While getting my nails done the other day, the woman next to me asked the hairdresser, “does blow drying your hair on cool damage it?”
To this, the hairdresser went on explaining the pros and cons of cool hair dryers.
But one thing that caught my attention was his parting words, he said “Cold blow dryers are the sweet center between air drying and normal blow-drying.” So, that evening I tried to blow drying my hair on the cool setting of my hairdryer.
Needless to say, I learned a lot about my hair that day…!
READ MORE: Should We Use Hair Dryer to Style Hair?
Do hair Dryers Damage Your hair?
Before jumping into the main topic, let’s understand that any type of hot tool that uses heat or blows air to dry or style your hair will inevitably damage it. So yes, both hot and cool hair dryers have their set of advantages and disadvantages.
However, a cool hair dryer may cause less damage compared to its counterpart if used skillfully.
Check: Do Hair Dryer Cause Hair Loss?
Does Blow Dry Your Hair on Cool Damage It?
Hot hair dryers are great for styling all hair types. The hot air blasted by the hairdryer will change the texture of your hair and shape them as you desire.
Hot air will dry your scalp pretty quickly, as it will evaporate the moisture trapped in your hair after the wash.
People with thick curly hair or coarse hair will need a high temperature to blow dry their hair and could use the highest temperature setting on their blow dryer.
Unlike, people with fine hair who can style them in low or medium heat settings. If you are using a hot blow dryer, it is a must to use heat protectant spray or serum.
As heat damage takes a toll on healthy hair, which can be reduced using a protective product.
On the other hand, cool hair dryers are designed to retain some moisture in your hair while blow-drying.
If you are using a hot blow dryer or a heating tool to style your hair. You must be aware that, hair needs to cool off after the styling is done. A cool blow dryer can help to speed up the process by cooling your hair.
Cool hair dryers are a great option for styling thin or baby hair without damage. Cool air seals the hair cuticles, keeping the hair intact without causing hair breakage.
These dryers do not cause significant damage in short term, as they just offer the perfect blow your damp hair needs in order to dry completely.
Check: Is Blow Drying or Straightening Worse?
What actually causes hair damage while blow-drying?
Haircare professionals often claim that towel drying, blow drying and air drying have similar effects on our hair. None is better than the other, as all methods damage hair in one way or another.
They also go one step ahead and state that “Blow drying actually is better than air-drying if done correctly”
So, what are the common mistakes we make which make blow-drying our hair?
Use the Correct Type of Hair Dryer and Hair Brush
Different hair types need different hair dryers. You need to identify your hair type first and purchase your hairdryer next.
People use the wrong hair dryer and end up with damaged hair.
For example, people with long thick hair should use an ionic dryer as it dries their hair by breaking down water. Some may need a ceramic hairdryer.
Plus, you need to have the right hairbrush as it will ease the way you style your hair. Many-a-times using the wrong hairbrush steals the volume of your hair. So perfect your tools.
Check our list of the best smoothing hair dryer!
The Heat Setting Matters
Once you have identified your hair type, find which heat setting works for your hair texture. This will save your hair from a lot of potential damage.
Switch to a cool setting as soon as your hair is 80% dry. This will cool down your scalp along with your hair strands.
Correct Angle is a Must
The angle of the brush and the hairdryer is literally everything. You should perfect your angles for achieving different hairstyles.
You also need to keep the hairdryer constantly moving so it does not heat up a particular area in your hair. The easiest way is to move your drier parallel to your comb. This will dry your hair without causing any considerable damage.
Heat Protectants are the saviors
Many people who use heating tools do not use a heat protectant. They either deem it unnecessary or as an added expense.
This causes the most damage to your hair as there is no layer between your hair and the heat produced by the device.
So, use a heat protectant spray, serum, or lotion no matter how frequently or sparsely you use a blow dryer.
READ MORE: Is Drying Wet Hair Okay?
FAQs
What does blow drying your hair on cool do?
Cool hair dryers are great to cool your hair after heat styling. It sets the style in, plus it seals the hair cuticle in place. Blow drying your hair on cool is better than blow-drying your hair with a hot hairdryer. A cool hairdryer won’t evaporate all the moisture from wet hair.
How often should you blow-dry your hair?
It’s best to blow dry your hair as few times as possible. However, if you need to blow dry your hair often, make sure not to do it more than twice a week, with a heat protectant.
Should I let my hair dry by itself?
Air drying leaves your hair and scalp wet for a long time. This causes bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, the trapped moisture leaves your hair weak and brittle, which makes it prone to breakage.
Conclusion
Cool hair dryers are generally known for causing less hair damage. Furthermore, I hope that you are now aware of the common blow-drying mistakes you need to rectify in order to have healthy hair.
Also, let me know your experience of using a cool hairdryer over a hot one and which you like the best.
References
- “Beauty WTF: What’s the Difference between Blow Drying Your Hair with Hot Air versus Cold?” 2019. Well+Good. April 19, 2019. https://www.wellandgood.com/blow-dry-hair-tips/#:~:text=Celebrity%20hairstylist%20Bridget%20Brager%20adds%20that%20while%20blow,to%20maintain%20hair%20health%2C%E2%80%9D%20she%20says.%20Yes%2C%20but%E2%80%A6time%21.
- march, Bridget. 2017. “Why Using a Hairdryer Is Actually Better for Your Hair than Air-Drying.” Harper’s BAZAAR. Harper’s BAZAAR. August 9, 2017. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/hair/news/a43154/hairdryer-better-than-air-drying/.
Does blow drying your hair on cool damage it? Let us know your opinion on this topic below!
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Lily is the Editor-in-Chief and one of the writers here on InStraight and ThoseGRACES.com. Growing up with thick hair that has a mind of its own, she’s always been passionate about finding the gentlest yet most effective products to help tame her wild mane. You can find more about her HERE. FOLLOW HER on FACEBOOK.
