Let’s be real for a moment. You’ve spent precious time sectioning, brushing, and blasting your hair into the perfect blowout. It looks fabulous in the bathroom mirror. But the second you step outside, it’s a different story. Frizz starts to creep in, the volume deflates, and all your hard work seems to vanish into thin air. Sound familiar? If so, the solution might just be that little blue or snowflake-emblazoned button you’ve been ignoring. Learning How To Use The Cool Shot Button Correctly isn’t just a minor trick; it’s the professional secret to locking in your style, boosting shine, and making your blowout last for days, not hours.
So, are you ready to transform your styling game? That humble button is more powerful than you think, and we’re about to demystify its magic completely.
The Science Behind the Style: What is the Cool Shot Button Anyway?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly cover the “why.” Understanding the science behind this feature is key to appreciating its power. Your hair’s structure is held together by hydrogen bonds. When you apply heat from your blow dryer, you’re essentially breaking down these bonds, making your hair malleable and allowing you to reshape it—whether you’re creating curls, waves, or a sleek, straight look.
This is where the cool shot button comes in.
Think of it like this: heat is the artist that molds the clay, but the cool shot is the kiln that fires it into its final, permanent shape. That sudden blast of cold air rapidly cools the hair strand, causing the hair’s cuticle to close and the hydrogen bonds to reform in their new shape.
“The cool shot is the single most underutilized tool for achieving a salon-quality blowout at home. It’s the difference between a style that lasts a few hours and a style that lasts all day. It seals the deal, literally.” – Julianna Reed, Celebrity Hairstylist.
A closed, sealed cuticle results in three major benefits:
- Long-Lasting Hold: Your style is “set” in place, dramatically increasing its longevity. No more midday droop.
- Enhanced Shine: A smooth, flat cuticle reflects light much better than a rough, open one. This is the secret to that glossy, “just left the salon” finish.
- Frizz Reduction: By sealing the cuticle, you lock out humidity and prevent the flyaways that lead to frizz. It’s your first line of defense against a bad hair day.
How to Use the Cool Shot Button Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, now for the main event. It’s time to integrate this simple step into your routine. Tossing a random blast of cold air at your head won’t do the trick. Precision and timing are everything.
Here’s the professional method:
- Dry Your Hair to 80-90%: Never start styling with sopping wet hair. It takes forever and exposes your hair to unnecessary heat damage. Use your dryer on a medium heat and high-speed setting, rough-drying your hair until it’s just slightly damp to the touch. This is the perfect canvas for styling.
- Section Your Hair: Working in manageable sections is non-negotiable for a professional result. Use clips to separate your hair into at least four sections (more if your hair is thick). This ensures every strand gets the attention it deserves.
- Style with Heat: Grab a round brush. Working one section at a time, place the brush at the root and aim your blow dryer’s nozzle (always use the concentrator nozzle!) down the hair shaft. Maintain good tension as you pull the brush through your hair, following it closely with the dryer. Repeat until the section is completely dry and shaped as you desire.
- Lock It In with the Cool Shot: This is the crucial moment. Before you remove the brush and release the section, switch from heat to cold. Press and hold the cool shot button, continuing to aim the airflow at that same section of hair wrapped around the brush. Hold it for a solid 10-15 seconds. You should feel the hair cool down completely.
- Release and Repeat: Once the section is cool to the touch, you can release the hair from the brush. You’ll immediately notice it’s shinier and has more bounce. Move on to the next section and repeat the process until your entire head is styled.
This small change of hitting each section with cold air before releasing it is the fundamental difference between an amateur and a pro-level blowout.
Tailoring the Cool Shot to Your Hair Type
While the core technique is universal, you can refine your approach based on your specific hair type and goals.
For Fine or Flat Hair
If volume is your main goal, the cool shot is your best friend. After drying a section at the crown with a round brush to create lift, give the roots an extra-long blast with the cool shot. This will set that lift at the base, preventing your hair from falling flat throughout the day.
For Thick or Coarse Hair
For those with thick hair prone to frizz, the focus should be on smoothness. As you pull each section taut with your brush, make sure the cool shot is directed down the hair shaft, from root to tip. This will aggressively seal the cuticle, locking in moisture and creating a sleek, polished surface that defies frizz.
For Curly Hair (Using a Diffuser)
Yes, the cool shot is amazing for curls too! When using your diffuser, you’re using low heat and low speed to gently dry your curl clumps without disturbing them. Once a section is about 80% dry, switch to the cool shot for 20-30 seconds. This helps to set your curl pattern, reduce frizz, and lock in definition for bouncy, well-formed curls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)
Learning how to use the cool shot button correctly also means knowing what not to do. Here are the most common pitfalls we see:
- Using It Too Soon: Blasting cold air on wet hair does nothing. The hydrogen bonds haven’t been broken and reformed yet. Always style with heat first.
- Not Holding It Long Enough: A quick, one-second tap isn’t enough. The hair strand needs time to cool down completely to set the style. Aim for at least 10 seconds per section.
- Releasing the Brush Too Early: The hair needs to be held in its desired shape while it cools. If you remove the brush and then hit it with cold air, you’ve lost the tension and the shape.
- Forgetting About It Entirely: The most common mistake of all! Make a conscious effort to incorporate it into your routine. After a few times, it will become second nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I hold the cool shot button?
A good rule of thumb is 10-15 seconds per section. The goal is for the hair wrapped around your brush to feel completely cool to the touch before you release it. For very thick hair, you might need a few extra seconds.
Can I use the cool shot button on wet hair?
No, this is ineffective. The purpose of the cool shot is to “set” a style that has been created with heat. On wet hair, it will only slow down your drying time without providing any styling benefits. Always dry the section with heat first.
Does the cool shot button really help reduce frizz?
Absolutely. Frizz is often caused by raised, open hair cuticles that absorb moisture from the air. The blast of cold air slams these cuticles shut, creating a smooth, sealed surface that is much more resistant to humidity and frizz. Many modern dryers with ionic technology also help with this by neutralizing static.
Do all hair dryers have a cool shot button?
Most modern hair dryers do, but some basic or travel models may not. When shopping for a new dryer, look for a “true” cool shot button, which provides genuinely cold air, rather than just turning off the heating element and providing lukewarm air.
What’s the difference between a cool shot and just using a low-heat setting?
A cool shot button actively disengages the heating coil to provide a blast of room-temperature or actively cooled air. A low-heat setting still provides warm air, which won’t be effective at rapidly cooling the hair and locking in the style. The sudden temperature drop is what creates the “setting” effect.
Your Final Step to a Flawless Finish
That little button is far from a gimmick; it’s a critical tool in your hairstyling arsenal. By taking a few extra seconds on each section, you’re not just drying your hair—you’re finishing it like a professional. You’re setting the foundation for a style that holds its shape, shines brilliantly, and stands up to the elements.
The next time you pick up your blow dryer, don’t overlook that button. Embrace it. Mastering how to use the cool shot button correctly is your ticket to saving time on touch-ups and enjoying a salon-quality blowout that truly lasts. Give it a try on your next wash day; your hair will thank you for it.