How to Use a Boar Bristle Round Brush for Blowouts

By Philip B. Botanicals, Botanically Powered Haircare | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the salon-style blowout technique using a boar bristle round brush. Step-by-step guide for medium and large barrels, with tips to avoid common mistakes.

Quick Answer

To get a salon-style blowout, use a boar bristle round brush with the right barrel size for your hair length and texture, then follow a tension-and-roll technique while drying each section.

Why Barrel Size Matters

The barrel diameter of your round brush determines the curl size and volume. A medium 55mm barrel works well for shorter hair or tighter curls, while a large 65mm barrel creates looser waves and more lift on longer, thicker hair. Choosing the wrong size can lead to uneven results or difficulty wrapping hair around the brush.

Boar Bristle vs. Nylon

Boar bristles distribute natural oils and add shine, making them ideal for smooth blowouts. However, they can be less effective on very wet or fine hair—use a pre-dry towel or low heat to avoid pulling. If your hair is prone to tangling, a mixed-bristle brush may be gentler.

Step-by-Step Blowout Technique

Prep and Section: Start with damp, towel-dried hair. Apply a heat protectant and divide hair into 4–6 sections using clips. Mist each section lightly with water if it dries out. Working on damp (not wet) hair prevents steam damage and helps the bristles grip without pulling.
Dry the Roots First: Hold the brush at the root of a section and aim the dryer nozzle downward. Use medium heat and tension—pull the brush down while following with the dryer. Keep the nozzle 2–3 inches away. Drying roots first adds lift; skipping this step flattens the crown.
Roll and Wrap: Once the roots are dry, roll the brush away from your face, wrapping the ends around the barrel. Hold for 5–7 seconds while applying heat, then cool the section with the dryer's cool shot button. A common mistake is rolling too fast—each section needs 3–5 seconds of heat followed by cool air to set the curl.
Release and Repeat: Unwind the brush gently and let the section cool completely before moving to the next. Repeat for all sections, working from the bottom layers upward. If a section looks frizzy, you may have used too much heat or skipped the cool shot—try reducing heat setting.

Recommended Brushes

Medium (55mm) Round Hairbrush: The Medium (55mm) Round Hairbrush from Philip B. Botanicals offers a balanced blend of durability and ergonomic comfort for everyday styling. Its 55mm barrel is versatile for curly, wavy, fine, thick, or coarse hair, making it a good all-rounder for blowouts on medium-length hair.
Medium (55mm) Round Hairbrush
Large (65mm) Round Hairbrush: The Large 65 mm Round Hairbrush from Philip B. Botanicals combines durable construction with an ergonomic handle for comfortable styling. The larger barrel creates more volume and curl definition for long, thick hair, and the ergonomic grip reduces hand fatigue during extended styling.
Large (65mm) Round Hairbrush