1. Not Towel-Drying Your Hair First
Many people like to start blow drying immediately after stepping out of the shower when their hair is dripping wet, but this habit can ruin your hair.
When your hair is wet, it absorbs water and expands. Blowing hot air onto hair in this swollen state will press fast-forward the drying process, causing the hair cuticles to contract. This rapid expansion and contraction can damage your hair, making them rough and prone to breakage.
To prevent this problem, dry your hair with a towel before your blow dry. By toweling your hair to 60% to 70% dry before applying hot air, you give strands more time to adjust and help lower the risk of damage.
2. Towel-Drying Your Hair by Rubbing It Vigorously
While not towel-drying your hair before blow drying can damage it, so can towel-drying it the wrong way. If you rub your towel against your hair roughly to speed up the drying process, you can break your strands and wreak havoc on your tresses.
Instead of rubbing, press your towel against your hair and let it stay there for a few seconds to absorb the excess water. You can gently blot and squeeze your towel to speed up the process.
3. Using the Wrong Type of Towel
Make sure you use a soft but absorbent towel to dry your hair. Regular bath towels made of cotton can have a rough surface, causing damage to your strands. Instead, use a soft T-shirt or microfiber towel.
Prose Hair Towel Wrap is made of a plush, ultra-soft microfiber fabric that works on all types of hair to prevent breakage, knots and damage. It also comes with a non-slip elastic strap, making it super easy to maintain a hands-free wrap around your hair. Just drape the towel over your head, position its elastic at the nape of your neck, gently twist the towel and tuck it into the strap for a snug fit.
The microfiber of this towel is derived from 100% recycled plastic, with each towel containing the equivalent of 16 recycled 33-ounce water bottles. Reducing emissions and plastic wastes while protecting your hair, what’s not to like?
4. Blow Drying Your Hair in the Wrong Direction
If you blow dry your hair by starting at the ends and working your way up, you can put undue stress on your strands. It’s best to do it the other way around.
After you shampoo, more of the water collects in the roots of your hair than the tips. Starting at the roots before moving toward the ends can reduce the heat on your strands, minimizing damage and protecting them from breakage.
Blow-drying your hair in this order also keeps the hot air flow in the same direction of your hair growth, keeping the hair cuticle healthy.
5. Using the Wrong Brush
Use the right brush to blow dry your hair or risk breakage and hair loss. The best option depends on your objective and hair type.
Many kinds of brushes are available, including a boar bristle brush, vented brush, thermal/ceramic round brush and cushion brush. Whether you want to prevent breakage or detangle hair, you can find a brush that meets your needs.
Prose Brushes, featuring boar, boar and nylon or metal-tipped bristles, are designed for all hair types, including fine, medium, thick and curly hair. Check out our expert guide on choosing the perfect brush for your hair type and styling goal.
6. Not Using a Heat Protectant
No matter how careful you are with the blow dryer, the hot air can still damage your hair. Applying a heat protectant before blow-drying your hair can form a protective layer around your strands, preventing harm to your hair cuticles.
Whether your heat protectant comes in serums, creams or sprays, apply it sparingly and comb out any excess amount to ensure you don’t weigh down your hair.
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Comments [4]
Very nice tips but blow drying your hair for an hour every time… You guys are delusional lol. Unless your job is to look pretty, nobody has time for that.
Hi there! We hear you. The time it takes to blow dry your hair really depends on how wet it is when you start and how thick your hair is. If you allow your hair to air-dry for longer, it will take much less time than that.
Keely, Prose Community Manager
Thank you so much! This was so helpful because I actually do a lot of these mistakes. I love the writing style, relatable and understandable.
Thanks for sharing.