blow-dry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “blow-dry” mean?
To dry hair using a handheld electric hairdryer while styling it with a brush.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To dry hair using a handheld electric hairdryer while styling it with a brush.
The result of this process; a hairstyle created by drying and styling with a hairdryer. Can also refer to the appliance (hairdryer) in some very informal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally common in both varieties. Spelling: Typically hyphenated as 'blow-dry' for both noun and verb in BrE; sometimes written as one word 'blowdry' (less standard) or two words 'blow dry' in informal contexts. In AmE, the hyphenated form is also dominant, but the open form 'blow dry' is frequently seen, especially as a verb phrase.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation. Associated with professional hairdressing salons or careful personal grooming.
Frequency
High and equal frequency in both varieties due to the global beauty/hair industry.
Grammar
How to Use “blow-dry” in a Sentence
NP ~ NP (I'll blow-dry your hair.)NP ~ (She blow-dries for 20 minutes.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blow-dry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you blow-dry my fringe straight, please?
- I never blow-dry my hair; I just let it air-dry.
American English
- She blow dries her hair every morning before work.
- The stylist will cut, wash, and blow-dry your hair.
adverb
British English
- [Usage as an adverb is extremely rare and non-standard.]
American English
- [Usage as an adverb is extremely rare and non-standard.]
adjective
British English
- She left the salon with a perfect blow-dry style.
- This blow-dry cream gives fantastic shine.
American English
- She's known for her signature blow-dry look.
- He offers a blow-dry service for men.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for salons, beauty products, and hairdressing services.
Academic
Extremely rare; might appear in sociology or cultural studies texts about beauty rituals.
Everyday
Very common in conversations about hair, grooming, and salon visits.
Technical
Standard term in hairdressing and cosmetology manuals and training.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blow-dry”
- Using it to refer to the appliance itself: 'I bought a new blow-dry' (incorrect) vs. 'I bought a new hairdryer' (correct).
- Spelling: 'blowdry' or 'blow dry' are common informal variants, but 'blow-dry' is the standard dictionary form for the verb and noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both a verb ('to blow-dry hair') and a noun ('I'm getting a blow-dry').
'Dry' simply means to remove moisture. 'Blow-dry' specifically involves using a hairdryer (with blown air) and implies an element of styling and shaping the hair during the drying process.
Absolutely. While often associated with women's hairdressing, blow-drying is a common technique in barbering and men's grooming to achieve certain styles, add volume, or control hair.
The standard dictionary form is with a hyphen: 'blow-dry' (for both noun and verb). The open form 'blow dry' is very common, especially as a verb phrase. The single word 'blowdry' is seen but is less standard.
To dry hair using a handheld electric hairdryer while styling it with a brush.
Blow-dry is usually informal/neutral in register.
Blow-dry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbləʊ draɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbloʊ ˌdraɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms based on 'blow-dry']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You BLOW hot air from a dryer to DRY your hair, making it 'blow-dry'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAIR IS A PLIABLE MATERIAL (that can be shaped and dried with directed air/heat).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'to blow-dry'?