A great haircut can be undone by a poor blow-dry. That’s why proper hair drying is essential for achieving the professional, polished look that clients expect. For seasoned stylists, it’s easy to fall into habits that might not be the best for every hair type. This guide will cover common hair drying mistakes and offer simple tips on how to avoid them to ensure every client leaves your chair with healthy, beautiful hair.
Using the Wrong Heat Setting
One of the most frequent errors is using a one-size-fits-all approach to heat. Excessive heat can cause significant damage, leading to brittle strands and dullness, while insufficient heat can prolong the drying process unnecessarily. It’s crucial to understand how different hair types react to temperature.
That’s why it’s crucial to know how to choose the right salon dryer for different hair types. Regardless of the hair type, a good practice is to always start with a lower temperature on your dryer and increase it only if necessary. This protects the hair’s integrity while still achieving an efficient dry.
Skipping Heat Protectant Products
Applying heat to hair without a protective barrier is a recipe for disaster. Heat protectant sprays and serums create a shield over the hair cuticle, minimizing moisture loss, preventing split ends, and adding a healthy shine.
Before you even pick up the blow dryer, make it a standard step to evenly distribute a quality heat protectant through the client’s damp hair. This simple action is one of the most effective ways to maintain long-term hair health.
Holding the Dryer Too Close
Holding the blow dryer too close to the hair is another common pitfall. This can concentrate intense heat on a single area, leading to uneven drying, frizz, and, in some cases, discomfort or minor burns on the scalp.
To dry hair safely and effectively, maintain a distance of about six to eight inches between the nozzle and the hair. Keep the dryer in constant motion to distribute air and heat evenly, ensuring a smooth, uniform finish without causing damage.
Over-Drying the Hair
It might seem logical to continue drying until every last drop of moisture is gone, but this can be counterproductive. Over-drying is an avoidable mistake that some stylists make that strips the hair of its natural moisture, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage.
To avoid this, the goal will be to dry the hair until it’s about 90% dry. At this point, it will still feel slightly cool to the touch. Letting the last bit of moisture evaporate naturally helps the hair retain its elasticity and shine, resulting in a healthier, more vibrant look.
