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Blow Drying

Correct blow-drying will not harm your hair – it’s applying heat to your hair when it’s already dried that causes damage.’ Moisture content is just as important to the health and beauty of your hair as it is to your skin. It’s what helps keep your strands nourished and elastic. While the correct use of a blow-dryer will not harm your hair, applying heat to your hair when it is already dried causes brittleness, breakage, dullness and dryness.

The secret of safe drying is good timing and the proper use of tools and products. Try to follow these few, simple steps to dry your hair both quickly and safely, while getting beautiful results.

HOW TO DRY YOUR HAIR CORRECTLY - TOWEL DRYING

Press your hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. Rubbing your hair can rough up the cuticles of your hair and also break and tangle it. Follow by gently removing tangles with a wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends and working up to your roots.

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THE BEST HAIRDRYER FOR BLOW-DRYING

When choosing a hairdryer, look for one that has separate controls for both temperature and speed. This allows you to turn the heat down as your hair is drying to minimize the liklihood of over-drying. Anything stronger than 1200 is unnecessary. If you want the heat to be spread over a wider area, use a special flow diffuser attachment. The wider the attachment you use, the more the heat will be distributed. However, if you wish to dry your hair quickly, do not use an attachment.

USING THE HAIRDRYER

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. If you use a paddle and/or round brush for styling, choose one made of soft, pliable plastic and use it gently. Harshly tugging and brushing your hair can do more damage than a hairdryer.

FINISHING OFF YOUR HAIR STYLE

It is here that damage is most likely to occur, so make sure to check your hair often. When your hair is almost dry, turn down the heat and reduce the speed of your dryer. Ideally, it is best for your hair if you leave it slightly damp. But if you need your hair absolutely dry it is very important to stop blow-drying at the right time. Applying heat, even for a few seconds, to hair that has already been dried can dry out the moisture in your hair cells. This can cause brittleness, dullness, breakage and split ends.

ADDING VOLUME & BODY

If you have limp, thin or straight hair, try turning your hair upside down as you finish blow-drying for extra body and volume. Bend over and, still using the hairdryer, let your hair hang down towards the floor. Gently brush or comb your hair in this direction with the dryer following behind. This will give your hair more lift and bounce and decreases the likelihood of tangles.