to the roots. Aim the blow dryer downwards towards the brush, focusing on the roots. Slowly rotate the brush as you move it down the section of hair, keeping the blow dryer close to the brush. The key is to create tension and direct the heat at the roots to lift and smooth the hair. As you reach the ends of the section, roll the brush inwards to create a slight curl or bend. Repeat this process until the section is completely dry and smooth. Continue blow-drying each section of hair in the same way, working your way up from the bottom to the top. Pay extra attention to the sections around your face, as these will have the most impact on your overall look.

Tips for Blow Drying with a Round Brush:

• Use the Right Heat Setting: Start with a medium heat setting and adjust as needed. Avoid using the highest heat setting, as this can damage your hair.
• Keep the Blow Dryer Moving: Don’t hold the blow dryer in one spot for too long, as this can also cause heat damage.
• Create Tension: The key to a smooth blowout is to create tension by pulling the hair taut as you rotate the brush.
• Over-Direct the Roots: For extra volume, over-direct the roots by lifting them up and away from your head as you blow dry.
• Cool Shot: After blow-drying each section, use the cool shot button on your blow dryer to set the style. This will help the hair hold its shape and add shine.

Step 6: Set Your Hair with Velcro Rollers (Optional)

For even more volume and curl, you can set your hair with Velcro rollers after blow-drying. Choose rollers that are slightly smaller than the round brush you used for blow-drying. Roll each section of hair around a roller, starting at the ends and rolling upwards towards the roots. Secure the roller with a clip if necessary. Leave the rollers in for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a more dramatic curl. Once you remove the rollers, gently shake out your hair and style as desired.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Once you’ve blow-dried and set your hair, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Flip your head upside down and gently shake your hair to loosen the curls and add volume. Use your fingers to separate the curls and create a more natural look. If you want to add more volume at the roots, you can tease them slightly with a fine-tooth comb. Hold each section of hair up and backcomb gently towards the roots, using short, light strokes. Finish with a light mist of volumizing hairspray to hold the style in place. If desired, apply a small amount of shine serum or oil to the ends of your hair for added gloss and smoothness.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect ’90s Blowout

• Invest in Quality Tools: A good blow dryer and round brush are essential for achieving a professional-looking blowout. Look for a blow dryer with adjustable heat and speed settings, and a round brush with a ceramic or tourmaline barrel.
• Prep Your Hair Properly: Using the right products can make a big difference in the final result. Heat protectant is a must, and volumizing mousse or root lift spray will add the necessary lift and body.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at blow-drying your hair.
• Adjust the Technique to Your Hair Type: The best way to achieve the ’90s blowout will vary depending on your hair type and length. Experiment with different techniques and products to find what works best for you.
• Don’t Overdo It: While volume is key, you don’t want your hair to look stiff or unnatural. Use a light hand with the hairspray and avoid over-teasing your roots.
• Maintain Your Blowout: To keep your blowout looking fresh for longer, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz. You can also use dry shampoo to absorb oil and refresh your roots.
• Consider Professional Help: If you’re struggling to achieve the ’90s blowout at home, consider getting a professional blowout at a salon. This will give you a better understanding of the techniques involved and help you identify the right products for your hair type.

Adapting the Blowout for Different Hair Types and Lengths

The ’90s blowout can be adapted to suit various hair types and lengths. Here’s how:

Fine Hair

• Use lightweight products: Avoid heavy mousses or creams that can weigh down fine hair. Opt for a volumizing spray or lightweight foam.
• Focus on root lift: Concentrate the volumizing product at the roots to create maximum lift.
• Use a smaller round brush: A smaller brush will create more curl and volume in fine hair.
• Tease strategically: If desired, tease the roots sparingly to avoid damage.

Thick Hair

• Section your hair carefully: Divide your hair into smaller sections to ensure each section is thoroughly dried.
• Use a powerful blow dryer: A high-powered blow dryer will help to dry thick hair quickly and efficiently.
• Consider using a larger round brush: A larger brush can smooth and straighten thick hair more effectively.
• Use a smoothing serum: After blow-drying, apply a smoothing serum to tame frizz and add shine.

Short Hair

• Use a small round brush: A small brush is essential for creating volume and curl in short hair.
• Focus on the roots: Lift the roots as you blow dry to create maximum volume.
• Experiment with different styling products: Try using a texturizing spray or wax to add definition and hold.
• Consider a shorter blowout: Instead of aiming for a full, voluminous blowout, you can create a more subtle, tousled look.

Long Hair

• Use a larger round brush: A larger brush will help to smooth and straighten long hair.
• Section your hair carefully: Divide your hair into manageable sections to ensure each section is thoroughly dried.
• Be patient: Blow-drying long hair can take time, so be patient and work in small sections.
• Use a strong-hold hairspray: A strong-hold hairspray will help to keep your blowout in place all day.

Maintaining Your ’90s Blowout

Once you’ve achieved the perfect ’90s blowout, you’ll want to keep it looking its best for as long as possible. Here are some tips for maintaining your style:

• Sleep on a silk pillowcase: Silk pillowcases help to reduce friction and prevent frizz.
• Use dry shampoo: Dry shampoo can absorb oil and refresh your roots, extending the life of your blowout.
• Avoid touching your hair: The more you touch your hair, the more likely it is to become oily and lose its shape.
• Wrap your hair at night: Before bed, wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet to protect it from damage.
• Touch up with a curling iron: If your curls start to droop, you can use a curling iron to touch them up.

The Modern Take on the ’90s Blowout

While the classic ’90s blowout is all about big, voluminous hair, you can also put a modern spin on the look. Here are a few ideas:

• Softer Waves: Instead of tight curls, create loose, flowing waves for a more relaxed look.
• Sleek and Straight: For a more sophisticated take, straighten the ends of your hair instead of curling them.
• Textured Finish: Add texture and definition with a texturizing spray or wax.
• Accessorize: Add a modern touch with a stylish headband or hair clip.

Conclusion

The ’90s blowout is a timeless hairstyle that can be adapted to suit any hair type and length. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily achieve this iconic look at home. So, embrace your inner supermodel and get ready to rock the voluminous, bouncy hair of your dreams!

By following these detailed steps and tips, you can recreate the glamorous ’90s blowout and enjoy voluminous, bouncy hair that turns heads. Remember to prioritize heat protection and choose the right products for your hair type. With practice and patience, you’ll master this iconic hairstyle and embrace the retro vibes of the ’90s!