How to Dry Hair After Shower: Best Practices
Drying your hair after a shower may seem like a simple task. However, it’s a crucial step in maintaining the health and appearance of your hair. After showering, your wet hair is in a fragile condition. It becomes more vulnerable to breakages and other damages. You can protect your damp hair by using the proper techniques and best practices when drying it.
There are various techniques to dry your hair. Some people prefer using a towel, while others may allow it to air-dry. Regardless of your preferred method, you should aim to be gentle, nourishing, and protective. Treat your wet hair delicately instead of using harsh, aggressive motions. Put special effort into protecting your hair to ensure its long-term health.
Our Toronto hair salon has prepared various best practices for drying wet hair. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to dry hair after a shower:
Do not wash hair with hot water
How you wash your hair is crucial before drying it. When rinsing your hair in the shower, avoid using hot water temperature. The hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. That leaves your strands dry and more easily damaged.
Instead, opt for lukewarm or cool water. A colder temperature can help seal in moisture and protect your hair during the shower. Although it may leave you a little chilly, doing so will give your hair a lustrous shine that many people revere. It will also make drying your hair more manageable.
Do not over-wash your hair
Yes, it is possible to wash your hair too much. Over-washing your hair strips it of the natural oils, causing further damage to your strands. Excessive washing is an unhealthy habit for your hair. Instead, limit your routines to every other day. You may even switch to every few days if your hair is naturally oily. A relaxed cleaning schedule will help keep your hair sleek.
Use the best towel to dry hair
After showering, gently pat your hair dry with a soft, clean towel. During the drying process, avoid rubbing your hair vigorously. Aggressive motions can cause tangles and damage to your hair. Instead, be gentle and nurturing as you pat your hair dry.
We recommend searching for microfibre, satin, or soft cotton materials for the towel. A cotton shirt may be the next best alternative if there aren’t supplies nearby. However, the microfibre towel is the best choice. It wipes away moisture and reduces the amount of friction placed upon your hair.
Leave-in conditioner after shower
If you have dry or damaged hair, apply a leave-in conditioner after patting your hair dry. Leave-in conditioners help to moisturize and nourish your hair. This product leaves your hair feeling soft and healthy. There are plenty of leave-in conditioners on the market that can target the specific needs of your hair.
Combing hair after shower
Use a wide-tooth comb or brush to detangle your hair gently. Avoid using a brush with plastic bristles. These types of combs can snag and pull on your hair, causing damage. Instead, opt for a brush with natural bristles, which are gentler on your hair. We love bamboo brushes or brushes with nylon bristles, which minimize hair tearing and damaged follicles.
Air dry hair
If you have the time, it’s best to let your hair air dry naturally. Air drying minimizes heat damage and allows your hair to rejuvenate at its own pace. A downside to this technique is that it takes a while for the drying to complete. It may not be suitable if you must go to sleep early or attend another event immediately after the shower.
If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a blow dryer on a low or medium heat setting. If you opt for this option, keep the blow dryer at least six inches away from your hair to avoid heat damage.
Dry hair without heat styling tools
Try to avoid using heat-styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands. They can cause heat damage to your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Understandably, these tools may be necessary on some occasions. If so, use a heat-protectant spray beforehand to help minimize the risk of damage.
Sun protection for hair
We often hear of protecting your skin from the sun, but it’s just as crucial to do the same for your hair. This best practice is vital when you go outside immediately after your shower. If you spend time in the sun, protect your hair from the damaging effects of UV rays. These rays can cause dry and brittle strands, split ends, or thinning. Shield your hair from the sun’s harmful rays as much as possible. Wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection.