If you’re like most people, you want to make sure your hair looks its best before going out. That generally involves brushing, heat styling, and several other steps. Of course, blow-drying is also an important part of the process. Chances are you usually don’t have time to let your hair dry on its own before styling it. After all, air drying can take anywhere from an hour to nearly an entire day depending on the length, thickness, and texture of your hair as well as temperature and humidity levels.
Since letting your hair dry naturally isn’t likely to be an option most of the time, blow-drying it is probably the best solution. That said, it’s no secret that heat drying and styling can damage hair. It’s possible to blow-dry without placing undue stress on your hair, though. Read on for some effective tips and helpful advice for safely blow-drying your lovely locks.
Invest in a High-Quality Hairdryer
One of the best things you can do for your hair is to invest in a high-quality hairdryer like those available via prostylingtool.com. Professional-grade hairdryers have a number of features and benefits you won’t get with cheap models. For one, they usually have more powerful motors, so they can dry your hair more quickly and efficiently.
Secondly, professional hairdryers often have more heat and speed settings so you can adjust them according to your hair type, moisture levels, and the styles you’re creating. Some high-quality hairdryers even have moisture-sensing technology. They automatically adjust their heat levels based on how wet your hair is, the surrounding temperature, and other variables. On top of all that, many professional hairdryers come with various attachments that can be used for different hair types and styles.
Use Heat Protectants
Another way to keep your hair healthy when blow-drying and heat styling is to use an effective heat protectant. Products that contain silicones, like dimethicone or cyclomethicone, are highly effective for preventing heat damage. Those that contain keratin or wheat protein can go a long way toward protecting your hair as well. They may also strengthen it to make it less prone to damage from other factors. Heat protectants that contain coconut, argan, grapeseed, or almond oil or aloe vera can seal your hair and safeguard it from heat damage too.
Apply heat protectants to wet hair just before blow-drying. Focus on the middle and ends of your hair. Damage tends to get worse as you travel further down the hair shaft, so those are the areas that need the most protection.
Blow-Drying Techniques Based on Hair Type
Certain universal truths come into play for blow-drying. First of all, you should never blow-dry your hair when it’s soaking wet. Always towel dry it beforehand or let it dry on its own for as long as possible before blow-drying.
Keep the hairdryer at least 6 inches away from your hair, and move it constantly to avoid applying too much heat to a single spot. If you’re using a hairdryer to set your hair as opposed to drying it, consider using the lowest heat setting or the heat-free setting if your blow-dryer has one. Beyond those general tips, the best way to blow-dry your hair depends on the type of hair you have and how healthy it is.
For Fine and Thin Hair
Fine and thin hair can be particularly prone to damage not only from heat but from brushing and styling. When blow-drying this type of hair, always use medium to low heat settings. Dry your hair in small sections, lifting it at the roots to dry it more quickly and expose it to as little heat as possible. You can use a round brush while blow-drying to add volume if you want. Reducing the heat when your hair is almost dry may reduce frizz and add shine.
For Thick or Coarse Hair
Thick or coarse hair is a bit harder to dry than fine or thin hair because it can hold more water. Start off with a high heat setting, and begin at the roots where the hair tends to hold the most moisture. Divide your hair into 4 to 6 sections to dry it more evenly, and work your way from the roots down in each section. As your hair gets drier, switch to a lower heat setting.
Consider using a wide-toothed nozzle attachment when drying thick or coarse hair. It will spread the hairdryer’s airflow across a broader area rather than allowing it to concentrate in a single spot. It will also separate and lift the strands for more efficient drying and minimize the hairdryer’s airflow to help reduce frizz. When you’re using the wide-toothed nozzle attachment, try to keep the hairdryer at a 45-degree angle to your hair. Use a round boar bristle brush along the way for more effective smoothing.
For Curly Hair
Curly hair can be especially tricky to blow-dry. It’s well-known for frizzing and getting out of control. Drying on a low speed and with low heat can help to keep it in check. Keep the hairdryer at a 90-degree angle while drying if possible. Though you need to move the hairdryer constantly, it’s important to move it around slowly and gently with curly hair. Otherwise, you’ll add to the frizz and fluff rather than resolving them. As you’re drying, scrunch your hair upwards to help maintain the shape of your curls.
Using a diffuser attachment is recommended when blow-drying curly hair. It will distribute heat and airflow more evenly and gently across a wider area. That, in turn, reduces direct airflow that can mess up your curls. It also further reduces frizz.
Blow-Drying Your Hair Safely
Not very long ago, experts insisted that blow-drying hair should be avoided whenever possible. More recent studies show that leaving hair wet can actually cause just as much damage as blow-drying if not more. Leaving your hair wet weakens it from the inside out and can make it more prone to breakage. With the right hairdryer and the tips mentioned here, you can enjoy all the benefits of blow-drying while still protecting your hair from heat damage and other hazards.
