5 Common Hair Dryer Mistakes that Might be Damaging Your Hair (and how to fix them)
Hair dryers are among the most used tools in our beauty routines, but we often overlook the fact that they use heat and can, therefore, still damage our hair. In fact, thanks to the fact that we use them most days, they can be one of the biggest culprits behind dry, brittle, and frizzy hair if they’re not used properly. There are quite a few common mistakes that many of us make at home, which could be causing more harm than good. Here are five common mistakes you might be making with your dryer, as well as the simple fixes to help you protect your hair.
1. Using the highest heat setting all the time
The problem
Cranking up the heat on your blow dryer might dry your hair faster, but it also increases the risk of moisture loss, breakage, and heat damage. This is especially true for fine or color-treated hair, leaving your hair looking thinner and more lacklustre.
The solution
Instead of jumping to the highest heat, use medium heat for most of your blow-drying instead, and reserve the highest setting only when absolutely necessary. Always finish with a cool shot to seal the cuticle and add shine. Investing in a dryer with multiple heat settings gives you better control and protects your hair from unnecessary exposure.
2. Skipping the heat protectant
The problem
Direct heat from styling tools can weaken hair, causing split ends, dryness, and dullness over time. It can also cause you to fry your hair and damage its internal structures, which is irreversible. Skipping a heat protectant leaves your hair much more vulnerable than most people realize.
The solution
Always apply a heat protectant spray, serum, or cream to damp hair before you start blow-drying. No matter how little time you have, never skip this step! Look for lightweight, silicone-free formulas if your hair is fine and richer, nourishing options for thick or coarse hair.
3. Drying sopping wet hair
The problem
You might be thinking, ‘What do you mean we can’t dry our wet hair?’ After all, what else is a hair dryer for? However, the problem lies when you use a hair dryer on soaking hair, as it’s most fragile when it’s wet. Not only does drying soaking wet hair take longer, but it also increases the risk of damage from excessive heat and rough handling.
The solution
Gently towel-dry or blot your hair with a microfiber towel to remove excess moisture before blow-drying. You could even air-dry it if you have enough time, as this is the most gentle way of drying it. Wait until your hair is at least 60 – 70% dry before using your hair dryer on it for the safest results. However, if you don’t have enough time for this, towel dry before using the lowest heat setting to speed up gentle drying.
4. Holding the dryer too close to your hair
The problem
Keeping the nozzle too close can overheat the hair shaft, causing burns, dryness, and breakage. Some people think that holding the dryer closer to their hair will dry it faster, but this is rarely the case. Even if it works, you’ll be left with frizz and breakage – and is it really worth the few seconds you’ve saved?
The solution
Hold your hair dryer about 6 to 8 inches away from your hair and keep it moving constantly. This reduces concentrated heat exposure and creates a more even, polished finish, and prevents damage as much as possible. It can also prevent your hair from getting stuck in the dryer!
5. Blow-drying in the wrong direction
The problem
Some people love to shake the hair dryer when using it to keep the heat from reaching as much hair as possible, but this pushes the hot air in all different directions. Drying hair in all directions or blasting it upward lifts the cuticle layer, leading to roughness, frizz, and lack of shine.
The solution
Always point the nozzle downward, following the direction of your hair’s growth. This technique smooths the cuticle, enhances shine, and reduces frizz. For the best results, start at the roots and work your way down to the ends. Think of it as giving yourself a blow dry – a professional in a salon will treat your hair gently and with plenty of care when blow drying instead of drying in all directions!
Find your perfect hair dryer today!
Blow-drying your hair doesn’t have to mean sacrificing its health. By avoiding these common mistakes and following a few simple fixes, you can protect your strands from unnecessary heat damage, enhance your hair’s natural shine, and get professional-looking results at home. But this all starts with the tool you’re using – if you’re looking for a new blow dryer to give your hair some much-needed TLC, compare hair dryers from ghd today. ghd offers several options for all different hair types, letting you choose the best option for your hair, style, and desired outcomes. Happy shopping!