Blowdry or Airdry Hair

Girl with wet hair
Photo: Maxim Ahner/Shutterstock
Q: Is it better to blowdry your hair or airdry? If blowdrying, then how should I blowdry so that my hair stays straight and doesn't go frizzy?
 
A: Well, from a hair health standpoint, airdrying the hair is less harsh on the hair and results in smoother, healthier looking hair. However, properly protected and conditioned, the hair can be blown dry safely.
 
To keep the hair straight and smooth during the blowdrying process, always direct the airflow away from the scalp along the hair shaft. This prevents the air from pushing against the overlapping scales of the cuticle layer and raising them, which makes the hair frizzy and rough.
 
You should also use a diffuser attachment on the hair dryer when drying the hair, to prevent the hair from being overheated in any given spot.
 
For more information on drying the hair with a blow dryer and other heat styling processes, check out our other articles on the topic.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to blow dry hair
 
How to blow dry hair straight
 
The best blow dryer for your hair
 
How to use a diffuser
 
What are the physical effects of blowdrying on the hair structure?