“Is it better to air-dry or blow-dry hair?” – Devon T., 29
Answer from Natasha Wong, Holistic Hair Therapist:
Both drying methods have advantages and potential drawbacks, making this less of an either/or question and more about technique and circumstance. Air-drying conserves the hair’s internal moisture and eliminates heat damage risk. However, keeping hair wet for extended periods can cause swelling of the hair shaft and cuticle, potentially leading to weakened strands over time. This is particularly true for fine or already damaged hair.
Careful blow-drying, when done correctly, can actually be less damaging than prolonged air-drying for some hair types. The key is employing protective techniques: apply a heat protectant, use the lowest effective heat setting, keep the dryer constantly moving, and leave hair slightly damp rather than bone dry. An ideal approach combines both methods—gently towel-blot to remove excess moisture, allow hair to air-dry to about 60-70% dry, then finish with a blow dryer on a cooler setting to smooth the cuticle and add control.
