5 Blow Drying Mistakes to Avoid
Did you know there are right and wrong ways to blow dry your hair? It’s true! From the type of dryer to use, to the way you dry your hair, we’ve rounded up the five most common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1 – You Aren’t Using the Right Blow Dryer
Not all blow dryers are the same, and we’re not just talking about price and quality. Different blow dryers are actually made for different types of hair. Using the “wrong” one could mean you’re not getting the best end production.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Make sure you buy the right dryer for your hair type:
- Ceramic – best for dry hair
- Ionic – ideal for quick drying time
- Tourmaline – results in a sleek, smooth finish
Mistake #2 – You Don’t Use Heat Protection (And Ignore the Cool Shot)
Heat from a blow dryer (and curling iron or flat iron) can be damaging to your hair, leaving it dry, brittle and frizzy.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Pick up a high-quality heat protectant spray and give your wet hair a thorough dose of heat protection. Work in sections to ensure an even application throughout your hair. And once it’s dry, give your hair a once-over using your dryer’s “cool” setting. This helps cool and set the strands, resulting in smoother, shinier hair.
Mistake #3 – Your Dry Your Hair When It’s Too Wet
This seems like a silly thing to say. After all, that’s the point of drying your hair, right? Because it’s wet? Well yes…and no. Drying your hair too soon means it takes longer, which exposes your hair to heat over a longer period of time. And as we talked about in Mistake 2, heat can be your hair’s worst enemy.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Experts actually recommend allowing your hair to air dry up to 80% of the way before grabbing the dryer. Your hair will dry faster this way, with less heat exposure. Trust us, your hair will thank you.
Mistake #4 – You Dry Your Hair From the Back to the Front
If you don’t think the order you dry your hair matters, think again. The hair around your face and crown tends to dry faster than the back, so by the time you get to it, you’re kind of stuck with dry, frizzy hair, especially if you have bangs.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Start at the temple, crown and hairline, and work your way back to the nape.
Mistake #5 – You Don’t Use the Concentrator Attachment
A lot of people take one look at the attachments that come with a new blow dryer, shrug, and then shove them into a drawer or under-sink cabinet, never to be seen again. But there’s a reason every dryer comes with certain attachments, and the concentrator is a good example.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Fish that puppy out from wherever it’s hiding and turn it into your new best friend. The concentrator focuses the heat exactly where you want it, losing less heat and minimizing frizz. Work it in sections and watch as your hair dries to a nice glossy finish. And don’t forget the cool shot!
BONUS Mistake: You Don’t Get Blowouts
You’re busy. Mornings are a blur. You just can’t master the round brush. There are many reasons why people hate doing their own hair. But you don’t have to resign yourself to limp, lackluster locks.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Let us take care of it with a beautiful Ella Bliss blowout! Our stylists use the best styling products, from heat protectants to dryers to brushes, and your blowout can last up to 5 days if you take care of it well. In your off days, use a little dry shampoo to give it extra life. Even better, wrap your hair in a silk scarf when you sleep, which will help keep your hair smooth and frizz-free overnight.
Ready to get your hair game going strong? Book a blowout today and make 2020 the year of your best hair ever!