Before You Next Blow-Dry, Read This
A DIY blow-dry can really lift your look – the bad news is, it may be doing serious damage to your hair, which gets more sensitive as you age. But new tools, products plus some tips on technique can help you achieve a salon-style blowout with a minimum of fuss and damage. Time to update!
Seal it up
Heat is more damaging to your hair than you think. While you might have skipped a heat protectant styling spray or cream in the past, on the other side of 45 you’ll really see the difference if you apply such a product before blow-drying. A good heat protectant will not only smooth the cuticle, which helps hair shine, but also helps seal in moisture and reduce frizz. Think of it as SPF 50 for your hair. Many haircare brands now offer buys that not only heat-protect but also boost volume, help prevent colour fade and split ends as well as adding shine. Muk is my favourite because it delivers great shine and body but doesn’t leave my hair feeling heavy or sticky. The Melbourne-born brand is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
Check your hairdryer
Not all hairdryers are created equal. Good hairdryers are equipped with adjustable heat options to minimise damage – remember to use them! You don’t need to have it on the maximum setting, particularly if you have fine hair. Use the cool shot to close hair cuticles and increase shine. Also, check to see if your hairdryer is ceramic (heats up quickly to minimise damage) and/or ionic and tourmaline (locks in moisture and seals the cuticle for a frizz-free finish). Although it’s the most expensive hairdryer on the market, the Dyson Supersonic is a worthy investment if you’re a frequent blow-dryer: it dries hair super quick but with a gentler, less damaging heat thanks to its unique thermal sensor. It measures the exit flow temperature of the air over 40 times a second, constantly regulating the heat to keep your hair safe. A more budget-friendly alternative is the VS Sassoon Milano 2200 Professional Dryer.
Go micro
To minimise the amount of drying time and reduce the risk of heat damage, first dry your hair using a microfibre towel so it’s only slightly damp when you begin the drying process. This type of towel causes less friction than a regular cotton towel, reducing frizz. It’s a simple yet effective low-cost tool that makes the world of difference.
Tease it out
While we all know not to use a regular brush on wet hair, there is one hybrid that’s even better than a wide-tooth comb. The (original) Tangle Teezer is not only good for tackling knots and overall grooming on wet or dry hair, but its teeth give your scalp a mini-massage, stimulating blood flow to the area and boosting hair growth. You’ll also need a damage-minimising styling brush, so remember: a vented barrel hair brush speed ups drying time while a (cruelty-free) boar-bristle brush is more gentle and will give a shinier result on thinner, more fragile hair.
Words_ Adriana Donnola
Photo_ Andre Moura/Pexels
Collages_ Lou Fay