Most of us grew up not only washing our hair with cheap anti-dandruff shampoo full of sulfates and silicones that overly dry out both hair and scalp but also aggressively rubbing our hair dry with a towel.
So if we want healthy hair in adulthood, we have to unlearn both of these habits.
In previous articles, we discussed what accumulates on the scalp, how to choose a shampoo, and how to properly rinse it out (and why it matters). Now, it’s time to explain how to dry your hair correctly.
Gentleness Above All
Hair is extremely fragile when wet. Rubbing it aggressively opens up the cuticles of the hair fibers, leading to immediate damage or, at the very least, making them more vulnerable to breakage once dry. Not to mention, all the effort we put into conditioning and rinsing with cold water to smooth and seal the hair cuticle would go to waste.
So, from now on, let’s ditch rough towel-drying and follow a healthier approach:
1. After washing, gently wrap your hair in a towel and let excess water drain. Then, press the towel lightly against the scalp and gradually blot the lengths and ends to absorb moisture—without any rubbing.
2. Just as we should avoid towel friction, we should also avoid brushing wet hair. Brushing wet hair can cause serious damage. However, if you have long hair or hair that tangles easily and absolutely must detangle it after washing, we recommend two things:
– First, avoid brushing from the roots. Instead, start from the mid-lengths and work toward the ends. This spares the sensitive scalp from unnecessary stress and helps prolong the health of your hair near the roots—so that when it eventually grows out into ends, it won’t be as prone to tangling.
– Second, swap your brush for a wide-tooth comb. This helps with initial detangling, and you can finish with a brush once the hair is dry.
What About Blow-Drying?
The best approach is to avoid blow-drying altogether. However, if necessary due to time constraints, set the dryer to a medium or cool temperature, limit drying time, or maintain a greater distance from your hair.
Against Heat Shock
And if you’re truly dedicated to hair care, using a heat protection spray before blow-drying or styling is essential. These products help keep the hair cuticles as sealed as possible during heat exposure, reducing the risk of structural damage.
