It’s giving ’90s supermodel blowout, but make it *easy*
There’s just something about a voluminous blowout that makes you feel like THAT girl. It’s effortlessly glam, endlessly bouncy, and gives main character energy the moment you walk out the door. But here’s the problem: who actually has the time (or arm strength) to wield a round brush and blow dryer like a pro?
That’s where the ultimate hack comes in—your straightener. Yep, the same tool you’ve been using to get sleek, glassy strands can also deliver that big, bouncy, Victoria’s Secret model hair. No professional skills required.
If you want a soft, flippy finish or full-on ’90s supermodel volume, this method makes it easy. We’re talking glossy, bouncy, and full of movement—all with a tool you already own.
So, if your dream hair goal involves looking like Cindy, Claudia, or Naomi on the cover of your favorite ’90s fashion mag, keep reading. We’re breaking down exactly how to do a blowout with a straightener—step by step.
Prep like a true profesh—because good hair starts before the heat
We need to talk prep. You don’t just roll out of bed, grab a straightener, and expect a full-volume, Cindy Crawford-worthy blowout. Nope. A real blowout—one that’s bouncy, smooth, and lasts more than 10 minutes—starts way before the heat hits your hair. Think of it like making the perfect cake. The best frosting in the world won’t save a dry, crumbly base, right? Same goes for your hair. The better the foundation, the better the results.
Start in the shower
Your hair is literally setting the stage for your blowout the second you step under the water. That means choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is key. Heavy, ultra-hydrating formulas might be great for hydration, but they can weigh your hair down—which is the opposite of what we want. Instead, go for volumizing, lightweight, or smoothing formulas, depending on your hair type. If your roots go flat faster than a deflated balloon, a root-lifting shampoo is your new best friend.
Towel dry—but make it gentle
Nothing kills a smooth blowout faster than frizz before you even start styling. If you’re rubbing your hair with a rough towel like you’re trying to put out a fire, stop. Instead, gently squeeze out excess moisture with a microfiber towel or a cotton T-shirt—this keeps the cuticle smooth and makes everything way easier later.
Don’t skip heat protection
Your hair is precious—protect it, PLEASE. A good heat protectant does two things: it shields your strands from damage and helps your style last longer. That’s a win-win. Apply from roots to ends and comb it through to make sure every section is coated. And if you’re skipping this step? We need to have a serious chat.
Blow-dry (but just a little!)
We’re not here for a full-on round-brush, arm-workout, salon-level blowout. But your hair does need to be 80% dry before the straightener even comes into play. If your hair takes forever to dry, do a quick rough-dry with your blow dryer (no brush needed) to speed things up. If it air-dries fast, let it chill until it’s just slightly damp.
Now that you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to grab your straightener—because this is where the real transformation starts. Say goodbye to limp, lifeless strands and hello to voluminous, glossy, '90s bombshell energy. Let’s get styling.
Mastering the technique—how to use your straightener for a blowout
Moment of truth. Your hair is prepped, your straightener is ready, and now it’s time to turn flat strands into bouncy, voluminous magic. If you’ve ever wondered how the pros make it look so effortless, the secret isn’t just in the tool—it’s in the technique. So grab your straightener and get ready, because we’re about to turn it into the ultimate blowout machine.
Section like your life depends on it
We get it—sectioning your hair feels like a chore. But skipping it? That’s a rookie move. Trying to style your whole head at once is just asking for a tangled, uneven mess. Instead, work smarter, not harder:
– Start by parting your hair into four sections—two in the front, two in the back. If your hair is extra thick, split each section in half for even more control.
– Use clips to hold everything in place so you’re not battling rogue strands while styling.
– Always work from the bottom layers up—this ensures every piece gets attention and gives you that pro-level bounce.
The flick-of-the-wrist method
Here’s where the magic happens. Instead of just dragging your straightener down like you’re ironing a shirt (no judgment, we’ve all been there), use this movement for volume and shape:
1. Clamp near the root, but don’t start too close to your scalp unless you’re going for that freshly electrocuted look.
2. Slowly glide the straightener down, rotating it outward as you go. This creates lift at the roots and gives your ends that signature bouncy flip.
3. The more you rotate, the more curl you’ll get. Want subtle volume? Slight turn. Big, dramatic waves? Go for a full rotation.
Work in small sections for maximum bounce
If you’re grabbing giant chunks of hair, you’re not doing your blowout any favors. Smaller sections mean more control, more lift, and longer-lasting results. Plus, this helps each section cool properly, so the style holds all day (or longer, if dry shampoo is your bestie).
Cool, set, and fluff
Heat shapes your hair, but cooling locks it in place. Once a section is done, hold it in its shape for a few seconds before letting it go. If you really want to go the extra mile, clip it up for a minute while it cools. Once every section is styled, gently shake out your hair and fluff it at the roots. Volume? Sky-high. Confidence? Through the roof.
And there you have it—your straightener just gave you the blowout of your dreams. But we’re not done yet, because a good blowout looks great on day one, but a great blowout still looks amazing three days later. Next up: how to make it last.
Make your blowout last—because day two hair is elite
Listen, if we’re putting in the effort for a ’90s supermodel-level blowout, you better believe we want it to last. Nothing hurts more than waking up the next morning, looking in the mirror, and realizing your bouncy, voluminous masterpiece has turned into a sad, limp situation. But don’t worry—we’ve got the insider tricks to keep your blowout fresh for days(yes, even through sleep, sweat, and questionable weather).
Sleep smart, not flat
Fact: Your pillowcase is working against you. Cotton absorbs moisture and causes friction, which = frizz, creases, and volume gone in an instant. Here’s how to avoid it:
– Upgrade to a satin or silk pillowcase. It helps keep your hair smooth and frizz-free.
– Try the “loose pineapple” trick. Gently gather your hair at the crown and secure it with a silk scrunchie (no tight ponytails, we’re preserving volume, not suffocating it).
– Wrap it up. A loose satin scarf can protect your hair overnight, so you wake up looking refreshed, not like you fought a tornado in your sleep.
Dry shampoo is your BFF
There’s a reason every It-girl swears by dry shampoo—it absorbs oil, adds texture, and revives your volume all in one go. But here’s the trick:
– Apply it before you need it. Don’t wait until your roots are greasy—spritz dry shampoo at your roots on day one to prevent oil from settling in.
– Section your hair, spray lightly, and let it sit for a few minutes before massaging it in. This gives the product time to work its magic.
– Flip your head upside down and shake it out—instant volume boost.
Avoid the moisture trap
Humidity and sweat are the enemies of a good blowout, but you’re not about to avoid living your life just to keep your hair in place. Instead, try this:
– Use a lightweight anti-humidity spray. This helps block moisture without making your hair stiff or sticky.
– Keep a claw clip handy. If you’re working out, twist your hair into a loose bun and clip it up instead of using a ponytail, which can leave a crease.
– Avoid touching your hair too much. Your hands have natural oils that can flatten your style faster than you realize.
Revive and refresh
By day three, you might need a little extra help. If your blowout is losing steam, here’s how to bring it back to life:
– Blast your roots with a hairdryer on cool. This adds volume back without needing to redo everything.
– Touch up your ends with your straightener. A quick flick at the bottom can bring back those bouncy layers.
– Use a volumizing powder for extra lift. Just a tiny amount at the roots, and you’re back in business.
And just like that, your at-home blowout has officially entered longevity mode. No salon appointment needed, no round brush struggles—just you, your straightener, and hair that’s serving iconic volume for days. Now go forth and live your best big hair life.
Fixing a blowout gone wrong—because not every styling session goes to plan
So you followed all the steps, but instead of bouncy, Sabrina Carpenter-level volume, your hair is either too flat, too frizzy, or straight-up chaotic? We’ve been there. The good news? Most blowout mishaps are super fixable—you just need a few quick tricks to turn things around.
Issue #1: Your hair is flat and lifeless
You wanted big, full volume, but instead, your hair is looking suspiciously straight and sad. Here’s how to fix it:
– Go back in with your straightener. Take large sections and use a flicking motion at the ends—this will bring back the bounce.
– Blast your roots with cold air. Flip your head upside down and use your hairdryer’s cool setting to give your hair an instant volume boost.
– Try a little backcombing. Gently tease the roots of your crown section with a fine-tooth comb. (Pro tip: a spritz of texture spray beforehand helps it hold.)
Issue #2: Your ends are flipping in every direction
A polished blowout means soft bends and swoops, not random curls doing whatever they want. If your ends are misbehaving:
– Redo just the bottom sections. Take your straightener and go over the ends in one smooth motion, turning them either inwards or outwards for a uniform shape.
– Use a velcro roller trick. Wrap misbehaving sections around a large velcro roller, mist with hairspray, and let it set for 10 minutes.
– Embrace the flick. If your hair is too curled under, flip it outwards instead. Sometimes, a change in direction is all you need for that 90s supermodel bounce.
Issue #3: Frizz is taking over
Humidity? Static? Unpredictable weather ruining your vibe? Here’s how to keep your blowout smooth and sleek:
– Lightly mist an anti-frizz spray over your hair and smooth it down with your hands. Don’t overdo it—you want movement, not stiff strands.
– Hit trouble spots with your straightener. Run it quickly over frizzy sections (but keep it light—you’re smoothing, not flattening).
– Rub a tiny drop of hair oil between your palms and gently glide it over your ends for instant shine and frizz control.
Issue #4: Your roots are greasy but your ends are dry
Classic. The struggle of day two (or three) hair is real. Here’s how to balance things out:
– Dry shampoo is your savior. Spray it at your roots, let it sit, then massage it in to soak up excess oil.
– Refresh dry ends with a little leave-in conditioner. Just a tiny amount on the very tips will bring moisture back without weighing your hair down.
– Restyle with your straightener. A quick bend at the ends can bring your blowout back to life, even if your hair is feeling a little dull.
The bottom line? Every blowout is fixable—especially with the right tools
Look, no one’s hair turns out perfect every time—not even the pros. But the difference between a meh blowout and a main-character moment? A few quick fixes and the right styling MVPs in your lineup.
And if you really want to master the art of the bouncy, salon-level blowout (without actually booking an appointment), meet your new bestie: The Tyme Iron Pro. She’s really THAT girl. This curling iron x straightener hybrid makes recreating a supermodel-style blowout at home stupidly easy. Volume? Check. Glossy waves? Done. Soft, flippy ends? She delivers. And fast.
Because let’s be real—if you’re doing ’90s supermodel hair, you need a tool that works like a pro. And wink wink, we are the pros. Now go forth and serve big hair energy like you mean it.
