3 Common Blow Dry Mistakes to Avoid

Blow drying is a very popular hair-drying method that you likely use daily. However, not many people know how to do it correctly or the styling products to use. You need to use the proper techniques to maintain hair health and get the style you are going for. This post will discuss 3 common blow dry mistakes to avoid and what to do instead.

Mistake 1: Incorrect Heat Settings

One of the most common blow dry mistakes many people make is using too much heat on their machine. High heat is a big mistake as it seriously damages hair over time by making it brittle and prone to breakage.

Too much hair dryer heat also strips away natural oils in your hair follicles which leaves your hair looking dull and lifeless. Very high heat settings can also burn your hair or scalp in the worst-case scenario.

The best way to avoid this costly hair-drying mistake is to choose the right heat setting for your blow dry. The general rule is to use the lowest heat setting that gets the job done and you can tell this by trial and error.

Use low heat especially if you have fine or damaged hair and medium heat for normal hair. High heat is only necessary if you have very thick or coarse hair but, even then, use it sparingly.

You also need to protect your hair when blow-drying using heat-protectant products. The protectants work by creating a barrier between your hair and the heat to reduce damage. You need to apply the protectant to damp hair and make sure it covers all the strands to the tips. Y

When blow drying, keep the dryer moving constantly and avoid focusing on one spot for too long as doing this can overheat that section of hair. Hold the dryer about six inches away from your hair to prevent direct heat contact and finish off with a cool shot of air. The cool shot seals your hair cuticle and adds a shine to reduce frizz and make your blow dry last longer while in good condition.

Mistake 2: Wrong Blow Dry Technique

Many people make mistakes in their drying technique. One common error is heat styling wet hair. Hair is most vulnerable when it’s saturated with water so when you start to blow-dry when your hair is dripping wet, the water will boil inside the hair shaft, leading to damage. Instead, gently towel dry with a microfiber towel/bath towel or air-dry your hair until it’s about 70% dry before using a blow dryer.

Holding your dryer too close to your hair is another frequent mistake because it concentrates too much heat in one area which can cause damage. Always keep your hair dryer at least 6 inches away from your hair and move it constantly to distribute heat evenly.

At the same time, not sectioning hair properly can lead to uneven drying and styling. You need to divide your hair into sections starting from the bottom and working your way up. This ensures each part of your hair gets proper attention and dries evenly.

Another common mistake is ignoring your hair’s natural growth pattern. For the smoothest results, you need to dry your hair in the direction it grows. This usually means drying from roots to ends to help seal the cuticle and avoid frizzy hair.

Another blow-drying technique mistake to avoid is rushing the process which leads to bad results or not achieving your desired blow-dry style. Take your time, especially when finishing each section and use a round brush to smooth and style as you dry. Patience and proper technique will give you better and longer-lasting results.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Tools

Using the wrong tools is another very common blow-drying mistake. The quality of your hair dryer matters a lot so don’t use cheap, low-quality dryers. They tend to have uneven heat distribution and can cause more damage to your hair.

You need to Invest in a good-quality dryer with multiple heat and speed settings. Look for features like ionic technology which help reduce frizz and drying time.

You also need to choose the correct brush as different brushes serve different purposes. Round brushes are great for creating volume and curls while paddle brushes work well for straightening. For fine hair, use a brush with natural bristles to avoid static. If you have thick hair, you need to use brushes with widely spaced bristles.

“Using the wrong brush can lead to tangles, breakage, or not achieving your desired style”

Many people also tend to overlook the importance of dryer attachments. The concentrator nozzle is needed to direct airflow and achieve smooth, straight styles. It helps you focus the heat where you want it. You need a diffuser if you have curly hair as it spreads out the airflow and helps you maintain curl shape and reduce frizz while you blow dry your hair.

Please note that using the wrong tools can significantly impact your blow-drying results. It can make styling more difficult and increase drying time. It may even damage your hair in the process. The right tools make them more effective and gentler on your hair. They can help you achieve better results in less time, with less effort and less potential for damage.

Blow drying is a convenient way to dry your hair and style it if you don’t have the time or budget for more complex styles. However, you need to avoid these mistakes and protect your hair while at it. If in doubt, especially for more complex styling, have a professional do it for you.