The One Blow-Drying Mistake

You probably blow-dry your hair a few times a week, so you have this whole thing down to a science, right? Not so fast: We tapped seven top hairstylists to let us in on the mistakes they still see their clients make every single day.

Using the blowdryer your mom gave you years ago. "Invest in an ionic blowdryer that will lock in moisture and keep your hair shiny and healthy long term."—Sunnie Brook, who works with Carly Rae Jepsen and Hailee Steinfeld

Not getting rid of excess moisture when you get out of the shower. "If you start drying from sopping wet hair then you double the time it takes, plus it requires double the amount of heat and tension to get it dry and smooth. Instead, after you wash your hair, towel dry it has much as you possibly can. Getting the excess moisture out of your hair will help you get the maximum effect out of the products you are using and make sure they get distributed through your entire head of hair."—George Papanikolas, Matrix celebrity colorist who works with Salma Hayek and Kelly Rowland

Drying your hair right when you get out of the shower. "People need to stop blow-drying their hair immediately. Some people think that blowdrying their hair quickly is good for them because heat is on the hair for less time. But they actually end up damaging their hair even more in the long run, resulting in brittle, dry and split ends."—Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, who works with Kerry Washington and Jill Marie Jones

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Starting your blow-dry at the back of your head. "Spend most of your time in the areas around the face and crown. Then work toward the back."—Sunnie Brook

Over-drying your hair. "People tend to rush the blow dry, so they use the full power and full heat, especially around the front of the hairline which causes breakage and flyaways. You should use full power and full heat on the inside of your hair only when it's soaking wet. Detailing and smoothing should be done on medium power for more control."—Kenna, who works with Iggy Azalea and Victoria Beckham

Flipping your head down to dry your hair faster. "I love using a blow dryer to quickly rough-dry your hair or flip it over for faster drying time. However, it's important to direct the air flow parallel to the hair to help close to the cuticle in the last couple minutes of drying."—Sarah Potempa, who works with Emily Blunt and did the hair for this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Not sectioning your hair. "Taking smaller sections at a time, especially for women with curly, coarser, or textured hair really helps smooth out the cuticles and will allow for a longer-lasting blow out."—Lacy Redway, who works with Olivia Palermo and Lupita Nyongo

Touching your hair with the blowdryer. "When it comes to technique, clients should stop pressing the hair dryer directly onto the hair and brush. This fries the hair and creates very dry, split ends. Instead, hold the dryer about a half inch from your hair."—Gareth Bromell, who works with Behati Prinsloo and Kat Dennings

Not cleaning the filter at the back of the dryer. "You know that burnt smell? That's often caused by hair- and debris-buildup in the fan at the back of your dryer. Regularly clean this to extend the life of your dryer."—Sunnie Brook