Air drying has become a more preferred approach to hair care in recent years, and is rumored to make each strand stronger and healthier. However, there is a surprising fact. Depending on your technique, air drying can be more damaging to your hair than blow drying.
“It may seem counterintuitive, since we all know about heat damage,” explains hairstylist Dejan Galz. “But blow-drying is actually kinder to most hair types.” Below, he shares his expert tips on how to dry your hair as gently as possible.
Why is blow drying better for your hair than air drying?
“Our hair is incredibly susceptible to damage when it’s wet,” Gertz explains. “Shampoo and warm water open up the cuticle layer, making your hair more susceptible to friction like rubbing against clothes or pillows, which can cause breakage. The longer your hair stays wet, the more damaged it becomes. It will be easier to accept.”
Using a hair dryer is even more important if your hair is bleached, highlighted, dyed, or chemically treated. “The cuticle is already damaged, so it’s important to dry your hair quickly to prevent further damage,” advises Gertz. They also warn against going to bed with wet hair, as prolonged friction with pillows can lead to breakage and split ends.
dry your hair gently
Ideally, you should avoid going to bed with wet hair, but if you’ve never colored your hair and don’t style it often with a straightener or curling iron, let your hair air dry during the day. No problem. “Especially natural curls look better when left to dry naturally. Even if you blow-dry on a gentle setting with a diffuser attachment, the airflow can prevent the curl structure from fully setting, causing frizz and eventually branches. It can lead to hair,” says Gertz.
No matter which method you use to dry your hair, a good microfiber towel will make a big difference by absorbing water and making the process faster. “You should only leave the towel turban on your head for a few minutes until your hair dries a little. It should not be left on for two hours,” he added.
How to properly (and gently) blow dry your hair
Next, it’s time for a blow dry. “Be sure to apply heat protection before you start and dry your hair on medium heat. Do not set the hair dryer temperature too high. Otherwise, blow drying will be the same as air drying. It will be much calmer.”
Even if you dry your hair upside down, it’s best to use a hair dryer to blow air from the roots to the tips. “Otherwise, your hair will get tangled and frizzy,” he says. To add smoothness and volume, it is worth partially drying the hair, starting from the roots and moving downwards, using a round brush. Finally, cool air is used to seal the cuticle and maintain the shape and volume of your mane throughout the day.
This article originally appeared on Vogue.com.
