When it comes to drying your hair, you can use air drying or blow drying. But which is better for your hair? The answer might surprise you.

Many say air drying or naturally leaving your hair to dry is better than grabbing your blow dryer to dry your hair, as this can damage the hair with heat.

Still, many feel their hair is not the same when air-dried and prefer the blow-dry method. Let’s find out what our stylists have to say.

Which One is Better, Air Drying or Blow Drying?

The short answer is that it all depends on how you do it. Many professionals will say air-drying is healthier, but this is a myth. You can gently blow-dry your hair and achieve excellent results using the right hair dryer on a low heat and speed setting until it is 90% dry.

It all comes down to how your hair responds when wet. Your hair can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water, causing it to swell and weaken when under pressure from the bonds. Your hair strands comprise different bonds, including hydrogen, that break when wet.

For this reason, you can restyle your hair in different styles, from wet to dry. When your hair is damp, the strands stretch out, and the water exerts pressure on these bonds, including even the strong keratin bonds.

When damp, hair loses elasticity and is more prone to breakage; therefore, it should not be left wet for too long. A study conducted at Yonsei University in Korea compared air-drying to heat-drying.

The researchers found that the cell membrane that holds hair cells together only became damaged in the naturally dried group when exposed to water for an extended period. They also found that using the correct technique for blow-drying hair is healthier than air drying.

Still, it remains a topic of debate, as both techniques have their pros and cons. One of the hair care myths is that air drying is better than blow drying.

Pros And Cons of Air Drying vs Blow Drying

When deciding between air drying and blow drying, air drying involves no heat and is healthier. However, blow drying can also damage hair.

Pros And Cons of Air Drying

Air drying exposes your hair to less heat and is healthier. Furthermore, it is low-maintenance and requires minimal effort, which is excellent if you are busy. The main con is that it depends on your hair density and texture. If you have thick hair, it can take longer to dry, is more fragile when wet, and is prone to break. Another factor is that your hair can dry inconsistently, resulting in frizz.

Pros And Cons Blow Drying

You can create different looks using different blow-drying techniques. Furthermore, it can leave your hair shiny and smooth. You also have more control over your outcome results.

The downside is that blow-drying the hair can lead to damage when you overdo it and fail to protect your hair with a heat protectant. As with air drying, blow drying can also lead to frizz if not done with a quality tool.

When to do Air Drying or Blow Drying

The choice depends on the health of your hair.

Air Drying

If you have severely damaged hair, it is better to air dry than to use heat, which could further damage your hair. Air drying is an excellent technique to enhance your natural texture, as you can still use a hair product like hair balm and allow it to dry naturally. The same applies to chemically treated hair, as it can prevent further breakage.

Blow Drying

Our stylists agree that blow-drying can be helpful in a pinch, but remember to use a heat protectant. If you have colored your hair extensively and it is fragile, be especially cautious when blow-drying it.

We recommend using a product that moisturizes, protects, and mends your hair. Set the blow dryer on the lowest setting and use heat-activated products to help with your styling.

What is Better For Frizzy Hair: Air Drying or Blow Drying?

Depending on how you dry your frizzy hair, you can choose whatever style you prefer. Both methods help tame curly hair.

For a faster option, you can blow-dry your hair, but it has a downside. Excessive heat or improper tool use damages your tresses, leading to breakage and frizz over time. Always use a heat protectant and set the blow dryer on a low setting; when done, it can tame your tresses.

On the other hand, you can air dry your hair to preserve its natural moisture, but without the blow dryer’s smoothing effect, some hair types can frizz. You can use a leave-in conditioner or an anti-frizz serum on damp hair for air-drying.

Also, apply hair oil before your shower. It helps smooth the hair cuticles, reducing frizz. No single method is superior; it all comes down to how you approach it and the products you use. Discover more tips on heatless styling your hair here.

What is The Impact of Air Drying And Blow Drying on Hair Loss?

Both methods have pros and cons for addressing hair loss, depending on the approach used and your hair type.

While air drying does not involve heat, it reduces brittleness. However, it can also increase frizz or tangling, leading to breakage if not managed gently.

Blow drying again is faster and allows for better styling, but it can cause heat damage if not done correctly. It can weaken the hair, leading to breakage and hair loss over time.

Still, using the correct techniques and products can help lessen hair loss with both methods. To remove excess water, use a microfiber towel and apply a leave-in conditioner before air drying.

When blow drying, use your heat protectant and set the blow dryer to a low setting. Then, finish with a burst of cool air as it closes the hair cuticle while locking in moisture.

What is The Best Way to Dry Curly Hair?

Gentle techniques refine natural curl patterns and minimize damage to curly hair. Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel, then apply a leave-in conditioner to keep it hydrated.

You can also use the plop method. Wrap your hair in a towel for up to 45 minutes to enhance your curls. The best way to maintain moisture and reduce frizz is to air dry. Still, you can quickly dry your hair using a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer on low to medium heat.

The diffuser will help distribute the heat and reduce frizz. When your hair is dry, you can scrunch it with a small amount of oil or a curl cream. Then, sleep on silk or satin pillowcases and get regular trims with deep conditioning treatments.

Wrap-Up: Which One is For You?

Whether you air-dry or blow-dry, both can offer outstanding results.

Air drying is healthier, as it does not involve heat; however, blow drying is beneficial if you want to achieve a specific style. However, it is worth noting that you should always use a heat protectant before using styling tools.

It all depends on how you do it and what products you choose to style your hair. For a professional blow dry, visit us at Haste Hair today or drop by to discuss your hair care needs.

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