At Häste, a great blow-dry can make your hair look fantastic, but the heat and styling can sometimes damage your locks.
The key is knowing how to blow dry without damage — so you can keep your hair healthy, vibrant, and full of life.
Whether you’re getting ready for a night out or refreshing your everyday look, our stylists are here to share tips for achieving a perfect blowout without compromising your hair’s health.
1. Start a Solid Haircare Routine
The first step starts in the shower: creating a solid haircare routine. Choose a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Preferably, use one without sulfates and chemicals, which can leave your hair dry and damaged.
Pro Tip: We recommend the Kérastase shampoo and conditioner for healthy, glowing hair.
After working the products into your hair and scalp, rinse them well. A product buildup can lead to dull, greasier hair if not rinsed out well.
So you will not end up with a voluminous blowout. Another crucial thing is to never use a blow dryer on soaked hair, as the heat will cause it to frizz.
2. Towel Dry Your Hair
Treat your hair gently with a towel before you blow dry and style it. You can use a microfiber towel or a non-abrasive fabric like your jersey T-shirt. This step is crucial if you have curly hair, as once it gets heated when wet, it results in damage and dryness.
Pro Tip: Do not towel dry your hair with vigor, as this can cause damage. Instead, use the scrunching method to remove excess water and moisture.
3. Detangle Your Hair
Most importantly, to blow dry without damage, it is crucial to detangle your hair after towel drying it. After washing your hair, the cuticles are open and more susceptible to damage. I suggest using a wide-tooth comb, detangling spray, or your fingers to gently detangle your hair, starting from the tips and moving upwards toward the roots.
4. Use The Correct Products For Hair Protection
As you blow dry or use heating tools, you must protect your hair from heat exposure to prevent damage.
Invest in blow-dry heat-protective products like Kérastase’s L’incroyable Blowdry Heat Lotion. The lotion will protect the hair against heat damage while reducing frizzing.
Furthermore, it works well on different hair types. You can also visit us for a keratin treatment.
5. Apply Your Hair Products Correctly
After investing in the best products for heat protection, you need to apply them correctly. When you use a volumizing spray, you only apply it to the root. Applying other styling products at the root will weigh the hair and make it look greasy. It will also take longer to blow dry the hair, as the tool must work through the product.
Pro Tip: Add your styling products from the mid-shaft to the ends of your hair.
6. Use The Right Tools
Invest in a hairdryer or other styling tool with different heat settings and airflow. Never ditch those attachments you receive with your hairdryer; they are there for a reason. The nozzles work great for drying your hair, but you must use the correct nozzle and brush.
As with using a salon-quality hair dryer, you must use the right brush, but the type can differ from one person to another. Ensure that the brush you choose can withstand heat, and preferably, do not use a metal or ceramic brush, as they tend to get very hot.
We are not saying to have a ceramic brush, as it is excellent for smoothing curly, thick hair, but the best is still a boar bristle brush.
7. Keep Your Brushes Clean
Ensure that your brushes are clean. Hair buildup is not only unhygienic but with time, hair will start to melt into the brush. You can invest in a brush cleaner to help rake out the hair, dirt, and lint.
8. To Blow Dry Without Damage, Avoid Using The High Heat Setting
Whether you use a flat iron or your hairdryer, do not use the high setting even when pressed for a long time. Doing this can lead to dull or frizzy hair. Try to sustain the health of your hair by using the lowest setting, as extreme heat can lead to over-drying your hair.
9. Blow Dry Hair in Sections
Most importantly, it helps you know how to blow dry your hair correctly. You can part your hair into sections and use a clip to secure it away until you reach that area. Start with your neckline by taking smaller parts of your hair from a dry section. Take your time to divide the hair to get a polished look, which will cut down your drying time.
10. Blow Dry in The Right Direction
The biggest mistake you can make is to blow dry your hair upside down. The heat travels against the cuticle, shooting heat into the inner layer. Instead, you must angle your blow dryer down the shaft to close the cuticle. Doing this prevents flyaways and frizz, and your hair will appear shinier and healthier.
11. Keep the Nozzle Away From The Brush
The same applies to placing your brush as with the proper placement of your blow dryer. Never touch the hair dryer nozzle with the brush; it sandwiches your hair. It leads to burning the hair and ruining your brush.
12. Remain Committed
After initiating the hair-drying process, it is essential to ensure that the hair is completely dried. If your hair is frizzy or looks very flat, your hair dryer has not removed the water from the hair. Take that extra few minutes to dry your hair until it reaches room temperature.
13. End With a Cool Shot
After styling your hair, end with a cool shot and incorporate it into your post-blowout routine. This final step will effectively seal the hair cuticle, safeguarding it from external damage and resulting in a healthy, lustrous appearance. Furthermore, it contributes to adding volume to your hair.
14. Invest in a Hot Round Brush
Consider getting a hot round brush to reduce your blow-dry styling time and streamline your morning routine. Using this tool will help to dry and style your hair at the same time. The best part is that if you do not know how a blow dryer works, it removes all the hassles, as it is a dryer and brush combo.
Blow Dryer Heat Settings
The blow dryer settings are not there to quickly dry your hair as each setting works with different hair types.
- Low Heat Setting: The setting is best to use on delicate or weaker hair that is damaged.
- Medium Heat Setting: If you have medium-textured hair, use this setting to prevent it from overdrying or burning. It is appropriate for most hair types.
- High Heat Setting: This setting is ideal for coarse or thick hair, as it helps to remove moisture. It also works well on very healthy hair.
Always use a blow-dry heat protectant on your hair, no matter your heat setting.
Wrap-Up: Protecting Your Hair From Blow Dry Damage
Blow drying doesn’t have to mean damaging your hair. By following these insider tips, you can achieve salon-worthy blowouts while keeping your hair healthy, vibrant, and strong.
Remember, it all starts with the right products, gentle techniques, and a bit of patience. At Häste, our expert stylists are here to help you master the art of blow drying without damage.
Whether you need personalized advice or a professional blowout, we’ve covered you. Ready to give your hair the care it deserves?
Book your appointment now and discover the difference a healthy blowout can make.
FAQ
Can blow-drying damage my hair?
Yes, blow drying can cause damage if done incorrectly or too frequently at high heat. It can lead to dryness, breakage, split ends, and frizz. However, using the proper techniques, heat protectants, and tools can minimize damage and keep your hair healthy.
When blow-drying my hair, what setting should I use?
When blow-drying your hair, it’s essential to adjust the heat settings based on your hair type to prevent damage. For fine or damaged hair, stick to the lowest heat setting to minimize the risk of causing further harm. If you have medium-textured hair, the medium setting should work fine. Those with coarse or thick hair can opt for the high heat setting but continuously move the dryer to distribute the heat evenly and prevent excessive exposure to one area.
Is it required to use the cool shot setting on my blow dryer?
Yes, using the cool shot button at the end of your blow-drying session helps to close the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and locking in shine. It also sets your hairstyle, making it last longer and look healthier.
How often should I blow dry my hair to avoid damage?
Try to limit your blow drying to two to three times a week. When possible, give your hair a break by air drying, and always use heat protection products when you blow dry.
What are some signs that my hair is being damaged by blow drying?
Signs of heat damage from blow drying include split ends, increased frizz, dryness, breakage, a rough or brittle texture, and dullness. If you notice these signs, consider adjusting your blow-drying routine, using a lower heat setting, or incorporating more heat-protective products.
