7 Ways to Cut Your Blow-Dry Time in Half

Experts say a pre-drying routine is key. “Hair can be very porous and suck in a lot of water, causing almost 20 percent more drying time,” says Ungaro. After shampooing and conditioning, squeeze as much moisture as you can from your hair, then wrap it in a towel turban. Ungaro recommends the Aquis Turban Hair Towel ($21, amazon.com), since it's super-absorbent and specifically designed for drying hair—but a regular bath towel will also do the trick in a pinch.

“Products, especially oils and heavy creams, slow down drying time drastically, so if you must use one, opt for something super-light like a spray for just your ends,” says Olson. Heavier products may slow you down because they tend not to disperse through the hair very well. Another option: Oribe Royal Blowout ($68, oribe.com), which contains sugar polymers that push the water out of the hair cuticle, speeding up drying time.

The better control you have over your hair, the less time you waste drying. Ungaro recommends a boar bristle brush, like the Wigo Cushion 100% ($25, ulta.com) because it creates enough tension on the cuticle of the hair to stretch it out, smoothing and adding shine. “With each section of hair, use the brush to blow-dry from roots to ends. Once the section is 100 percent dry, hold the brush wrapped in the hair for 10 seconds to allow it to cool down with the brush.” By doing this, the brush mimics a roller. 

These days, all blow-dryers come with this attachment, which concentrates hot air directly onto your hair. “It is usually separated in a plastic bag inside the box you purchased your blow-dryer in,” says Ungaro. Attach the nozzle horizontally onto your blow dryer, then use your brush to guide it in a downward motion as you dry. “This way, the hair will not lift off of the brush and it will ensure a smooth style,” says Ungaro.

“I always say blow-dry the front of the hair only and leave the back to be rough-dried,” says Olson. “No one ever looks at the back of your head, and the hair there usually blends in with no problem.” Aim to dry about 80 percent of your hair with your blow-dryer, and then complete your look with a curling iron or rod. “When you use an iron, it finishes the hair off with a nice polish and doesn’t require as much time as it would take to polish the hair with a brush,” says Olson.

Keratin is a protein that your hair creates naturally, but it can also be applied to your hair manually by your stylist. “The treatment is applied to your hair, then meticulously sectioned and flat-ironed to seal the product into your strands,” says Ungaro. “It reduces frizz tremendously, which is great for summertime humidity or getting caught in the rain.” The best part? Keratin treatments can shorten your blow-dry time by up to 60 percent. Consult with your stylist to see which keratin treatment is right for you (Ungaro likes Goldwell Kerasilk). “It’s formaldehyde-free and can be customized to whatever hairstyle you desire,” she says. Just make sure to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner (which won’t strip your strands of the keratin) to ensure your frizz-free style lasts the full three months.