So, I’ve shared before that, when it comes to natural hair—and hair-length retention—tips, in many ways, I’m a total non-conformist. One example is the “Don’t you dare apply heat to your hair” rule many people adhere to. While I get how that may work for some, it was actually while I saturate my hair with moisture that I was getting more tangles and seeing more breakage.
After a little trial-and-error, what I discovered was when I blow out my hair on wash day (which for me is pretty much twice a month) and then put it into some sort of protective style, or I simply braid it at night (to keep it stretched) and then take it out in the morning, my hair has grown more than it ever has (and shoot, I am a high porosity kind of gal). That’s why I am of the personal belief that it’s not so much that heat is not our friend; it’s simply that we need to learn how to apply it correctly.
Image Source: @lizzys_curlycare
Since this is the fall season and, due to a lack of outdoor heat, you might want to rock a blowout more than usual, I wanted to share with you some ways to use a blow dryer on your hair in such a way that it will not damage your hair; how you can keep it stretched without overdoing the dryer process.
Are you ready to become allies, rather than enemies, with your blow dryer? Check out our essential tips for blow drying curly hair.
1. Choose the right dryer.
I promise you, if more of us paid attention to this particular tip alone, we’d be a lot less anxious about wearing blowouts more often. Using the kind of blow dryers that have limited temperature options, aren’t made out of either tourmaline or ceramic, and don’t have at least a couple of different attachments is the kind of dryer that will fry your hair—if not immediately, after a few uses, for sure.
Image Source: @perspectiveoftay
That’s why, before purchasing a hair dryer, it’s a good idea to do some thorough research to see which one will truly work best for you. PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross debuted her high-performing blow-dryer in 2023, which features four unique attachments to help shape, smooth, and stretch your curls, coils, and waves.
2. Deep condition your hair.
Image Source: @gkccouture
There’s no way around that blow-drying your hair will take a bit of a toll on your natural locks. One way it does this is by zapping out the moisture that your hair needs to remain moisturized and frizzless. Something that you can do to stay a step ahead of the dry heat that comes from your dryer is to deep condition your hair. I don’t mean for five minutes, either.
Using a hydrating deep conditioner like the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque Amla Oil can help to restore and renew brittle strands that could be damaged from the heat. Once you apply the conditioner to your freshly washed hair, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it. Then, use a detangling comb to get as many kinks and tangles out of your hair as you can. Trust me, the more “pre-work” that you do to your hair before drying it, the less damage your dryer will be able to do.
3. Remove as much dampness as possible.
Image Source: @megan.cynth
One mistake that I used to make quite a bit was running the dryer through my hair after only briefly towel-drying it. Do. Not. Do. This. You are only setting yourself and your hair up for it to fry, especially if you place your dryer in a high setting. Instead, use a T-shirt to get as much excess water out of your hair as possible. Then, give your hair time to air dry between 60-80 percent. Just make sure that you apply a leave-in conditioner (we recommend Aunt Jackie’s Curls and Coils Quench formula) so that your hair will still be manageable once it loses some of the moisture that came from washing it.
4. Use a creamy thermal heat protectant.
The next step, which is an absolute must, is to put on a thermal heat protectant. This is such a necessary step because, when your hair is dry, your cuticles are open. When the heat hits them, that makes them far more susceptible to heat damage. Applying a thermal heat protectant to your tresses smooths your cuticles so that less damage occurs. Just make sure you use a spray only if you’ve got fine hair. Heat protectants in the form of cream are far better for hair that is thick or is a type 4 in texture.
5. Apply oils after, not during.
It’s always a good idea to seal your ends, too. Not only because they are the oldest parts of your hair but also because you want to ensure they get enough moisture so they do not split once the heat hits them. Just make sure that, as far as the sealing process goes, you apply the oil to your hair while you’re applying your leave-in conditioner.
Image Source: @.brianaquintero
Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then use your hair dryer. Oh, and try to avoid adding more oil to your hair as you are drying your hair. Why? Well, oil and heat are the perfect storm for fried hair or, at the very least, extremely frizzy hair. If you want a little more sheen that oil tends to provide, add a little more once your blowout is completely done.
6. Blow dry, downwards, in sections.
Image Source: @krystal.beautylounge
Now that we’ve gotten a little of prepping out of the way to achieve the perfect blowout, technique has to be factored in, too. Make sure to section your hair into 4-6 pieces, just so that it will be easier to blow it dry without tangling it up. If you opt not to use an attachment, use a round brush and start at the bottom of your hair, working your way up to the roots.
Use your hands to roll your hair up and pull it straight, kind of simultaneously. Also, make sure to dry downward as much as possible. When you blow your hair backward, that can sometimes go against the cuticles of your hair and cause damage. I
7. Don’t overdo it.
Image Source: @hairandtricks
One more thing. Sometimes, even when our hair is prepped just right, and we’re using our blow dryer just like we should, we still end up wrecking our hair. How? By mistaking our dryer for a flat iron. What I mean by that is while some blow dryers are pretty impressive, none of them are really designed to make your hair bone straight.
But if you forget this and keep passing through your hair over and over and over again, the combo of the heat and tension can also end up damaging your hair. So, if you want a long, straight look, get a professional to flat iron your hair. But if you simply want length and texture, rock your blowout—and trust that no more than three passes with your dryer is all that you need.
Which of these techniques do you plan to use in the future? If you prefer to opt for a diffuser, check out How to Use a Diffuser Without Ruining Your Curls.
