Welcome to “blowdrying” edition of our salon’s Q&A series called “Ask David”, where we tackle your most pressing hair concerns and offer expert advice to help you look and feel your best.
Blow Drying Thick, Straight Hair
Q: I have very thick, straight hair that is difficult to blow dry. I work out every day, and I don’t have a lot of time to spend on my hair. I also have dry ends, which is a big problem for an active person like me. Can you give me some suggestions that will help save me time and still have a hairstyle that I can feel good about? – Donna – Buckhead
A: If your hair is long, cut the length just past your shoulders or slightly above. Also, have your stylist add some long layers. This will allow you to keep depth to your hairstyle without the excess hair. Thick hair gets dry quickly, so use a moisturizing conditioner regularly. This will soften your hair, making it easier to blow dry.
To dry your hair more quickly, use a towel to remove excess water just until your hair is slightly damp. Then blow dry, using a large, wooden round brush. Wrap large sections of your hair around the brush, beginning at the back of your head and move to the front. This allows you to dry your hair evenly and makes the drying process faster.
Preventing Frizz and Dryness When Blow Drying
Q: I take good care of my hair and I really like my haircut, but sometimes I have problems with frizziness and dryness. I also find my hair is difficult to blow dry. Can you give me some suggestions to help prevent these problems? – Jill – Dunwoody
A: This is a problem that some people have with hair that’s been colored or processed chemically. To alleviate the frizziness, wash your hair and then dry it slightly to remove excess water. Apply a “defrizzer” product, such as Tricolife, and then blow dry as normal. You should also use a moisturizing conditioner regularly. This should give you a more smooth and controlled look to your hairstyle.
For dryness, apply an oil treatment to your hair two times a week for a month. Your hair should become more rich and supple. Use once every month after initial application. Apply the same blow-drying techniques I described above.
More Blowdrying FAQs
More Blowdrying FAQsWhy does my head hurt when I blow dry my hair?
There are several reasons why your head might hurt when you blow dry your hair. Here are some potential causes:
1. Heat Sensitivity
- Excessive Heat: The heat from the blow dryer can cause discomfort or even mild burns on the scalp, leading to headaches.
- Sensitive Scalp: Some people have more sensitive scalps that react to the high temperatures of a blow dryer.
2. Tension and Muscle Strain
- Holding Position: Holding the blow dryer for an extended period can strain your arm, neck, and shoulder muscles, leading to tension headaches.
- Styling Techniques: The way you hold your head or the dryer might cause awkward positions, resulting in muscle strain.
3. Dehydration
- Heat Exposure: The heat from the blow dryer can contribute to dehydration, which is a common cause of headaches.
- Environmental Factors: If the environment is already dry, using a blow dryer can exacerbate the lack of moisture, affecting both your hair and overall hydration levels.
4. Noise Sensitivity
- Loud Noise: Blow dryers can be quite noisy, and prolonged exposure to loud sounds can trigger headaches in individuals sensitive to noise.
5. Product Sensitivity
- Hair Products: Certain hair products used before or during blow drying can cause irritation or allergic reactions, leading to discomfort or headaches.
6. Blood Flow Changes
- Heat Impact: The heat can cause changes in blood flow to the scalp, which might trigger headaches in some individuals.
Tips to Prevent Discomfort
- Use a Lower Heat Setting: Opt for a lower heat setting on your blow dryer to minimize scalp irritation.
- Take Breaks: If blow drying takes a long time, take breaks to avoid muscle strain and allow your scalp to cool down.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before and after blow drying your hair to stay hydrated.
- Noise Protection: Consider using a quieter blow dryer or wearing ear protection if noise is a trigger.
- Adjust Technique: Ensure you’re holding the dryer in a comfortable position and not pulling too hard on your hair.
If the headaches persist despite these adjustments, it might be helpful to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out other potential causes.