If you don’t like the idea of blow-drying your hair while beads of sweat run down your neck and back, you may not be the only one who feels that way. Many people choose to let their hair air dry because it takes too long or because they believe air-drying is healthier. But here’s a surprising fact: air-drying can actually be more damaging to your hair than blow-drying.
“It may seem contradictory, as we all know the damage that heat can do to hair. In fact, blow-drying is gentler for most hair types and conditions,” explains master hairdresser Dejan Garz. Below, he gives professional 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 vulnerable to damage when it’s wet,” explains master hairdresser Dejan Garz. “Shampoo and warm water open the cuticle and make the hair vulnerable to breakage due to friction – such as rubbing against clothing or a pillow. The longer it stays wet, the more vulnerable it is to damage.”
If your hair is bleached, highlighted, colored or chemically treated, it’s even more important to use a hairdryer. “The cuticle is already damaged, so it’s important to dry the hair quickly to avoid further damage,” advises Garz. He also warns against going to bed with wet hair, as prolonged friction on a pillow can cause hair breakage and split ends.
Dry your hair gently
Ideally, you should avoid going to bed with wet hair. However, if you have never dyed your hair and don’t often style it with a straightener or curling iron, you can be forgiven for letting it air dry during the day. “Especially with natural curls, it usually looks better when the hair air dries. Even if you blow-dry it with a diffuser on a gentle setting, the air flow can break the curl structure and lead to split ends,” says Garz.
How to blow-dry your hair properly and gently
Master hairdresser Dejan Garz recommends drying your hair carefully after washing with a microfiber towel, which is more absorbent and gentler on the hair due to its soft texture. “A towel turban is allowed, but should only be left on the head for a few minutes until the hair is slightly dry – and not two hours,” says the hair professional. Then it’s time to blow-dry. There is a technique to follow. “Make sure you apply heat protection before blow-drying and dry your hair at a medium temperature. You shouldn’t set the hairdryer too hot, otherwise blow-drying is no more gentle than air-drying. “But you do need a bit of heat to re-attach the hair cuticle after washing and to give the hair a nice shine.” It’s best to always hold the hairdryer so that the air flows from the roots to the tips. Even if you blow-dry upside down. “Otherwise the hair will get tangled and frizz will develop,” says the expert. It is best to dry your hair in sections from the roots downwards, using a round brush for smoothness and volume. Finally, use a blast of cold air to seal the cuticle and maintain the shape and volume of the mane throughout the day.
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