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| Proper preparation before blow drying protects hair from heat damage and gives a smoother, shinier result. |
Learn the essential steps to take before blow drying your hair to prevent heat damage. Simple prep habits that protect your hair and give you a smoother, shinier blowout.
Most people
grab the blow dryer and start immediately after washing. But what you do in
those few minutes before drying makes a huge difference to your hair's health
and the quality of your blowout. Skipping prep steps leads to more damage, more
frizz, and a less polished result. For ongoing hair strength, pair this with
our guide on taking a vitamin supplement that has biotin in it for
inside-out hair support.
Step 1: Remove Excess
Water First
The longer
wet hair is exposed to heat, the more damage occurs. Squeeze out as much water
as possible with a microfiber towel before turning on the dryer. Never rub —
this creates tangles and frizz. Hair should be damp, not dripping, before any
heat is applied.
Step 2: Apply a Heat
Protectant
A heat
protectant is non-negotiable. It coats the hair shaft and slows heat transfer,
reducing the temperature that directly reaches your hair. Apply it evenly
through damp hair from roots to ends. Never skip this step — heat damage is
cumulative and irreversible.
With Heat Protectant vs.
Without
|
With Heat
Protectant |
Without Heat
Protectant |
|
Hair shaft protected from
direct heat |
Heat penetrates directly
into cortex |
|
Cuticle remains smoother |
Cuticle lifts and becomes
rough |
|
Less frizz and static after
drying |
More frizz and flyaways |
|
Color-treated hair fades
slower |
Color fades faster with
each blowout |
|
Less breakage over time |
Cumulative heat damage
builds up |
Step 3: Detangle Gently
Always
detangle before blow drying. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush on
damp hair, starting from the ends and working up to the roots. Trying to blow
dry tangled hair creates knots, breakage, and an uneven result.
Pre-Blowout Prep Steps and Their Purpose
|
Preparation
Step |
Why It
Matters |
|
Microfiber towel squeeze |
Removes excess water to
reduce heat exposure time |
|
Heat protectant spray |
Shields hair from
temperatures up to 230°C |
|
Wide-tooth comb detangle |
Prevents breakage and
ensures smooth drying |
|
Light volumizing mousse or
serum |
Adds hold or smoothness to
finished style |
|
Section hair with clips |
Ensures even, controlled
drying from root to tip |
Affiliate-Recommended Heat
Protectants
Two excellent
choices are Tresemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray which is
affordable and effective for everyday use, and GHD Heat Protect Spray
which protects up to 230 degrees Celsius for professional blowout results at
home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wet should hair be before blow drying?
Damp but not
dripping. About 70 to 80% dry is ideal. This reduces total heat exposure time
and gives a smoother result.
Can I blow dry without a heat protectant?
You can, but
every session without protection causes cumulative damage. Heat protectant is
one of the most important products in a hair care routine.
What temperature should I set my blow dryer to?
Medium heat
(around 150 to 180°C) is best for daily use. Use cool shot to set the style at
the end. High heat should be reserved for occasional use only.
Does blow drying cause permanent hair damage?
Yes, over
time. Repeated high heat without protection breaks down the protein bonds in
hair, causing dryness, brittleness, and split ends.
Should I blow dry hair in sections?
Yes. Working
in sections gives a more controlled, even result and reduces the time the dryer
needs to spend on each area.
Is air drying better than blow drying?
Air drying is
less immediately damaging, but prolonged wetness can swell the hair shaft and
cause mechanical damage from tangling. A quick blowout with protection is often
safer.
→ Related: Read Next: If You Have Curly Hair, Use Your Fingers toBrush Out Your Curls
