How to achieve a bouncy '90s blowout at-home

Hands up if you've ever been personally victimised by your very own tresses? Yep, it's a tragedy and betrayal we know all too well. Flat, limp and lifeless are not descriptors you're after when describing your mane. So, to tame the savage beast (AKA your strands), you're going to need volume and a whole lot of it. 

We're talking '90s supermodel levels here people. Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer eat your hearts out because we're coming for your crown of gloriously bouffant strands. 

'90s Bouncy Blowout 

So, we bet that the trend that's practically not left popularity for the last three decades is something you've tried before. And let us tell you, if you haven't given it a go, it's a whole body workout. Getting the angle of the hair dryer just right on your round brush takes some serious skill and dedication. Thankfully, we've now got the help of hot brushes (thank God) that combine the two so you're in for a little less aerobics. 

To get the low down on figuring out how to achieve the look for all different hair types BEAUTYcrew spoke to hair expert (and master of the blowout) Jaye Edwards founder of Edwards and Co. 

When it comes to the style he "love(s) that the bouncy, polished ’90s blowout vibes are having a moment once again. It's the glamour alternative to texture beach waves that have dominated Instagram for the past few years. Defined by sky high volume at the root and an unapologetic 'done' vibe, this flick-y look is the '90s supermodel mood we all need more of in our lives".

But Edwards definitely recognises the talent it takes to master the aesthetic, mirroring our own concerns, "It's a style that requires a lot of skill, and it's not always a one size fits all approach for the different hair types". But thankfully we've got the master on hand to give us some tips for different hair types. 

The best blow out technique for your hair type

Straight Fine Hair

If you've got straight fine hair, you know the level of effort involved in giving them a little lift is major. Edwards suggestions?

"The trick to getting volume in fine hair is making sure you have the correct products in the hair as a base. Things that are going to make the hair feel physically thicker". TBH, we never thought about thickening the strands at this stage before. His recommendation for giving them that extra oomph? The O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz ($40.95 at Adore Beauty) which Edwards says "not only adds bang to your blowout but protects against heat damage and creates a stunning texture and volume". A must when heat styling. 

Straight Coarse Hair

Coarse hair does tend to be drier than other hair types, so when styling a blow out on this hair type Edwards "make(s) sure the hair is really hydrated. Hydrated hair has more flexibility, therefore giving you that gorgeous 90s bounce". 

Edwards opts for the O&M Style Guru ($37.95 at Adore Beauty) to give the hair type a hit of lightweight hydration. 

As for styling — make sure your round brush is made of metal. "The metal brush not only helps to smooth but create bend in the hair" says Edwards. 

Wavy and Curly Hair

Edwards suggests a hot brush for wavy hair types.

"Starting from the base of the head working up in horizontal sections, use the brush to smooth out your locks," he instructs.

And for an added benefit of hydrating, volumizing and hold-boosting texture we suggest adding the Revlon Professional Restart Volume Body Foam ($26.95 at Oz Hair and Beauty) to cart, like now. 

Curly Kinky Hair

"This style of hair requires a lot more preparation, but you can still achieve the look," says Edwards. "What I suggest for this hair is similar to straight coarse hair in that hydration is the key".

But it's definitely still possible. For your hydrating, glossy, protective needs we suggest the ColorWOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray Curly ($56 at Adore Beauty). 

"Follow the same steps as above, however don't over stretch the hair too much (the hair won't hold as well) as we want to follow up each section by flat wrapping the hair using a curling tong," advises Edwards. "Once curled with a tong you may want to cool each section on a velcro roller, to make sure everything sets smoothly and with plenty of volume." 

The best hair tools to use for a '90s blowout

Like we said before, hot brushes are lifesavers when it comes to volume. So, not matter your hair type (fine hair and short hair included), these styling tools are going to get you big, bouncy strands. 

First up, the latest launch from ghd — the ghd Duet Blowdry ($595 at ghd). 

With it's unique silicone bristles, wet-to-dry styling capacity, this easy-to-use tool is destined for '90s-inspired volume. But we get that not everyone can take their sopping wet strands to bouncy volume with just one tool, the Shark Flexstyle Air Styling & Drying System ($500 at Sephora) has a range of tress-taming interchangeable heads to really master your mane too. 

Adding curls adds bouncy volume and a bit of glam, which is why we love the iconic ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong ($280 at ghd), when we're ready to style our hair. We've also got to give thermal rollers their dues. The velcro barrels really help to set the volume in place. 

Main Image Credit: @matildadjerf

Strictly a curling wand kind of person? We get it. Here are some of the best!