Short Answer: Yes, hair dryers can damage your hair!
To set the record straight, any heat styling tool can damage your hair, especially when not used properly or used too often.
I am not saying you should ditch that hair dryer for good. You can still blow dry your hair once in a while!
In this article, I’ll answer the question “do hair dryers damage your hair?” and share some important tips on how to use the hair dryer safely on your hair.
Let’s get to it, shall we?
How does hair get damaged?
There are several reasons why hair gets damaged – constant blow-drying is, unfortunately, one of them! When hair overdries, it becomes more weak and more fragile making it prone to damage.
On top of that, when your hair is stretched or rubbed repeatedly, chances are, it will get damaged too quickly. And yes, wet hair is also prone to damage!
So, treat your hair gently and stay away from hair dryers if you can, or use them less.
What are the side effects of using a hair dryer?
Dryness, hair loss, and dandruff are amongst the most common side effects of using a blow dryer on your hair constantly.
Drying your hair too much can cause dryness which leads to breakage, hair loss, and dry scalp resulting in dandruff.
In that sense, you shouldn’t use the blow dryer too much to avoid damaged hair.
I’d say blow drying your hair twice a week is most ideal. You don’t have to do it every day as a perfect blow out can last for a few days.
Is a hair dryer better for your hair?
The act of air drying or blow-drying your hair is not the problem here – it’s overheating and allowing the moisture to stay in your scalp for a longer period.
Air drying for an extended period can cause the scalp to generate more oil and such an imbalance prompts you to use more shampoo which strips the hair’s natural moisture. On the flip side, overheating the hair can cause breakage, dryness, and frizz.
In simpler words, hair dryers damage the hair if not used appropriately and timely. It can be better for your hair only if used moderately!
How to dry hair without damage?
There’s no doubt the use of a hair dryer impacts hair health significantly. It’s nearly impractical to give up using such a convenient tool!
So, here are a few ways to use it on your hair with minimal damage:
Know your hair.
Keratin makes your hair stronger and protected. Hair follicles attached to the scalp grow to build the hair shaft made of keratin. With that said, the health of your scalp is linked to hair thickness and hair texture.
So, if you know some basic hair anatomy, you’ll be more cautious around hair dryers and perhaps be more serious and dedicated to boosting hair health.
Choose the right hair dryer.
The right hair dryer is essential in terms of achieving a perfect blowout and preventing hair damage. You need to be smart when choosing hair dryers by considering your hair type and texture.
As a general rule, you must choose a hair dryer with multiple heat settings so you can adjust the temperature quickly when drying your hair. A medium heat temperature is most suitable depending on your hair type and texture.
Important: It’s worth investing in high-quality hair dryers to keep your hair healthy and avoid heat damage.
Prep your hair.
Do not go anywhere near a heat styling tool or blow dryer without prepping your hair. Prepping your hair is essential to protect your strands from heat damage and for quick styling.
Rough dry or towel dry your hair until it’s 70 to 80 percent dry. Letting hair air dry is a wise step too!
Important: Do not dry your hair when it’s too wet or dry to avoid damage.
In Summary
Well, as general knowledge, any heating tool can cause damage to your hair if used regularly. Too much heat from hair dryers can definitely ruin your crowning glory!
However, for fabulous women out there, giving up blow dryers and hair dryers isn’t an option. So, the best recommendation would be to use styling tools in moderation and to treat your hair nicely around them.
Check out our recommendations for the best hair dryers for blowouts.
