Air drying vs blow drying: Which one is good for your hair?

There are two types of people when it comes to hair: those who prefer to leave their freshly laundered hair in a messy bun, tucked behind their ears, or flipped to one side, or those who can’t bear the thought of commuting with drenched hair and will do whatever it takes to get their hands on a hairdryer right away. Many people have switched from blow-drying their hair every day to air-drying it. Experts have warned against the use of blow-dryers as they can lead to many hair problems. But sometimes air-drying just won’t cut it, so which one do you choose: Air drying vs blow drying?

Air drying vs blow drying: Pros and cons

Here are the pros and cons of air drying and blow drying as explained by the dermatologist, Dr Seema Oberoi Lall.

Pros of air drying

1. Prevents heat damage

It lets your hair dry at room temperature, which is not too hot, so the heat damage is not there.

2. Keeps dandruff at bay

Prevents irritation, itching, and dryness of the scalp—a significant benefit for those who are prone to dandruff or have a sensitive scalp.

Also Read: How to get rid of dandruff quickly? Trust these 5 home remedies

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3. Promotes silky, smooth hair

Enhances the appearance and feel of smoother, glossier hair by shielding the cuticle, or outer layer, of each hair strand.

4. Less damaging

There is minimal handling because you are not mishandling them or pulling them, unlike when we use a blow dryer.

Cons of air drying

1. Takes longer time

Air drying takes longer to dry your hair, especially when the temperature is too hot or too cold.

2. Make your hair flat

Leaving your hair wet for a very long time can make your hair look flat.

3. Not ideal for humid climates

Air-drying your hair is not possible in humid places such as coastal areas or near the beach, as the hair stays damp, and tends to get damaged very easily.

Pros of blow drying

1. Quick

One of the key benefits of blow-drying your hair is that it takes less time to dry your hair. It’s great for people with hectic schedules who want speedy results because it goes from wet hair to styled hair quickly.

2. Makes your hair bouncy

Blow dryers can give your hair an amazing amount of volume and bounce, lifting it from the roots and giving it a more dynamic appearance if you’re going for a fuller style.

3. Provides smoother texture

Another big benefit is the potential to develop smoother, sleeker hair texture. The focused heat helps get rid of frizz, making your hair look well-groomed.

4. Promotes versatile styling

Using blow drying allows you to style your hair in different ways. The dryer helps give your hair volume, and curl or straighten your hair.

Cons of blow drying

1. Damages hair texture

Your hair can become far less frizzy and more manageable if you blow-dry them. However, it could also cause your hair to feel harsh and dry. Keep your hair looking healthy and sleek by not using the blow dryer excessively at a high temperature.

2. Weaken hair follicles

Excessive blow drying can harm your hair follicles, resulting in hair loss or thinning. It is better to refrain from using heat on your hair, especially if you already have damaged hair.

3. Leads to dull hair

Being in love with the way blow-dried hair looks is perfectly acceptable. However, if you blow dry your hair every day, especially if your hair is excessively hot, your hair may eventually lose some of its luster and brightness.

Thus, don’t use the blow dryer too much if you want to maintain glossy and healthy-looking hair!

Also Read: Love blow drying your hair? Follow these tips to reduce damage

Air drying vs blow drying: Which is better for your hair?

Ultimately, both procedures may inflict some damage if not executed correctly, but it all boils down to personal preference.

Using a soft microfiber towel, thoroughly squeeze out any remaining water if you like to let your hair dry naturally. Investing in silk hair wraps or pillowcases can help lessen the amount of friction your hair experiences while you sleep.

If blow-drying is your preferred method, choose a cutting-edge professional hair dryer that dries hair quickly on medium heat without leaving it frizzy or straw-like.

Which is the best way to dry your hair?

Combining different techniques is necessary to avoid harming your hair. Here are some tips to help you dry your hair without causing any damage:

1. Use a microfiber towel instead of your old cotton one to dry your hair naturally. It absorbs up to twice as much water, which lessens the need for additional blow-drying sessions. When using a towel to dry your hair, be careful not to rub it too much.
2. While it’s not necessary to comb damp hair for it to dry quickly, a few quick brushstrokes throughout the blow-drying process can help. Additionally, this technique makes the hair look smooth. Strands can dry faster since the blow dryer evenly distributes its heated air.
3. If it’s summer but not very humid, let your hair dry naturally.
4. If it’s very cold or very humid, let the hair dry naturally for a while and use the dryer in a cold setting. Make sure you are blow-drying your hair from a distance.