A blowout can make you feel like you just stepped off a runway—or like you lost a fight with a round brush.
Let’s face it: not all blowouts are created equal. Some are glossy, bouncy works of art that scream effortless glam. Others? Stiff, over-sprayed disasters that look like they belong in a hairspray commercial from 1993.
The difference is all in the details—the shape, the movement, the finish.
This guide rounds up 13 blowout styles that absolutely nail it—each one full of life, lift, and that head-turning “who did your hair?” energy.
We’re also calling out 6 that missed the mark, so you know exactly what to avoid at your next salon visit.
Because your blowout should be a moment—not a mistake.
Voluminous Waves
Voluminous waves are the crown jewel of blowout hairstyles. Picture yourself in a lush garden, the breeze gently tousling your hair into perfect waves. These waves capture light, creating a mesmerizing halo effect.
The trick to achieving this look is in the meticulous layering and expert use of a round brush, ensuring each strand falls into place seamlessly.
Whether heading to a summer wedding or enjoying brunch with friends, voluminous waves offer a touch of glamour that’s effortless and chic. The style’s adaptability makes it a favorite among those who crave elegance without fuss.
Sleek and Straight
Sleek, straight hair exudes a polished, sophisticated vibe that’s perfect for the modern woman. Imagine yourself striding through a bustling city, your hair sleek and shiny, catching the eye of everyone you pass.
Achieving this look requires precision, a high-quality straightener, and a touch of shine serum. The result is smooth strands that reflect a mirror-like gloss.
This hairstyle is perfect for professional settings or a chic night out, offering a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. Embrace the sleek and straight for a look that’s both modern and classic.
Tousled Bob
The tousled bob is all about carefree sophistication. Envision yourself on a breezy beach, where the natural elements play with your hair, creating a relaxed yet stylish look.
This style is achieved through slight layering and a bit of texturizing spray to give that “just out of bed” charm.
Ideal for those who embrace the laid-back elegance of coastal living, the tousled bob is versatile enough for both casual and formal occasions. It’s a perfect embodiment of effortless beauty with a touch of edge.
Classic Hollywood Curls
Step into the golden age of cinema with classic Hollywood curls. Imagine yourself at a red carpet event, where every curl is perfectly placed, offering a nod to timeless glamour.
This style is achieved with precision curling techniques and setting sprays that hold without stiffness. Each curl bounces with vitality, creating a cascade of shimmering waves.
Ideal for formal occasions, these curls make you feel like a true star. Embrace this style when you want to turn heads and evoke a sense of classic elegance and sophistication.
Beachy Waves
Beachy waves exude a relaxed, sun-kissed charm. Imagine yourself standing by the ocean, the salty breeze adding texture to your hair, framing your face with carefree waves.
To achieve this look, a combination of sea salt spray and light curling techniques are used, giving a natural, tousled effect.
Perfect for a day at the beach or a casual outing, beachy waves offer a laid-back vibe that’s effortlessly chic. They capture the essence of summer, providing a carefree and youthful appearance that’s always in style.
Retro Flip
The retro flip is a nod to the past, bringing back the playful elegance of the 60s. Picture yourself in a vintage diner, your hair perfectly flipped at the ends, capturing the spirit of a bygone era.
This style is achieved using a round brush and a bit of hairspray to hold the flip. It’s playful and full of personality, making it ideal for themed parties or when you want to add a retro twist to your look.
The retro flip is timeless, offering a unique flair that’s both nostalgic and fun.
Soft Curls
Soft curls bring a warm, inviting charm to any setting. Picture yourself in a cozy coffee shop, your hair cascading in gentle curls that frame your face softly.
This style is achieved with a large barrel curling iron and a bit of mousse to maintain the curls’ softness. It’s perfect for casual outings or romantic evenings.
Soft curls are versatile, offering a natural elegance that’s both relaxed and sophisticated. They’re the perfect choice for those who want to add a touch of romance to their everyday style.
Messy Bun with Loose Strands
The messy bun with loose strands is the epitome of effortless style. Imagine yourself at a lively music festival, your hair swept up in a casual bun with strands left free to dance in the wind.
This look is achieved by loosely gathering the hair and securing it with pins, allowing strands to naturally fall free. It’s a carefree style that’s perfect for outdoor events or casual gatherings.
The messy bun is all about relaxed charm, offering a sense of spontaneity and freedom. It’s ideal for those who embrace a laid-back lifestyle.
Pin Straight with Middle Part
Pin-straight hair with a middle part is the ultimate in sleek and stylish professionalism. Picture yourself in a corporate office, your hair perfectly straight, parted in the middle, exuding confidence.
Achieving this look requires a high-quality straightening iron and a steady hand. It’s a style that’s both commanding and refined, ideal for professional settings or formal occasions.
The pin-straight style is timeless, offering a sense of control and precision. It’s perfect for those who want to make a strong impression with their hair.
Curly Pixie Cut
The curly pixie cut is bold and full of personality. Envision yourself in a trendy downtown area, your pixie cut full of lively curls that add bounce and character.
This style is achieved with the help of curl-defining products and a bit of fluffing to enhance volume. It’s ideal for those who want a short, manageable style that doesn’t skimp on flair.
Perfect for a modern, edgy look, the curly pixie cut is a statement of individuality and confidence. It’s a great choice for those who love to stand out.
Feathered Layers
Feathered layers bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to any look. Picture yourself at a classy evening event, your hair flowing in soft, feathered layers that catch the light beautifully.
This style is achieved by cutting the hair into layers and using a round brush during the blowout to create a feather-like effect. It’s perfect for formal occasions where you want to exude grace and poise.
Feathered layers are timeless, offering a sense of movement and fluidity that’s both captivating and chic.
Textured Lob
The textured lob is modern, chic, and full of life. Imagine yourself at an art gallery opening, your lob cut perfectly textured to add depth and interest.
This style is achieved with layers and a bit of texturizing spray, giving the hair a lived-in look that’s effortlessly stylish. It’s ideal for those who want a versatile style that can easily transition from day to night.
The textured lob is a favorite for its adaptability and fresh appeal. It’s perfect for those who want to blend sophistication with a trendy edge.
Choppy Bangs
Choppy bangs add an edgy, youthful flair to any hairstyle. Picture yourself exploring a vibrant urban street, your bangs slightly tousled by the city breeze.
This style is achieved with precise cutting techniques to create an uneven, textured look that’s full of character. It’s perfect for those who want a playful twist on the traditional bang.
Choppy bangs are great for adding personality and a modern touch to your hairstyle. They’re ideal for those who want to stand out and embrace their quirky side.
Too Stiff: Overstyled Curls
Overstyled curls can appear rigid and unnatural, lacking the bounce and vitality that makes curls so appealing. Picture yourself in a conservative office, where your curls stand stiffly in place, missing the organic flow.
This occurs when too much product or heat is applied, robbing the hair of its natural movement. It’s a stark contrast to the lively, dynamic curls that breathe life into a style.
Avoid overstyling to maintain the natural beauty of curls, ensuring they remain bouncy and full of life rather than rigid and lifeless.
Too Stiff: Helmet Hair
Helmet hair, often a result of excessive hairspray, is the epitome of stiffness. Imagine attending a formal dinner, your hair set so rigidly it resembles a helmet, lacking any natural movement.
This style is the consequence of overusing styling products, leading to a look that appears artificial and dated. It’s a reminder of the importance of subtlety in hairstyling.
Embrace softer holds and natural finishes to avoid the helmet hair effect, ensuring your style remains fresh and lively, with a natural elegance that’s more appealing.
Too Stiff: Slicked Back
The slicked-back style, when overly stiff, loses its suave appeal. Picture yourself in a high-end restaurant, your hair slicked back with too much gel, appearing more like a shell than a style statement.
This occurs when the hair is saturated with product, preventing any natural texture or movement. It’s the difference between looking polished and looking plastic.
Opt for a lighter touch with styling products to maintain the sleek look without sacrificing movement, ensuring your style remains both sophisticated and natural.
Too Stiff: Hair-Sprayed Curls
Hair-sprayed curls can often become too stiff, turning what should be a lively style into a rigid formation. Imagine yourself at a school dance, your curls so heavily sprayed they barely move.
This look is a result of overusing hairspray, which locks curls into place but sacrifices their natural bounce and flow. It highlights the importance of balance in styling products.
To keep curls lively, use hairspray sparingly, allowing them to move naturally and maintain their youthful energy and charm.
Too Stiff: Flat Iron Overkill
Excessive use of a flat iron can lead to hair that appears more like a board than a style. Picture yourself at a business conference, your hair so stiff from overusing a flat iron it lacks any natural movement.
This occurs when hair is repeatedly subjected to high heat, stripping it of moisture and flexibility. It’s a reminder of the importance of moderation in styling.
To keep hair lively and full of character, avoid overusing heat tools, maintaining a balance that preserves the hair’s natural texture and vitality.
Too Stiff: Stiff Updo
A stiff updo can turn an elegant style into a rigid helmet. Imagine yourself as a bride at your wedding ceremony, your updo so stiffly styled that it lacks any romantic movement.
This happens when too much product is used, creating a style that appears more fixed than flowing. It’s crucial to allow for some natural movement in updos to maintain their charm.
For a more appealing updo, embrace softer products and techniques that allow the style to breathe, ensuring it remains graceful and lively rather than stiff and static.