Expert Reveals Correct Blow-Drying Technique to Prevent Hair Damage

Many individuals may be blow-drying their hair in an inefficient order, potentially leading to knots, frizz, and split ends, according to hair expert Anabel Kingsley.

Kingsley, brand president and lead consultant at Philip Kingsley, advises starting the blow-drying process at the lengths and ends of the hair before moving to the roots. The common practice of drying the top of the head first can cause the ends to be buffeted in various directions, making them more susceptible to tangling and frizz, especially when damp.

This method, outlined in her book 'Haircare: The Ultimate Guide,' stems from the behavior of hydrogen bonds within hair strands. These are the hair's weakest but most abundant bonds, responsible for hair's shape and style. When hair is wet, these bonds break, and they reset as the hair dries. Drying the top section first can cause these bonds in the ends to reset randomly, resulting in a frizzy appearance. This often leads people to use higher heat or more aggressive styling techniques to correct the issue, which can further damage the hair.

Kingsley emphasizes that hair ends are typically more porous and weathered due to being older, necessitating gentle treatment. She recommends drying the ends at a low to medium heat setting while they are still damp, not soaking wet, which allows for easier shaping without excessive heat or brush tension.

Conversely, hair roots are denser and take longer to dry. By the time the ends are styled, the roots should still be sufficiently damp to manipulate into the desired shape. If the roots are still too dry, Kingsley suggests lightly misting them with water rather than increasing the heat, to avoid further damage. She notes that while individual results may vary, this method has proven effective for many clients at her clinic.