Hair is one of the most important tools for us to express ourselves. However, with so many methods of styling, dyeing, and manipulation, hair can often take considerable damage. Personally, I feel that after blowing dry my hair, I am unstoppable: it gives me the “energy to be ready to face the world”. However, after an hour of pulling and combing with a hair dryer and brush, my long hair may feel different. Therefore, I try to extend the time of blow drying and try to keep it naturally air-dried and with minimal styling before and for a few days after blow-drying.
But the question lingers: Is air-drying really that good for hair? Sometimes heat setting may even …… Beneficial?
Is Air Dry for Healthier Hair?
Yes, naturally air-dried hair is definitely healthier. There is no heat, so it doesn’t hurt. This may not come as a surprise considering the hair health education we have at our fingertips and the fact that we have likely experienced first-hand how our hair has been fried and heat-damaged. Studies have proven that heat can also cause damage to the hair cuticle.
The Pros and Cons of Each
That being said, there are pros and cons to natural wind-drying hair and a hair dryer.
Pros and cons of air-drying
Air-dried hair is exposed to less heat, so hair is generally healthier. In addition, air-drying hair doesn’t require much maintenance and doesn’t require much effort, so it doesn’t take much time, making it a great option if you’re busy.
The disadvantage of natural air-drying is that depending on the texture and density, it may take longer to dry. And hair is more fragile when it’s wet, so it’s more likely to break before drying.
Depending on external factors, hair may look inconsistent after natural drying, while air-drying may cause frizzy hair.
Pros and cons of blow-drying your hair
The great thing about blow drying your hair is that you can create different looks with different blow drying techniques. Blow-drying your hair will make it shiny and smooth. You have more control over the results. The downside of blow-drying your hair is that your hair can be damaged if you blow too hard and don’t protect your hair with the right products, including heat inhibitors.
If the quality of the hair dryer is not good enough, it may cause curly hair.
Who Should Air Dry
While everyone can choose their preferred drying method, experts point out that people with damaged hair are often best off opting for natural drying to prevent further damage. Natural drying is perfect for those who want to maintain their natural hair texture, as you can style your hair with products like hair creams and then let it dry. It’s also beneficial for people whose hair has been heavily chemically treated, preventing further damage and breakage.
Who Should Blow Dry
If you’re in a difficult situation and prefer to dry your hair with a hair dryer, the first step is, and should always be, heat-proof. If you have dyed a lot of hair and your hair is fragile, you must be very careful when drying your hair with a hair dryer. It’s important to use products that repair, moisturize, and most importantly, protect against heat. It is also helpful to set the hair dryer to a lower setting.
As for when you need to consider using a hair dryer, it’s usually if you plan to get your hair in a specific shape. She recommends using heat-activated products to aid styling.
Conclusion
Natural air-drying is generally healthier for hair because it doesn’t produce heat, but it can be more beneficial if you want to create a specific hairstyle or effect. Of course, be sure to use heat protection when blow-drying your hair.
