UK Hair Expert and dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong agrees: “The hair has an outer protective cuticle layer formed of overlapping keratin protein layers like tiles on a roof. When these ‘keratin tiles’ are laying flat and tightly overlapped this creates a highly protective layer.” However, Dr Wong goes on to explain that when hair is wet, it is at its most “elastic state” and therefore vulnerable to things like friction.
If you have Afro hair, you are not off the hook. Afro hair has naturally brittle texture, and it will always be in its most vulnerable state while wet. That is also when it’s easiest to manipulate, hence why if you brush it in the shower you will cause less tension than when its dry. However, leaving it wet for long will also mean you will be exposing it external factors or unnecessary pulling and tugging that will lead to hydral fatigue and can ultimately cause it to break more easily.
Best ways to try your hair avoiding heat damage:
Before you reach for a towel to help your hair to dry as quickly as possible, it might also be better to skip the towel dry. “Towel drying your hair is not only terrible for causing damage to the cuticle layer of your hair but it’s a sure-fire way to welcome in frizz,” says Samantha Cusick, hairstylist and GHD Ambassador. Instead, try swapping your towel for an old T-shirt or microfibre hair wrap and blot your hair after washing instead of rubbing it.
Try these microfibre hair wraps:
Other than that, make sure to prep your hair with moisturising and nourishing masks, serums and oils that replenish any hydration and help to smooth and seal the hair cuticles. “Moisturising products help to prevent damage before you get to the drying stage,” says Dr Wong. “Before drying, always prep hair with a heat protecting spray to limit damage and avoid styling products which have an alcohol base, which will dehydrate the hair.”
Try these products to prevent or reduce heat damage:
Next, switch your hair dryer to a low heat while hair is still wet, and gently increase the temperature as it dries if needed (although, there’s no need to increase it to more than 180 degrees Celsius). “It is in your hair’s interest to transform the hair from wet to dry as quickly as possible as in its dry state the hair is at its strongest” Dafydd Thomas, GHD global head of education. Noted!
Try these hair dryers that are kinder to your hair:
Ready to reform your hair drying routine? Check out the best heat protection sprays as well as the best hair dryers for every hair type and budget.
