Conversely, to really get your hair dry you should make sure the roots are dry first, and then move on to your mid-length and ends. This helps you get rid of unwanted moisture and style your hair more easily and efficiently. Drying your hair upside-down is the easiest way to do this.
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.
A good rule of thumb is to let hair air-dry to about 50% to 75% dry BEFORE even turning the blow dryer on. So after getting out of the shower, use a microfiber cloth to blot out most of the water (so it's not dripping) , apply any leave-in you use, distribute with a wide-toothed comb, and apply any styling products.
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.
We've all done it, but try to avoid frantically using a bath towel to dry your hair fast and furiously. Instead, use a microfibre towel to wick moisture and help your hair dry more quickly simply by dabbing it, rather than aggressively rubbing or twisting it.
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.
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.
"If you really want to reduce your exposure to harsh ingredients the safest way, color-depositing conditioners and masks are best," Patton said. These dyes don't require a developer, so they're relatively gentle.
Drying your hair after a shower may seem like a simple task. However, it's a crucial step in maintaining the health and appearance of your hair. After showering, your wet hair is in a fragile condition. It becomes more vulnerable to breakages and other damages.
Plopping is a way of gently drying your hair to create defined waves and curls with minimal frizz. It's great for looser curl types that can be easily weighed down by water weight, which makes the curls less defined.
Air-drying, a low-maintenance option, benefits from shaking out the hair and using a wide-tooth comb to maintain ventilation and prevent tangles. Applying a heat protectant and using a wide-tooth comb on wet hair can facilitate the process without causing strain or breakage.
However, if your hair is already brittle or heat-damaged, it may be best to avoid blow drying while you work on restoring your hair's natural health and vibrancy. Most people with healthy hair can safely blow dry their hair 1-3 times a week.
The absolute best way to dry your hair without damaging it is to use a combination of towel drying and air drying. Using the right hair products, such as a nourishing leave-in conditioner or serum, can also help maintain your hair's health.
If you can avoid using heat styling, do. Air drying your hair causes much less damage to your hair. However, if you can't forgo the blow dryer, don't use too much heat – you'll damage not only your hair, but your scalp as well. Turn down the temperature setting to get the same effect with less damage.
Giving your hair a quick shake can go a long way when air drying, especially before and after applying styling products that accentuate your hair type. "Shaking the hair out allows air to get through, and that ventilation throughout the hair prompts faster drying," Hurtado explains.
Yes! Double shampooing is great for your hair as it ensures that both your locks and scalp are fully cleansed of excess oils and impurities, rather than leaving some behind as single shampooing often does.
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.
A damp scalp for long periods of time can create a perfect environment for the growth of fungus or bacteria, which can lead to scalp problems such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
Allowing your hair to air dry as much as possible is the gentlest way to go. Air drying minimizes heat exposure and, subsequently, the risk of heat-induced damage.
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.