Buzz
Air-drying your hair can help it dry naturally and stay healthy, but using a blow dryer correctly can not only dry wet hair but also enhance its texture and style without causing damage. If you're tired of dealing with wet hair on your back and want to avoid rubbing your hair with a towel, it's time to change your habits and learn some blow-drying techniques.
Steps
Wash your hair. Use a regular shampoo, but for better drying results and hair protection, opt for a moisturizing shampoo (often labeled for dry hair). This type of shampoo adds extra moisture to shield your hair from the heat of the dryer. It also protects against damage from heat styling tools like straighteners or curlers and boosts hair hydration. You don’t need to splurge on expensive brands; moisturizing shampoos are widely available at various price points, so find one that suits your needs.
Gently towel-dry your hair, just to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing the towel against your hair as friction can cause split ends and frizz. Instead, wrap your hair in a towel and gently squeeze to absorb the water. If your hair is too short for this method, wrap the towel around your head and softly pat in a circular motion. Be careful not to rub too hard or fast, and stop immediately if you feel pain or notice hair breaking. Your hair doesn’t need to be completely dry, just not dripping wet.
Divide your hair into smaller sections. Thicker sections take longer to dry. Ideally, split your hair into 4 to 6 sections, ensuring none are tangled. For thick or long hair, use clips to hold the sections in place. If your hair is very short, simply divide it into 2 parts.
Start blow-drying the top section of your hair, keeping the dryer about 15cm away from your scalp. Maintain this distance throughout to avoid burns. Avoid pointing the dryer upward, as this can damage your hair. Drying the top section first also prevents moisture from dampening the rest of your hair.
Dry each section of hair thoroughly. Remember to move the dryer constantly to avoid concentrating heat in one spot. Leaving the dryer in one place for too long can dry out or even burn your hair instead of gently drying it.
Leave your hair slightly damp. Avoid drying it completely; retaining a bit of moisture helps prevent dryness, frizz, and damage. Ensure the dampness is minimal so it doesn’t wet your clothes, allowing your hair to air-dry naturally in about 5 to 10 minutes.
Finish with a cool air setting on the dryer. This helps lock in shine. Gently comb through your hair or use your fingers to detangle. If needed, apply a moisturizing or anti-frizz serum and brush for smoothness. A small amount of olive oil can also nourish your hair naturally. This step ensures your hair stays glossy and dry throughout the day.
Tips
- Avoid blow-drying when your hair is soaking wet to prevent 'cooking' your hair. Instead, towel-dry it first.
- Keep the dryer away from the ends of your hair.
- Use the cool setting to better protect your hair.
- Apply a heat protectant before blow-drying.
- For short hair, towel-dry or blow-dry for just 2 minutes.
- To prevent split ends and frizz, maintain at least 15cm distance between the dryer and your hair, and keep the dryer moving. Use the coolest setting!
- Don’t comb soaking wet hair; use your fingers to detangle instead.
- For added volume, flip your hair upside down while drying.
- Always point the dryer downward and dry in one direction to avoid frizz and split ends.
- Trim split ends every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Keep your combs clean.
- Don’t over-dry your hair, or you’ll end up with straw-like hair and be late for your plans.
Warnings
- Blow-drying for too long can cause headaches. Limit sessions to 1.5 hours.
- Avoid using the dryer near bathtubs to prevent fatal electric shocks.
- Don’t blow-dry soaking wet hair.
- Avoid using small elastic bands on wet or damp hair, as they can cause breakage. Opt for wide, soft bands or clips.
- Hair dryers are for hair only. Don’t use them on your body, as it can cause red marks, discomfort, or burns.
- If your scalp feels too hot, stop immediately!
- Avoid blow-drying freshly dyed hair, as it’s already dry and fragile.
- Use a 'round brush with soft bristles' instead of a regular comb.
What You’ll Need
- Hair dryer
- Towel
- Moisturizing shampoo
- Conditioner or leave-in moisturizing spray (optional)
- Round brush or paddle brush
