Back To Basics Beauty Series: To Air Dry or Blow Dry + Product Recommendations
Hey everyone, I'm Meg Ann Lee and I am back with another installment of my "back-to-basics" beauty series. This week, we are discussing if you should blow dry or air dry your hair. Seems simple but the answer is different for everyone based on their hair texture and their hair styling goals. As a hair stylist, I know the importance of protecting your hair from heat while still achieving beautiful, healthy results. Air-drying is one of the best ways to reduce heat damage, maintain your hair's natural texture, and keep it looking its best. However, air-drying can be tricky depending on your hair type-especially if you have curly hair. Below we will discuss tips that will help you achieve the best results when air-drying, no matter your hair type, product recommendations and some pros to blow drying.
Tips for Air-Drying Curly Hair
- Hydrate with Leave-In Conditioner: Curly hair tends to be drier and more prone to frizz, so a hydrating leave-in conditioner is key. Apply a generous amount to wet hair and comb through it with your fingers to ensure every curl is coated. This helps define the curl pattern and keeps your hair moisturized. You can also twist your hair into a curly pattern and let it dry that way to enhance the wave.
- Use the "Plop" Method: After washing and conditioning, add product and wrap your hair in a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel. This technique, known as "plopping," reduces frizz and encourages curl formation while minimizing the rough texture that a regular towel can create.
- Scrunch with a Lightweight Gel or Mousse: For extra hold and definition, scrunch a lightweight gel or mousse into your damp curls. Start at the ends and work your way up, gently squeezing your hair. This will lock in moisture while providing definition as your hair air-dries.
Tips for Air-Drying Straight Hair
- Apply a Smoothing Serum or Cream: Straight hair can look flat or frizzy if not treated properly during the air-drying process. A smoothing serum or cream will help tame flyaways and give your hair a sleek, polished look without weighing it down.
- Brush with a Wide-Tooth Comb: While your hair is still wet, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle and smooth it. This helps distribute natural oils and avoids breakage while keeping your strands sleek as they dry.
- Twist or Braid for Texture: If you want to add some texture to your straight hair, twist or braid it while it's still damp. Once it's completely dry, untwist for soft, natural waves without needing any heat styling. I wrote a whole heatless curl blog you can check out!
Popular Professional Haircare Products for Air-Drying
When it comes to air-drying, having the right products can make a world of difference. Here are some popular professional-grade haircare items that can enhance your air-dry routine and you can check out more of my product and tool recommendations HERE.
Okay, let's flip the script and talk about the benefits of blow drying your hair! Because, I promise if you're looking for less oil and more volume, you are going to want to blow dry.
1. Controlled Volume and Smoothness
Blow-drying allows you to control the shape and volume of your hair. By using a round brush, you can smooth frizz, add volume, and create a polished look. It's especially helpful for creating sleek styles for straight hair or enhancing curls with added definition.
2. Longer-Lasting Style
Blow-drying helps set your hairstyle, making it last longer throughout the day. The combination of heat and airflow seals the hair cuticle, giving your hair a more finished and longer-lasting hold compared to air-drying.
3. Quick Drying Time
One of the biggest advantages of blow-drying is the speed. For those with thick or long hair, air-drying can take hours, while a blow dryer speeds up the process dramatically, saving time when you're on a busy schedule.
Which is better?
By incorporating the right techniques and products, air-drying can be an easy and effective way to embrace your hair's natural beauty while minimizing heat damage. While blow-drying does expose your hair to heat, using heat protectants and proper techniques can minimize damage while giving you smooth, styled results that last longer. It all depends on your personal preference and styling goals.
Whether you have curls or straight locks, a little extra care will leave your hair looking and feeling its best! <3