11/10/2026
Want big, bouncy, salon-worthy hair that actually lasts? The secret isn’t just in your dryer—it’s in the prep and your angle!
Before you even touch your dryer, start on damp, towel-dried hair with Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Superlift Spray directly at the roots. It is my absolute favorite product for building weightless, touchable height without any stickiness or stiffness.
The Tools & Technique
1. Choose the Right Brush: I am a huge advocate for natural boar bristle brushes over ceramic ones. Ceramic barrels can easily overheat and scorch the hair, whereas boar bristles polish the cuticle, distribute natural oils, and create high-shine tension safely. My absolute favorites are from Ibiza Hair—check the link in my story or bio for my ShopMy links! (And if you’re not confident juggling a classic round brush and dryer, you can always use a Dyson Airwrap with the round brush attachment or equivalent).
2. The Root Lift Motion: Looking for body? come in with the brush from underneath the hair section and pull straight upwards toward the ceiling to create ultimate lift right at the root.
Adapting for Curly or Textured Hair:
If you’re working with naturally curly or textured hair that takes more effort to smooth out, adapt your technique:
Pull Downwards for Tension: Instead of lifting straight up, focus on pulling the brush downwards and taut. This provides the necessary tension to stretch out and smooth the natural curl pattern without adding unwanted frizz.
Size Down Around the Hairline: Switch to a much smaller round brush around the hairline and undersides of the hair where curls are naturally tighter and harder to reach.
Switch Up Your Product: Rather than a root volumizer, prep with a dedicated smoothing formula like Color Wow Dream Coat or Oribe Hair Alchemy for ultimate humidity control and a glass-like finish. ✨
Any questions? Comment below 👇 I’m always happy to assist!