Air Drying vs Blow Drying: Which is Better for Your Hair?

Whether it’s better to air dry or blow dry your hair is a common question with no easy answer. The truth is that it depends on your personal preferences.

Air drying is often considered as a safer option for your hair as it does not involve any heat styling that can cause damage over time. It is important to mention that air drying can take longer and potentially contribute to fungal growth, particularly in individuals with a sensitive scalp, such as those who experience dandruff.

Blow drying your hair can be a convenient way to dry and style it quicker. However, it’s crucial to minimize damage by using a low-temperature setting before blow drying. To further protect your hair, avoid holding the blow dryer too close to your hair.

Pros and Cons of Air Drying vs. Blow Drying

	Air-drying	Blow-drying
Pros	Gentler on your hair Reduces frizz Encourages natural waves and curls	Faster drying time Can be used to style your hair Can help to add volume and bounce
Cons	Take longer to dry Fungs can form easily Not ideal for humid climates Can lead to flat hair	Excessive heat exposure can potentially harm the scalp and damage hair. Can be expensive to buy and maintain a good quality blow dryer Can be time-consuming to style your hair

What is the Best Drying Option?

To minimize frizz and enhance the natural beauty of your waves and curls, consider air-drying your hair. Using a quick-dry towel and keeping it clean is crucial to prevent fungal growth in the humid environment, which can lead to scalp sensitivity. If you prefer blow-drying, remember to adjust the heat setting to the lowest possible to protect your hair’s health while reducing drying time and allowing for versatile styling. Regardless of your chosen method, always handle your hair with gentleness and care.

Avoid brushing wet hair and opt for a wide-tooth comb to detangle. Additionally, to maintain its health and hydration, incorporate a weekly deep conditioning routine.

Best Drying Options for Dandruff : Low-Temperature Blow Drying

If you’re experiencing scalp concerns like dandruff and itchiness, particularly with an oily scalp, it’s important to dry your scalp and hair quickly to prevent fungal growth in humid environments. To achieve this, consider using a blow dryer with a low-temperature setting for optimal results. (Unsure about which type of dandruff you have? Check this guide to find out.)

 

Tips for Air-drying and Blow-drying Your Hair

Air drying

• Scrunch your hair with a towel to remove excess water.
• Apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to help define your natural texture.
• Air dry in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid constantly covering hair with a towel, as it creates a warm and humid environment that promotes fungal growth.
• Regularly wash your towel to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.

Blow drying

• Section your hair and clip it back.
• Heat setting to the low temperature.
• Use a round brush to brush and dry each section.
• Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which method is right for you is to experiment and see what works best for your hair, scalp, and personal preferences.