Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, and the friction between your hair and your pillowcase can cause breakage and
Drying your hair after showering is important for several reasons: Prevention of Damage: Wet hair is more vulnerable to damage. When hair is wet, it swells and becomes weaker, making it more prone to breakage and split ends. Gently drying your hair can help minimize this risk.
Less Damage: Air drying is generally gentler on hair, reducing the risk of heat damage and frizz. Natural Texture: It allows your hair to dry in its natural shape, which can enhance your hair's natural texture and waves. Moisture Retention: It can help retain moisture, especially if you use a leave-in conditioner.
So, what's the recipe for success? It's a bit of both options. The healthiest way to dry your hair is to both blow dry and air dry.
People with thick hair risk damaging their follicles if they let it air dry, because it is at its weakest when it's wet. Conversely, if you have thin hair, it is less likely to absorb water, meaning that your cortex is less likely to get damaged.
While it's less than ideal, your hair may take a long time to dry simply because you maintain healthy hair practices and your strands are able to easily absorb and retain moisture. With that said, things like hair density, texture and how much hair you have also play a role in how fast or how slowly your hair dries.
Here's a general overview: For those with dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, daily wetting may not be advisable as it can further strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to increased dryness, frizz, and breakage.
Blow dry your hair from at least 8 inches (20cm) away. Keep the air flowing in one direction, from your roots to the hair's ends. This keeps the cuticle layers on the outside of your hair smooth, so your hair can be shiny and protected. Keep the dryer moving to avoid too much heat in one spot.
Infrequent hair washing, a reaction to a hair product, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis are some of the most common reasons why your scalp might be itchy. Other causes include head lice, psoriasis, nerve problems, ringworm, and scabies. Your treatment will depend on what's causing the itching.
Getting a good deep conditioning treatment once a week will nourish your hair and restore its natural shine. If you have very dry hair, doing a hot oil treatment once a month will help moisturize it. Wash your hair, dry it with a towel and apply your favorite hair oil.
Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.
By not drying hair at all after a shower, the water droplets stay in your hair, which makes your hair swell up. This swelling causes damage to the proteins that make up the structure of your hair. When these proteins are impacted, your hair looks and feels rough (cue frizz).
If you have curly, wavy, or highly textured hair, a dry cut may be the better option, as it allows the stylist to work with your hair's natural texture and movement. For straight, fine, or moderately textured hair, a wet cut can be a good choice, as it allows for greater precision and control.
“Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage. Sleeping with wet hair can lead to increased friction against the pillow, causing breakage and weakening of the hair shaft. Moreover, a moist scalp can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, potentially leading to scalp issues.”
Researchers found the hair's cell membrane (the material that 'glues' hair cells together) was only damaged in the naturally dried group due to staying in contact with water for longer. They also found that using the proper technique when blow drying is better for the health of your hair.
The best way to dry your hair is to let it air dry under the fan as much as possible. However, some experts believe combining air and blow-drying is healthier than just air drying. It is good to let your hair air-dry seventy percent of the way and then blow-dry till they become dry ultimately.
After showering, it's essential to gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel can cause breakage and damage. Instead, gently squeeze and blot the water out of your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt. This will help to minimize frizz and prevent damage to your hair.
The cold air helps to seal the hair cuticles, reducing frizz and adding shine to the hair. It prevents excessive heat damage and helps retain moisture in the hair. Cold air hair dryer is particularly beneficial for individuals with damaged or delicate hair, as they minimize the risk of further damage.
“In general, wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage than dry hair,” says Timothy Schmidt, MD, a dermatologist at University of Utah Health. “The water weakens the hair's protein structure, making it more elastic and easier to stretch and snap.
As with many hair care trends, certain hair types may see better water-only hair washing results than others. According to McDaniel, water-only washing “works best on thick, coarse, curly/coily textures or those that tend to experience dry scalp or hair.”
This is one of those situations where the answer depends on your hair type, according to trichologist Angela Onuoha. She says dry brushing is better for straight and wavy hair, but “for curlier textures, brushing it wet is healthier.” Let me explain why and then we'll move on to more practical matters.
Dry hair hinders growth by increasing the chances of breakage, so it's important to moisturize your strands to restore growth proteins into hair follicles. Look for conditioners with hydrating formulas that include growth vitamins such as zinc and biotin.
Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel.
You can sleep with the microfiber towel on your head, and fluff your hair in the morning for an effortless, healthy look! Put your favorite styling cream on before wrapping your hair, especially if you have textured hair. You can buy special towels made for wrapping your hair.