Expert Recommends Reverse Blow-Drying Technique for Healthier Hair

Many individuals may be blow-drying their hair incorrectly, a hair expert suggests, leading to knots, frizz, and split ends. Anabel Kingsley, brand president and lead consultant at Philip Kingsley, advises a reversal of the common drying method.

Instead of starting at the roots and working downwards, Kingsley recommends beginning with the hair's lengths and ends before addressing the scalp. She explains that drying the top section first can cause the ends to be buffeted in various directions. As the ends are typically more delicate, damaged, and porous, this uncontrolled movement can cause them to tangle and stick together, resulting in a frazzled appearance and potential breakage.

In her book, 'Haircare: The Ultimate Guide,' Kingsley elaborates on how drying the top section first causes the hydrogen bonds in the hair's lengths to reset randomly. These bonds are crucial for styling, allowing hair to hold different shapes. They are also sensitive to humidity. This random resetting can lead to frizz and dryness, prompting some to use higher heat or more aggressive styling techniques, which can further damage the hair.

Kingsley emphasizes that the ends of the hair, being older, are more weathered and porous, thus requiring gentle treatment. Her recommended approach is to dry the ends while they are still damp, rather than soaking wet, using low to medium heat. This technique allows for easier shaping without excessive heat or tension from brushing.

The roots, being denser, usually take longer to dry. By the time the ends are styled, the roots should still be damp enough to manipulate. If not, Kingsley suggests lightly misting them with water rather than increasing the heat setting. She notes that while individual results may vary, this method has proven effective for clients at her clinic.