Key ingredients: hydrolyzed protein, mango seed butter, avocado oil | Who it’s for: those with split or dry ends
Best for a Strong Hold: Kenra Professional Perfect Blowout Light Hold Styling Crème
Why it’s worth it: New York City-based hairstylist Cash Lawless loves this light-hold styling cream: “This is amazing for fine to medium textures for providing a silky, smooth finish.” Plus, he says, it helps give hair polish and body and reduces friction from brushing. That can help minimize damage and breakage since you don’t have to manipulate it as much. Blow-dry hair using a round brush to amplify its effects.
Key ingredients: hydrolyzed vegetable protein, glycerin, castor oil | Who it’s for: people with fine to medium hair
Frequently Asked Questions
What does blowout cream do?
Blowout creams, sprays, and other pre-styling products provide multiple benefits, such as heat protection and volume, to your at-home styles, according to bicoastal hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. However, not all blowout hair products are created equal. If you’re lost, Fitzsimons advises seeking out certain textures when you’re shopping. “Typically, a blowout spray is designed for those with finer hair looking to add a bit more volume; they’re more lightweight and won’t weigh the hair down,” he says. “Blowout creams are typically formulated for anyone with thick, frizzy, or curly hair.”
How do you style an at-home blowout?
We have an entire guide on creating flawless at-home blowouts, but here’s the gist:
First, you’ll want to make sure your hair isn’t sopping wet before doing anything. Towel-dry or allow it to partially air-dry before reaching for your tools and products. Once it’s no longer dripping wet, Los Angeles-based hairstylist Kiki Heitkotter says to “comb through with a wide-tooth comb.” You can also opt for a detangling brush, just make sure you gently start from the bottom of your hair and work your way up to the roots without tugging or pulling on knots.
After detangling, you can apply your blowout cream. If your cream or product doesn’t provide heat protection, Los Angeles-based hairstylist Kristen Shaw recommends applying a heat protectant as well in order to prevent hair damage and color fading. “Picture your hair as a single strand, with little stems of hair—which we call your cuticle—open in a ‘V’ shape from the root to the ends,” she says. Heat protectants close this ‘V,’ enhancing smoothness and shine while creating a protective barrier to prevent breakage.