Blow drying basics
Does blow drying your hair damage it? And what does it mean when we blow dry our hair? By applying (usually) hot air at varying speeds and temperatures, we can dry our wet hair. But what does this mean for the condition of our hair? To get a better understanding of how blow drying affects the hair, let’s take a look at the structure of the hair.
Cuticle
This is the hair’s outer layer, made up of overlapping scales.
Cortex
The hair’s middle layer, made of keratin proteins and structural lipids.
Medulla
The hair’s innermost layer, made of loosely packed cells.
Cell Membrane Complex (CMC)
The network that holds the hair’s layers together.
So, when we apply heat to the hair, by blow drying it, for example, the cuticle is the first line of defense. A healthy cuticle, therefore, can help prevent heat damage. We’ll get into more detail to answer the big question, does blow drying the hair damage it?
Does blow drying damage hair?
Much of the science indicates that blow drying the hair can cause damage like roughness, dryness, and loss of hair color. As temperature increases, so does the damage. The good news is that there is no noted damage to the cortex, which means that the hair’s surface, or cuticle, can be a key barrier in the prevention of damage related to blow drying. However, if your hair is already damaged, blow drying can lead to even more damage.
Tips on how to protect hair from heat damage
When it comes to blow drying the hair, there are several key tips to consider in order to minimize damage. Some have to do with temperature, distance, and using the right tools.
Prepare your hair
If the cuticle is key to protecting your hair’s anatomy from heat damage, you want to make sure to keep your hair cuticle healthy and protected. So when it comes to how to protect hair from heat damage, use a vetted heat protectant or serum before blow drying.
Modulate temperature and distance
Making sure your blow dryer is not too hot is something to make sure of, and also, to hold the blow dryer at a safe distance. Experts recommend about 15cm or 6in.
Use the right tools
Hair drying tools like the L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro dry with the speed of light, mimicking natural evaporation to dry hair faster and at lower temperatures, thereby minimizing heat damage.
How to protect your hair from heat damage…and still use a blow dryer
Using a blow dryer to style or dry the hair is one of the most common hair care practices. While it can cause damage to the hair, there are ways to use heat wisely, ensuring that your hair remains protected and healthy. Hopefully, the above tips will keep your hair happy and healthy when it comes to blow drying.
