Monday Blowout Before the Cut: Stretch Textured Hair for a Cleaner Shape
Monday is a good day to tighten up a habit that makes a big difference on textured hair: blowing it out before you cut. When curly or coily hair is shrunk up, you can't see its real length or where the shape is off. A quick blowout stretches it so you can cut an even afro, a sharp high top, or a clean taper on longer hair.
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1. Start with clean, damp hair
Blowouts go best on hair that is clean and damp, not dripping. Product buildup and tangles fight the dryer. Gently detangle with a wide-tooth comb first, starting at the ends.
2. Cape up and protect the client
Put on a clean cape, snug at the neck, so hot air and loose hair stay off their clothes. A rubber neck cape like the Supreme Rubber Neck Cape sits close. Let the client know you're about to start, and keep the airflow pointed away from the face and ears.
3. A little heat protectant
Any time you put direct heat on hair, a small amount of heat protectant is a smart habit, especially on longer or finer hair. Something like Vitale Olive Oil Heat Protector works. Use a little and follow the label.
4. Low heat, keep it moving
Start on a lower heat setting and only go up if you need to. Point the nozzle down the hair shaft, keep the dryer moving, and don't park the heat in one spot. Work in sections, from the back to the front. A strong pro dryer like the BaBylissPRO Torino 6100 or the Andis Pro Dry Elite helps you get through a head without blasting it. Check your dryer's manual for its settings.
5. Comb out and check the shape
Once the hair is dry and stretched, comb it out evenly. Now you can see the true outline. Look at it from the front, the sides, and the back, and check where it's heavy or uneven before you pick up the clippers or shears.
6. Cut, then clean up
Cut your shape, then brush loose hair off the neck and face with a Diane Neck Duster before the cape comes off. Shop for capes, dusters, and the rest of your station in Barber Station Essentials.
Blowout before the cut, quick list
- Clean, damp, detangled hair
- Clean cape, snug at the neck
- Small amount of heat protectant
- Low heat first, dryer always moving
- Work in sections, back to front
- Comb out and check the shape from every side
- Cut, dust off, then remove the cape
FAQ
Should I blow-dry before or after the cut?
For a lot of textured cuts, like an afro shape, a high top, or a taper on longer hair, many barbers blow it out first so they can see the true length and shape. For a low fade on short hair you may not need to. Talk with your client and go with what the cut needs.
Do I need heat protectant for a quick blowout?
It is a good habit any time you put direct heat on hair, especially on longer or finer hair. Use a small amount and follow the product's directions.
What heat setting should I use?
Start on a lower heat and work up only if you need to. Keep the dryer moving and don't park the heat in one spot. Check your dryer's manual for its settings.
How do I keep clients comfortable during a blowout?
Use a clean cape snug at the neck, point the air away from the face and ears, tell the client before you start, and check in on the heat.
Questions? Email info@leadblacks.com or call or text (470) 646-9473.
