Is Blow Drying Bad for Your Hair? Here’s the Real Truth
We’ve all heard the warnings: blow drying your hair can cause damage, weaken strands, and leave your hair frizzy, fried, or worse.
But is it really as bad as it’s made out to be? The truth is, like many things in life, it’s all about how you do it. Blow drying doesn’t have to be a hair nightmare.
In fact, when done right, it can even be a beneficial step in your styling routine! Let’s break it down and look at the facts.
The Heat Debate: What Happens When You Blow Dry?
Blow drying gets a bad rap mainly because of heat. When heat is applied to hair—whether from a blow dryer, curling iron, or flat iron—it can weaken the hair and lead to breakage, frizz, and dryness.
Hair is more vulnerable when wet, so blasting it with high heat right out of the shower can result in even more damage.
But here’s the thing: blow drying doesn’t have to be damaging if you’re careful about how you’re doing it and what products you’re using.
Is It Better to Air Dry or Blow Dry Hair?
You might be tempted to ditch the blow dryer altogether and let your hair air dry, thinking it’s the healthiest option. But here's the surprise: air drying isn’t always the better choice.
When your hair stays wet for long periods, the water inside the hair shaft causes it to swell, making the cuticle expand. This can lead to prolonged cuticle disruption, which in turn leaves your hair prone to frizz, tangling, and dullness.
Prolonged wetness also leaves your hair more susceptible to mechanical damage, especially if you’re brushing or styling it while it's damp.
When you blow dry your hair using the right methods, you’re able to quickly seal the cuticle, which helps lock in moisture and protect your hair from outside damage. Plus, if it’s shiny, sleek, salon quality style you’re after, it’s unlikely that mere air drying can deliver. For a super smooth, frizz-free finish, a properly executed blow-dry is key.
How to Blow Dry Without Damaging Your Hair
So, the real question is: how can you get a smooth and bouncy salon-level blowout without damaging your hair in the process? The answer lies in a combination of prep, products, and technique.
Let’s break it down:
1. Use a Heat Protectant—ALWAYS
This is the golden rule of blow drying. Before you even think about switching your blow dryer on, make sure you’re using a high-quality heat protectant.
These products create a protective barrier between your hair and the heat, preventing moisture loss and helping to smooth the cuticle as you style. Every Color Wow styling product comes with 2-3 types of heat protection already built in.
Not only are they powerful heat protectants, but these potent texture transforming treatments make a major difference to the overall quality of your hair in a single use.
- Kale Cocktail – Reduces breakage by 50% in just one use
- Coconut Cocktail – Turns straw-like hair to silk
- Carb Cocktail – Thickens and plumps each strand for added body
2. Let Hair Air Dry—Just a Little
You don’t want to go from sopping wet to full-on blow drying. This is a recipe for heat overload and damage. Instead, towel-dry your hair or let it air dry about 60-70% before grabbing the blow dryer.
This reduces the amount of time your hair is exposed to heat and gives you better control over styling.
A pro tip: use a microfiber towel to gently blot your hair dry instead of rubbing it. This minimizes friction, which can cause breakage and frizz, especially for those with curly or textured hair.
3. Choose the Right Heat Setting
Resist the urge to blast your hair on the highest heat setting. It might seem like the fastest way to dry your hair, but that extra heat isn’t doing your strands any favors.
Opt for the medium heat setting instead. It might take a bit longer, but your hair will thank you by looking healthier and feeling softer.
For fine or damaged hair, you can even use the low heat or cool setting to avoid further weakening your strands.
4. Section Your Hair
Working in sections is key to an efficient, even blowout. This technique ensures each part of your hair gets dried thoroughly without overheating any specific areas.
Divide your hair into 4-6 sections, depending on thickness, and use clips to hold each section in place while you work through them.
Always start drying at the roots, as this is where hair holds the most moisture. Moving downward, focus on the mid-lengths and ends. The ends of your hair are more prone to dryness and breakage, so avoid direct heat on them for too long.
5. Use a Concentrator Nozzle
You know that funny-looking attachment that comes with your blow dryer? It’s not just a gimmick.
The concentrator nozzle helps direct the heat exactly where you need it, so you don’t expose your whole head to unnecessary heat. It also helps you smooth the hair as you dry, sealing the cuticle and enhancing shine.
Bonus tip: Point the nozzle downward as you blow dry. This keeps the cuticle flat and gives you that extra sleek, polished finish.
6. End with a Cool Shot
The cool setting on your blow dryer isn’t just for show. After you’ve finished drying your hair, give it a final blast of cool air.
This step helps to close the cuticle, locking in moisture, reducing frizz, and boosting shine. Plus, it sets your style in place for longer-lasting results.
How Often Should You Blow Dry Your Hair?
Blow drying once in a while is totally fine—especially when you follow the above steps—but if you’re a daily heat-styler, you might want to rethink your routine. Regularly applying heat can cause long-term damage, so it’s important to give your hair breaks in between.
On days when you don’t need a full blowout, consider a more low-maintenance style. Let your hair air dry partway and then finish with a quick blow dry, or use a heat-free styling method to mix things up.
Just be sure to give your hair the care it needs in between blow-drying sessions.
Use a deep conditioning treatment like Money Masque, which helps replenish lost moisture and fortify your hair.
What About Hair Type?
When it comes to blow drying, not all hair types are created equal. Those with fine or chemically treated hair will need to be more careful, as these hair types are more prone to damage. Stick to lower heat settings and be diligent about heat protection.
For those with thicker or curlier textures, blow drying can be damaging if not done carefully, as heat and airflow can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz or dryness.
To protect against damage, use a diffuser attachment, which gently distributes heat without overexposing your curls. Start by applying a heat protectant like Dream Coat for Curly Hair to shield strands from heat and lock in moisture.
Dry your hair in sections on a low heat setting, cupping your curls in the diffuser to avoid excessive manipulation. Finish with a cool shot to seal the cuticle and minimize heat exposure.
How Long Should You Blow Dry Your Hair?
The ideal time to blow dry your hair depends on factors like hair thickness, length, and your dryer’s heat settings, but in general, aim to finish within 10-20 minutes to avoid overexposure to heat.
To speed up the process and protect your hair, use Color Wow Speed Dry Blow Dry Spray, which cuts drying time by at least 30%.
This spray works by squeezing out excess water while protecting your strands from heat, helping you achieve a faster, healthier blow-dry without sacrificing shine or smoothness.
Blow Drying and Frizz: Friend or Foe?
One of the biggest myths about blow drying is that it automatically causes frizz. But here’s the truth: if done correctly, blow drying can actually reduce frizz.
Frizz happens when the hair cuticle is lifted, and moisture escapes. When you blow dry your hair with heat protectants and at the right temperature, you’re helping to seal the cuticle, preventing moisture loss and frizz.
Finishing your blowout with one of our Dream Coat products can also help keep frizz at bay by creating a humidity-resistant, sleek, and glossy finish.
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Dream Coat acts as an invisible shield, sealing the cuticle to lock out moisture and prevent frizz, leaving your hair smooth, shiny, and manageable for days.
- The original Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is perfect for all hair types, particularly dry, frizz-prone hair or color-treated hair.
- If you have wavy to curly hair and want to enhance your curl pattern, we’d recommend using Dream Coat For Curly Hair instead of the original Dream Coat.
- If you have coily and/or dehydrated hair and want a smooth, sleek, frizz-proof style, we’d recommend using Extra Strength Dream Coat.
Read our full guide to blow drying hair without frizz for more information.
@colorwow.hair Dream Coat is 🔑 for frizz-free, sleek, smooth hair every time 🙌 It has over 80,000 5 ⭐️ reviews for good reason AND lasts 3-4 shampoos ☺️ #colorwow #colorwowdreamcoat #frizzyhair #frizzyhairtips #frizzyhairproblems ♬ original sound - Color Wow Hair
Blow Drying FAQs
Do You Need a Heat Protectant for Blow Drying?
Yes, always use a heat protectant before blow drying. It forms a barrier against heat, preventing dryness, frizz, and damage.
Does Blow Drying Hair Cause Hair Loss?
No, blow drying doesn’t directly cause hair loss. However, excessive heat can weaken hair and lead to breakage, which might feel like hair loss. Use moderate heat and protective products to avoid damage.
Can I Blow Dry My Hair After Dyeing It?
Yes, but be extra cautious. Freshly dyed hair is more fragile, so use a lower heat setting and a heat protectant to prevent additional stress and preserve color vibrancy.
Does Blow Drying Your Hair with Cold Air Damage It?
No, cold air won't damage your hair. In fact, using the cool setting helps seal the cuticle, reduce frizz, and add shine without exposing hair to heat.
Does Blow Drying Your Hair Make It Softer?
Yes, when done correctly, blow drying can make your hair smoother and softer by sealing the cuticle and locking in moisture—especially if you use a humidity-resistant product like Dream Coat.
Final Thoughts: Is Blow Drying Bad for Your Hair?
Blow drying has a bit of a bad reputation, but it’s not the villain it’s made out to be. The truth is, it all comes down to how you do it.
With the right prep, the right products, and a little extra care, you can enjoy gorgeous, damage-free blowouts that leave your hair looking healthy, shiny, and smooth.
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