There is no right or wrong way. For whichever method you choose, the following article will guide you through the best ways to dry your hair in the least damaging way.
1. Blow Drying
Is blow drying your hair bad?
Correct blow drying will not harm your hair. However, applying heat to your hair when it is already dry can cause brittleness, breakage, dullness and dryness. The secret to safe blow drying is good timing and the proper use of tools and products.
Follow these simple steps to dry your hair quickly and safely, while getting beautiful results…
How to use a hair dryer without damaging hair
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Always prepare your hair using a heat protection spray or damage defence primer.
- If you use a paddle and/or round brush for styling, choose ones made of soft, pliable plastic and use them gently. Harshly tugging and brushing can cause damage
- Hold your dryer about 6 inches away from your hair. Dry the back and sides of your head first, and work towards the crown and front
- Start on a high speed and high temperature and, as your hair begins to dry, gradually reduce the heat. This will help you avoid over-drying and damaging your hair. Ideally, it is best for your hair if you leave it slightly damp, or ‘just dry’
- If you want the heat to be spread over a wider area, use a diffuser attachment. The wider the attachment, the more the heat will be distributed. However, if you wish to dry your hair quickly, do not use an attachment
- To add volume and body, try turning your hair upside down as you finish blow drying. Bend over and let your hair hang down towards the floor. Gently brush or comb it in this direction with the dryer following behind. This will give your hair more lift and bounce, and decreases the likelihood of tangles
2. Towel Drying
How to towel dry hair
Press your hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. Do not rub it — this can roughen your cuticles, and also break and tangle your strands. Follow by gently removing tangles with a wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends and working up to your roots.
The safest way to towel dry your hair is to use a lightweight towel with a softer weave material like bamboo or microfibre.
Benefits of towel drying hair
Towel drying doesn’t require exposing your hair to heat
So long as you aren’t harshly rubbing at your hair, towel drying can help reduce frizz
Plopping your hair in a lightweight towel can help to keep curls intact
3. Air Drying
How to air dry your hair
Especially when it’s warmer, air drying your hair can be a wonderfully simple, heat-free option. One of the biggest priorities with air drying is keeping your hair hydrated, to help prevent frizz. A day when you plan to air dry is therefore a great day for a nourishing hair mask.
It is also a good idea to begin with a light towel dry to get the worst of the water off and then comb through with either a paddle brush or - if your hair is more susceptible to frizz - a wide-toothed comb.
