Is there anything simpler than drying and combing your hair after a bath? It may seem simple, but it turns out that this process also has its tricks. Things like the distance between the hair dryer and the hair, the temperature and even the direction of the air flow.
We did some research on the science of hair drying and discovered the most common mistakes you can stop repeating after reading this article.
1. Drying hair only with hot air
Almost all hair dryers have a cold air flow function and it is not the manufacturer's fault. Change the button to cold mode to correct the results of your style. Cool air will slow down the evaporation of moisture, which means that the curls will last longer. By the way, it is a good preventative method for the appearance of scissors.
2. Select the wrong airflow direction
Dry your hair from the roots to the ends, in the same direction of hair growth. Otherwise, the scales that make up the skin will open, which will result in frizz and make it easier. On the contrary, if you dry your hair from the roots to the ends, the hairs will unite and add a natural shine to your hair.
3. You are holding the hair dryer wrong
Holding the hair dryer with your dominant hand seems very natural - that's what most people do. But it's wrong because you need the strength and dexterity of this hand to style and comb your hair. It will help you better control the process, work with the comb more efficiently and devote less effort overall.
4. Pull the hair down
Brushing and pulling your hair down when blow-drying increases the volume in an uneven way. Instead, pull your hand up, grab the ends of your hair with a comb, and direct the flow of hot air into your hair. This will help you to have a voluminous, "lively" and smooth hairstyle.
5. Hold the hair dryer very close to your head
Holding the hair dryer close to your head will not only make your hair more brittle, but you could also burn the scalp. The recommended distance between the hair dryer and your head is 30 cm. How can you measure it? Just hold the hair dryer at the distance of your outstretched hand.
6. Do not divide your hair into sections
Often, we dry all the wool by moving the hair dryer back and forth. The process will become faster and more efficient if you divide the hair into 4-5 zones and fix each of them with a duckbill clip. Try to make 2 partitions - one vertical (from the forehead to the neck) and one horizontal (from one ear to the other).
7. Keep your hair wrapped in a towel for a long time
Do not towel dry your hair for more than 30 minutes, especially if it is made of cotton. The particles of this fabric result in friction and make the hair more vulnerable during the next blow-drying. Choose a softer microfiber towel and keep your hair wrapped in it for no more than 10 minutes. An important detail: thick and thick hair should be about half dry before using the hair dryer, while hair with thin or medium thickness should be about 80% dry.
8. Forget thermal protection
This tip is extremely useful for those who use hair dryers at least once a week or even more often. Apply thermal protection products to your hair to protect it from possible damage when exposed to hot air. This type of product is part of the washing routine or you wear them after washing your hair and it stays in the hair. The first group includes shampoos and hair conditioners with heat protective properties, the second group includes sprays, creams and oils. Choose thermal protection suitable for your hair. It is best to avoid alcohol-based products if you have dry hair. If you have oily or normal hair, do not use oil-based products.
9. Do not use the condenser nozzle
We are talking about this piece of flat nozzle that accompanies the hair dryer. This piece helps direct the flow of air to a specific section of hair. As a result, you will have less tangled and broken ends and your hair will also be protected from overheating. If you direct the flow to the roots, it will give extra volume to your hair.
10. Get out very early
After you have finished drying your hair, try to stay inside for a while. A drastic change in temperature will not only negatively affect the volume of your hair, but may also damage the skin on your scalp.
11. Start drying with a bellows
This doubles the chances of shaving and frizzy hair, because wet hair is more brittle and more likely to break at a more intense drying speed. Start with the normal nozzle at low speed and at medium temperature. After a while, you can add the bellows.
12. You do not pay attention to the nozzles
Hair dryer nozzles can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. The first group helps you with the most expensive styling, however the metal tends to heat up faster and becomes an additional factor that can damage the hair. That is why it is better to use a metal nozzle for special occasions and choose a plastic or ceramic nozzle for the daily drying of your hair. In addition, they are ideal for untangling hair and drying it evenly.
13. Do not clean the hair dryer
Have you ever cleaned your hair dryer? It's time to do this because, not only does dirt damage the device, but it can also damage your hair. The airways are filled with dirt, dust, sticky hair products, particles, etc. All this slows down the air flow, resulting in an increase in temperature in the dryer. Eventually, it may catch fire or just break. It is important to clean the hair dryer regularly from dirt. If you use it once a week, clean it once a month. If you use it more often, clean it once every 2 weeks.
14. Drying the hair at the maximum temperature
This is one of the main mistakes because your hair dries out and becomes more brittle. The maximum temperature will speed up the process a bit and that is why you should adjust this temperature only in exceptional cases - for example, if you have curls that are difficult to straighten or decide to make an intricate hairstyle. Choose an average temperature in all other cases.
15. Hold the hair dryer in the same position
This mistake may seem obvious, but some people dry their hair while keeping the hair dryer in the same position. The device should be constantly moving, changing angles and rotating around the head. It will help you clean and dry your hair or a beautiful style much faster.
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