Passionate author specializing in the vibrant world of hairstyling. With a knack for unraveling trends and sharing expert insights, Marissa crafts engaging content on the latest hairstyles, techniques, and industry innovations. Committed to empowering readers with knowledge, inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique style.
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The lowdown on the eternal hair-drying dilemma, including advantages, disadvantages, and key considerations for making the right choice.
Before the pandemic shook up our routines, I was knee-deep in the corporate hustle, drowning in meetings and commutes. Air drying my hair? Not even on my radar. But oh, how the times have changed. With the luxury of working from home, my hair routine has taken a sharp turn. Heat styling? Couldn’t care less. I’ve fully embraced the laid-back vibes of natural hair textures and Zoom meetings.
Then along came a viral TikTok clip by Scarlett Rocourt, CEO of Wonder Curl company, claiming air drying wreaks more havoc on your hair than a heat blast. Did I do a number on my locks without even realizing it? Did my hair always look this way? I had to dig deeper.
Naturally, I started with the air drying method. Pros? Oh, they’re there alright. Ditching the blow dryer means giving your hair a break from the heat, which can prevent damage. Air drying also keeps the outer lipid layer on the cuticle intact, preserving hair’s natural moisture balance and reducing frizz.
This method works wonders for hair that’s been through a lot, whether it’s been dyed, damaged, or naturally porous, as it’s gentler on fragile strands. Plus, for those who love their hair’s natural look, air drying lets your texture shine through. And bonus points for being kinder to the environment!
But don’t get too comfy. Air drying isn’t without its drawbacks. Ever heard of hygral fatigue? Hygral fatigue happens when your hair cuticle swells and shrinks repeatedly, making your hair frizzy, brittle, or lackluster over time. Wet hair is especially delicate, so be careful not to handle or comb it too roughly while it’s drying naturally.
With certain hair types, like thick or afro-textured hair, air drying might feel like watching paint dry – slow and tedious. And here’s the scary part: leaving your hair damp for too long, like when you hit the hay with wet hair, can invite bacteria and fungus to your scalp.
Heat styling has its perks, and speed is definitely one of them. A blow dryer gets the job done faster than air drying, which is a big win for anyone juggling a busy schedule. Plus, the heat from styling tools helps to lock in that sleek, shiny look by sealing the hair cuticle.
With different settings and attachments, blow dryers offer precise control over styling, and they can even pump up the volume and texture of your hair, giving you endless styling possibilities.
But, like everything good, there’s a downside. Too much heat can spell trouble for your locks. If you overdo it, you might end up with dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage. Using high heat settings or leaving the dryer on for too long can zap your hair off its natural moisture, leaving you with frizz and parched strands. And if you’ve got a fresh color job, watch out – heat can make your new hair color fade faster than you’d like.
So, how do you decide which way to dry your hair? Here are some things to think about:
If you’ve got straight, finer hair, air drying could be your go-to, as long as you don’t wash and dry your hair daily. But if your hair’s wavy, curly, or coily, heat styling might be more up your alley.
Take stock of your hair’s health. If it’s already seen better days or undergone chemical treatments, giving it a break from heat with air drying could do wonders.
How thirsty is your hair? If it soaks up moisture like a sponge, air drying might help lock it in. On the flip side, if your hair’s not so absorbent, heat could be the best way to get it dry.
If you’ve dyed your hair, think about how heat might affect those vibrant hues. Air drying could help keep your color looking fresh.
Consider your daily grind. If you’re constantly on the go, heat styling might be your best bet for getting the job done quickly. But if you’ve got a bit more wiggle room in your schedule, air drying could be a more relaxed option.
Well, looks like my straight, high-porosity hair and newfound lifestyle have made the decision for me – it’s air drying all the way. What about you? Will you stick to the heat or join me in the air-drying?
Also, check out Fastest Way to Dry Hair in 5 Steps Without Any Damage and How to Blow Dry Hair at Home for Stunning Results.
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