According to hairstylist Cim Mahony, who has worked with everyone from supermodel Kate Moss to HRH Queen Mary of Denmark, the argument that air-drying is a healthier option for your hair is actually a myth.
It's perfectly healthy and the absolute most natural way to dry hair. The fact that this question even needs to be asked says a lot about modern hair product/tool/accessory marketing.
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.
Leaving hair to dry naturally can be more damaging than intense heat. Hair can absorb up to 30 per cent of its own weight in water. The longer it stays wet, the worse things get, as it continues to swell.
And while excessive heat from a hair dryer can damage your hair more than not using a dryer at all, blow-drying your hair at the right distance and temperature can actually cause less damage than letting your hair air-dry, Houshmand says. That's because when hair comes in contact with water, it swells.
The good news is: hair that takes long to dry is healthy hair. Strands that dry quickly may be too porous or slightly damaged.
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.
Towel-drying your hair is important to help remove water, so hair can dry faster. Yet, the wrong technique can result in extra frizz, tangles, and poufiness. The right ways to air dry hair include gentle drying techniques. It's best to use your towel to squeeze water out from your hair.
The big disadvantage of air drying is that your scalp is in a very humid environment for hours. This could disrupt her health and cause an overgrowth of bacteria due to excessive moisture, which can lead to increased dandruff, hair loss or other trichological diagnoses.
If you want to just go with the safest choice, heat-free is always going to be the healthiest way to dry natural hair and prevent damage—but blow-drying natural hair certainly has its benefits also.
Is it bad to go to sleep with wet hair? The short answer: Yes, it's bad for your hair to go to bed when wet. “Wet hair strands are much more fragile than dry hair strands,” explains Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.
Instead of drying your hair with a towel post-shower, swap it for a cotton T-shirt. “When hair is wet, it becomes weaker and softer,” explains hairstylist Isabella Vázquez. “If we use a regular towel to dry it, the grooves of the towel become aggressors to the cuticle of the hair.
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.
After shampooing and conditioning the hair, use a microfiber towel to gently squeeze out excess water. If possible, let the hair air dry until it's 50-60% dry. If this isn't an option, use a towel to remove as much moisture as possible because you want to avoid using a blow dryer on sopping wet hair.
Air-drying can also increase frizz, build-up, and mildew. "Hair that stays wet or damp for a long period can attract bacteria and fungus, especially if you have very dense hair," explained Jennie Roberts.
When your hair dries naturally, it may remain damp for longer periods compared to when using a hair dryer, which can put the fibers under stress. Over time, this can lead to a weakened hair structure, increased breakage, and reduced elasticity.
The towel absorbs moisture from your hair and cuts the time it takes to air-dry your hair. This is important because wet hair is extremely fragile, meaning it's a good idea to remove extra water from your hair quickly—but gently. There are a few things to consider when towel-drying hair.
With the heat setting on medium-low and the speed on high, point the dryer's nozzle down your hair shaft. Avoid blowing up the hair, as this can damage the cuticle. Work in small sections and pull the hair taut with your brush as you dry it. Tension gives you more smoothness and shine!
Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.
But here's a surprising fact: Air drying can actually cause more damage to your hair than blow drying it. “It may seem counterintuitive since we're all aware of heat damage. However, blow drying is actually gentler on most hair types,” explains hairdresser Dejan Garz.