Blow drying natural hair is a popular styling method that offers versatility and manageability. It involves using a blow dryer to dry and style natural hair while achieving desired looks.
In this article, we will explore the best techniques, tools, and products to achieve a flawless blowout for natural hair.
Many natural hairstyles look beautiful with lightly blowdried hair. However, the texture of black hair and similar curly types are susceptible to irrational cuticle damage from blow-dryers.
Blow-dryer heat can often cause breakage, moisture-loss, burned scalps, and heat damage. So how can we keep our hair happy and healthy, while also rocking our favorite blowdried hairstyles?
Follow these simple steps to learn how to stretch your kinks and coils without causing damage to your delicate tresses. Then go show off your new natural hairstyle to the world!
Related: How To Use Philips Body Groomer
Preparing Your Hair for Blow Drying
Before diving into blow drying, it’s important to prepare your natural hair properly. Here are some key steps to follow:
Pre-wash routine for natural hair
- Start by detangling your hair before washing to minimize breakage.
- Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to gently remove knots and tangles.
Proper cleansing and conditioning natural hair
- Choose a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner specifically formulated for natural hair.
- Massage the shampoo into your scalp to remove product buildup and dirt.
- Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and nourish your strands.
Applying a heat protectant before blow drying
- Prior to blow drying, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum to shield your hair from heat damage.
- Look for products that provide both thermal protection and moisture to keep your hair healthy.
Tools and Equipment
To achieve the perfect blowout, you’ll need the right tools and equipment. Here’s what you should consider:
- Choose a blow dryer with adjustable heat settings and a diffuser attachment for maximum control and versatility. Ionic or ceramic blow dryers are excellent options for minimizing frizz.
- Sectioning clips are essential for dividing your hair into manageable sections while blow drying.
- Use a wide-toothed comb or a Denman brush to detangle your hair gently.
- Additionally, a paddle brush or a round brush with natural bristles can help create a smooth and polished finish.
Blow Drying Techniques
Mastering the right blow drying techniques can make a significant difference in achieving the desired results for your natural hair. Here are a few techniques to try:
Towel drying and removing excess moisture
- After washing your hair, gently squeeze out excess water using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. Avoid rough towel drying, as it can cause frizz and breakage.
Sectioning hair for efficient blow drying
- Divide your hair into manageable sections using sectioning clips. This ensures even heat distribution and helps you work through your hair more easily.
The tension method for sleek results
- Take a small section of hair and hold it taut while directing the airflow from the blow dryer downwards along the hair shaft. Repeat this process section by section for a smooth and sleek finish.
The diffuser method for enhancing curls
- Attach a diffuser to your blow dryer to enhance your natural curls. Set the dryer to a low heat setting and cup the diffuser around each section, lifting your hair at the roots to create volume and definition.
The stretch method for elongating natural hair
- Use a brush or comb to stretch your curls while blow drying. Start at the roots and gently glide down the hair shaft, applying tension to elongate your curls.
Remember to keep the blow dryer moving constantly and avoid applying excessive heat to prevent damage.
Choosing the Right Products
Using the right products can significantly impact the outcome of your blowout. Consider the following when selecting products:
- Prioritize a heat protectant spray or serum to shield your hair from heat damage.
- Look for leave-in conditioners that provide moisture and manageability during the blow drying process.
- Opt for blow drying creams or serums that offer heat protection, frizz control, and a lightweight finish.
- Incorporate natural oils or moisturizers to seal in moisture and add shine to your blowout.
- Depending on your hair type and desired results, choose styling products such as gels, mousses, or creams that offer hold and definition without weighing your hair down.
Blow Drying Tips and Tricks
To ensure a successful blowout, keep these tips and tricks in mind:
- Use the lowest heat setting possible to avoid excessive heat damage.
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 inches between the blow dryer and your hair to prevent overheating.
- Angle the blow dryer downward to encourage the hair cuticles to lay flat, resulting in a smoother finish.
- To reduce frizz and flyaways, finish blow drying with a cool shot of air to help set your style.
- For added volume and bounce, flip your head upside down while blow drying or use a round brush at the roots.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Taking care of your hair after blow drying is essential to maintain the longevity of your style. Consider the following tips:
- Moisturize and seal your hair using a lightweight oil or moisturizer to prevent dryness.
- When sleeping, protect your blowout by using a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to minimize friction and frizz.
- Opt for protective hairstyles like buns, updos, or braids to preserve your blowout for an extended period.
- Refresh your blowout by lightly misting your hair with water or a revitalizing spray, followed by a quick restyling.
Essential Blowout Tools
- Blow dryer with a comb attachment
- Butterfly or duckbill clips
- Heat protectant
- Moisturizer
- Dry, Style & Go: Quickly dry and style your hair with 2 heat/speed settings to suit your hair needs.
- Travel-Ready: Compact and ultra lightweight design are perfect for styling while on-the-go.
- Powerful Drying: 1875 Watts for powerful styling in a compact, lightweight dryer.
- Anti-Slip: Protective anti-slip bumpers provide extra care when styling for more grip and control.
- Easy Storage: Hanging ring makes for easy storage in your bathroom, bedroom, or vanity.
Blowdrying vs. Air-drying
Here’s the truth: Blowdrying natural hair exposes the delicate hair strands to possible damage. This especially problematic when done frequently in a high-heat setting. Arguably, a weekly blow-dry will prevent you from seeing any real growth.
However, if you use proper technique, blowdrying can be considered a staple to a healthy hair care regimen.
Light, infrequent heat stretches the hair strands and helps them become more resilient. Ee recommends blowdrying no more than twice per month!
Air-drying is an alternative method to dry natural hair. However, studies have shown that air-dried cell membranes damage the complex.
This loss can be as damaging as the loss of heat-styling. Instead of air-drying after each wash, try sitting under a hair dryer in a medium / cool low setting for at least 15 minutes.
How to blow dry hair: by Trimmereo
We love how My Natural Sistas explains how to blow out natural hair quickly and efficiently.
Depending on your hair goals, blow-drying your hair can help you to achieve shine and volume while reducing styling time. My Natural Sistas uses a specially designed blow dryer comb for beautiful results.
However, if your hair is particularly fragile or damaged, you may want to forgo attachments. Instead, hold the blow dryer 6 to 7 inches away and utilize the tension method. Remember always to use heat protectant too.
Have any more tips and tricks on how you blow dry your natural hair? Please share it with us in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: Is blow drying natural hair damaging?
A: Blow drying natural hair can be damaging if not done correctly.
Using a low heat setting, applying a heat protectant, and following proper techniques can minimize damage and maintain the health of your natural hair.
Q: How often should I blow dry my natural hair?
A: It is recommended to limit blow drying to once a week or less to prevent excessive heat exposure. Giving your hair time to air dry or opting for alternative styling methods on non-blowout days helps minimize heat damage.
Q: Can I blow dry my natural hair without a diffuser?
A: Yes, you can blow dry your natural hair without a diffuser. However, using a diffuser attachment helps distribute airflow evenly, reduces frizz, and enhances your natural curl pattern. It’s a useful tool to achieve defined curls while blow drying.
Q: How can I prevent heat damage when blow drying my natural hair?
A: To prevent heat damage, use a heat protectant spray or serum before blow drying. Keep the dryer at a low or medium heat setting, maintain a safe distance, and continuously move the dryer to avoid concentrating heat in one area for too long.
Q: Can blow drying natural hair lead to moisture loss?
A: Blow drying can cause some moisture loss.
You can combat this by using moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, deep conditioning treatments, and incorporating leave-in conditioners or oils before blow drying to retain moisture and minimize dryness.
Q: How can I reduce frizz while blow drying my natural hair?
A: To reduce frizz, start with a proper cleansing and conditioning routine. Additionally, use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot excess moisture from your hair before blow drying.
Applying a smoothing serum or cream can also help control frizz during the drying process.
Q: Is it necessary to use a specific brush or comb for blow drying natural hair?
A: Using a wide-toothed comb or a Denman brush is recommended for detangling natural hair before blow drying. When blow drying, using a paddle brush or a round brush with natural bristles can help achieve a smooth and polished finish.
Q: Can blow drying natural hair help with length retention?
A: Blow drying can aid in length retention by stretching the hair, which reduces tangling and knots. However, it’s important to be gentle and use proper techniques to avoid breakage.
Incorporating regular moisturizing and protective styling practices can also contribute to length retention.
Conclusion
Blow drying natural hair can be a game-changer in achieving various styles and manageability.
By following the right techniques, using suitable tools, and selecting the right products, you can achieve a flawless blowout while maintaining the health and integrity of your natural hair.
Embrace the versatility of blow drying and enjoy the confidence that comes with beautifully styled natural hair.
Hey. I’m Bradley, the founder and editor of Trimmereo. I independently buy and test trimmers; electric shavers and I’ve been sharing my findings on this site for more than 8 years, hopefully helping others choose the right shaver.
If you found the information useful, consider subscribing to the Trimmereo newsletter as well. It’s free and I only send a few emails per month. Unsubscribe at any time.
