I recently read a post on BGLH about blow-drying and why it’s a big no-no for some naturals. Up until about 6 months ago I too thought heat was evil – I’d dutifully let my hair air dry and then struggle with tangles until my next wash. My hair was healthy but I was afraid as it grew my tangles would only get worse.
On a lark one day I decided to switch it up and lightly blow dry my hair. It was amazing. No longer did I have to wait a full day for my hair to completely dry and another day for my style to look ok. I could style my hair instantly!
May 2011
I felt guilty about it for a while. Would blow drying make me “less” natural? My favorite bloggers warned of heat and curl damage. Would I experience this? Well, six months later my hair appears healthier than ever. The only real manipulation is the blow drying and lately I’ve been trying braid outs. After the initial styling my hair is left alone until the next wash.
I think it looks fabulous, healthy and it continues to grow like a weed. I recently did a length check, it’s past my neck line and that’s AFTER getting 3 inches cut a few months ago.
A few notes, I use an ionic blow dryer on the cool to medium setting…just enough to stretch a bit and get my roots dry. I also use a heat protectant.
What are your thoughts on blow drying? Does it work for you – or not?
8 comments
carol b. says:
Jun 24, 2011
I’ve been natural for 5 years, and don’t have time to fight with my hair. I have no qualms about “safely” blowing my hair out. When I don’t have time to do twists, I’ll rock a fierce blowout and style it later.
Alisha says:
Jun 24, 2011
I blowdry all the time on medium heat setting with heat protectant. I flat iron, and so far, I’ve had no problems. I don’t put any heat on my hair between washes. *shrug* Works for me.
DanaDay says:
Jun 24, 2011
I blow dried my hair last Friday for the first time in forever. It made twisting my hair sooooo much easier. I usually twist on wet/damp hair. I used the so called “tension” method and it worked really well. I may try it again. The blow drying part doesn’t last. Between the recent humidity and the fact that I MUST moisturize (water) and seal my hair EVERYDAY, so I see it was a way to better ‘deal’ with my hair. I’m careful not to say ‘manage’ because I CAN manage it, this is just another tool to make Dana’s hair life a little bit easier LOL.
NewNaturalista says:
Jun 25, 2011
@Dana what’s the tension method?
Fee says:
Jun 25, 2011
I blow dry my hair occasionally to ‘stretch’ it as well. I haven’t had any damage thus far. I have used the tension method and it works well and quick too! The tension method is when you hold your hair out at a distance and blow dry your hair up and down the shaft of your hair. Curly Chronicles example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAB-XC4m4YA
~Fee
Kera says:
Jun 26, 2011
I blow dry my hair with a diffuser and it really helps. I want to try twisting it, but I dont know how!
NewNaturalista says:
Jun 27, 2011
@Kera your hair is adorable without the twists – it’s really easy though! I might try doing a tutorial one of these days but there are great ones on YouTube.
Angel says:
Jul 7, 2011
I don’t blow dry because it makes my hair too straight. I am doing banding and sitting under the head dryer.