Debating about the healthiest way to dry your hair may seem trivial. But here’s the thing: how you dry your hair can significantly impact its health and appearance. Whether you are a fan of air-drying or blow-drying- or sometimes try both, we’re here to help you keep your locks healthy and luscious. Read on for some hair-drying tips.
The Air-Drying Method
Air-drying is often touted as the healthiest way to dry your hair because it avoids the potential damage caused by heat. However, there are some key steps to follow to ensure you’re doing it right:
Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water: Done washing your locks? Gently squeeze out excess water with your hands. Avoid wringing or rubbing your hair, as this can cause breakage and frizz.
Use a Microfibre Towel or T-shirt: Swap your regular towel for a microfibre towel or a soft cotton T-shirt. These materials are gentler on your hair and help reduce frizz. Blot and squeeze your hair in sections to remove more moisture.
Detangle with Care: Stick to using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers when detangling your hair. Begin from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Do this step gently to help prevent breakage and keep your hair smooth.
Skip Tight Hairstyles: While your hair is drying, avoid putting it in tight ponytails or buns. That way, you can steer clear of breakage and scalp irritation.
Let It Air Dry: Allow your hair to air dry naturally. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a fan to speed up the process. Just make sure not to leave your hair wet for too long, as prolonged dampness can weaken the hair structure.
The Blow-Drying Method
Blow-drying can quickly and effectively dry your hair, but you must do it correctly to minimise heat damage. So, how should you dry your hair using your go-to hair dryer? Here are tips to help improve or keep your drying routine healthy for your strands:
Pre-Dry with a Towel: Before reaching for your favourite hair dryer, use a microfibre towel or T-shirt to remove as much moisture as possible. Doing so helps reduce the time you’ll need to use the blow dryer.
Use a Heat Protectant: Always apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair before blow-drying. That particular hair product creates a barrier that helps protect your hair from heat damage.
Choose the Right Settings: Set your hair dryer to a low or medium heat setting. High heat can cause damage, especially if used frequently. Use a high-speed setting to help dry your hair faster without excessive heat. Do you use a Veaudry hair dryer? Check out this heat guide to pick optimal heat settings.
Keep Your Distance: Hold the blow dryer about six inches away from your hair and keep it moving to avoid concentrating heat on one spot. This step may look simple, but it can be a huge help in keeping your hair healthy while blow-drying.
Finish with Cool Air: Once your hair is mostly dry, switch to the cool setting on your blow dryer. This helps to set your style and adds shine.
The Hybrid Method: Combining Air and Blow-Drying
Want the best of both worlds? Consider combining air-drying and blow-drying. Let your hair air dry until it’s about 70 to 80% dry. This reduces the time you’ll need to use the blow dryer, thereby minimising heat exposure. Then, grab and use your blow dryer on a low or medium heat setting to finish drying your hair. By finishing with blow-drying, you can reduce frizz and gain more control over your final hairstyle.
Additional Tips for Healthy Hair Drying
Use the Right Products: Look for products that can help enhance your hair’s health, such as leave-in conditioners, serums, and heat protectants. You can nourish and protect your hair while drying it.
Avoid Over-Drying: Don’t dry your hair until it’s completely bone dry. Leaving a little moisture in your hair can help maintain its natural shine and prevent it from becoming too dry and brittle.
Be Gentle: Always handle your hair carefully, especially when it’s wet. Keep in mind that wet hair is more susceptible to damage. So, be gentle when towel drying, detangling, and styling.
Limit Blow-Drying to 2-3 times a Week: Curious about this question: How often can I blow-dry my hair without damage? The consensus among hair care professionals is to limit blow-drying to two to three times a week. With this frequency, your hair can recover between sessions. If you have particularly healthy and resilient hair, you might be able to blow-dry more often, but it’s essential to use a heat protectant & pay attention to how your hair responds.
Avoid Common Hair Dryer Mistakes: As discussed, hair-drying using your favourite blow-dryer can be a healthy way to dry your locks. To ensure you’re doing it right, go the extra mile in learning and avoiding common hair dryer mistakes, like not using the cool shot function & drying hair without sectioning.
Summing It Up: So, What’s the Best Way to Dry Your Hair?
Is it healthier to blow-dry or air-dry your hair? The question isn’t a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Both can be the best way to dry your hair without damaging it—if you do it right. So, by following these tips and techniques, you can ensure your hair stays healthy and beautiful, no matter how you choose to dry it. So go ahead, embrace your favourite drying routine, and enjoy those gorgeous, healthy locks!
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