A salon-quality blowout doesn’t start with a brush; it starts with good sectioning! If your hair feels frizzy, uneven, or flat after blow drying, the issue usually isn’t your technique… it’s how you divided up your hair.
Proper sectioning keeps tension consistent, helps you control airflow, and ensures every strand is fully dried and smoothed. Below, we’ll walk you through exactly how to section your hair for a professional blowout at home, step-by-step with diagrams.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather up:
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Tail comb (for clean partings)
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4-8 sectioning clips
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Blow dryer with nozzle attachment
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Round brush (size depending on desired finish)
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Heat protectant spray or serum
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Optional: lightweight styling product for hold
Step 1. Start With Damp, Detangled Hair
Sectioning works best on freshly washed, towel-dried hair (around 80% dry).
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Apply heat protectant evenly.
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Gently detangle using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush.
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Create your natural parting (middle or side) before sectioning. This ensures your blowout falls the way you usually like it.
Step 2: Divide Hair Into Two Main Sections
Using a tail comb:
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Create a horizontal part from ear to ear across the crown.
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Clip the top section up and out of the way.
You should now have:
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Bottom section (nape area)
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Top section (crown and front)
Step 3: Section Off the Bottom Half
Now that all your hair is clipped up (except the bottom half), let that bottom half fall down your back. Now look at the very base of your hairline at your neck…
Place your comb flat against your head and draw an invisible straight line from left to right, about two fingers above your neckline.
Everything below that line (the small strip sitting at your neck) stays down. Everything above that line gets clipped up!
Like the diagram below, you should now have:
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One thin strip of hair hanging down at the nape
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The rest of your hair is clipped up neatly above it
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This thin strip is what you blow dry first.
Step 4: Blow Dry Each Thin Strip Before Moving Up
So now you’ve got the hang of sectioning like a pro, you can get to work blowdrying each thin strip as you move up your head.
For each section:
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Place your round brush underneath the strip of sectioned off hair
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Direct airflow from the hairdryer down the hair shaft (nozzle pointing downward).
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Keep tension steady as you pull through.
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Fully dry before moving on.
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Once dry, drop the next horizontal strip (another 2–3cm) and repeat.
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Continue until the bottom half is complete.
Step 5: Section the Top Half
Now unclip the crown section. Using the diagram below as a guide, split it into:
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Left side
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Right side
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Crown/back
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Fringe or front pieces
Clip each area separately. This gives you more control and prevents tangling.
Step 6: Work From Back to Front
Blow-dry with the crown section first, then move to the sides, finishing with the front/fringe area.
Why Back to Front?
The front dries fastest and is most visible. Saving it until last ensures it looks fresh and polished.
Use smaller sections around the hairline for better control and smoother results.
Common Sectioning Mistakes
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Taking sections that are too thick ❌
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Not fully drying each section before moving on ❌
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Skipping clips and trying to “wing it” ❌
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Letting airflow point upward (causes frizz) ❌
Remember: neat sections = smooth results.
Final Thoughts
Sectioning might feel like an extra step you haven’t got time for, but it’s the foundation of a professional-looking blowout. Once you get into the habit of working in clean, controlled layers, your blow-dries will be smoother, faster, and longer-lasting.
Take your time, keep sections neat, and always dry completely before moving on.
Read next: How long does a blowout last and how to extend it
Sectioning Hair for a Blowout - FAQs
Still unsure? Burning questions left unanswered? Here are some of the top questions from our customer community.
How many sections should you use for a blowout?
Most people need 4–6 sections for a proper blowout. Thick or very long hair may need more, while fine hair may need fewer. The key is that each section should be no wider than your round brush. If it’s too big, the centre won’t dry properly.
Do you section hair when it’s wet or dry?
Section your hair while it’s damp, not soaking wet and not fully dry. Towel-dry first, apply your heat protectant, then create your sections before you start blow-drying. This helps you stay organised and prevents over-drying certain areas.
Where should you start a blowout, top or bottom?
Always start at the bottom, at the nape of your neck. Clip the rest of your hair up and work upwards in horizontal layers. This keeps already-dried hair out of the way and gives you a smoother finish.
How thick should each section be?
Each section should be about 2–3cm thick, roughly the width of two fingers. Thin sections dry faster, create more tension with the brush, and help reduce frizz.
What’s the easiest way to section your own hair?
Use a tail comb and two mirrors if possible (one handheld and one behind you). Create clean, straight partings and secure each section with strong clips. Working methodically, bottom to top, makes the process much easier when you’re doing your own hair.
