Are you wondering whether it is better to blow dry your hair or straighten it? Well, there are many factors that go into this choice. For instance, if you want a sleek look then straightening may be the best option. However, if you have textured hair and want to add some volume when drying- maybe choose the blow dryer! If you’re not sure which one will work for your needs check out our article on how to find the perfect heat setting for your type of hair.
Blow-Dry or Hair Straightener
Both the blow dryer and hair straightener can be used for different reasons. The blow-dryer can help to tame your locks, add volume and lift to them if you have curly or wavy hair types, as well as reduce frizz by adding moisture back into the hair. Whereas a hair straightener is great for those with straight or wavy hair types who want to make their hair look sleek and flat.
Hair Dryer is great for adding volume to your hair.
You can use this product with or without the diffuser attachment, depending on what you need for your particular look. If you’re looking for a sleeker style then straightening will be your best bet. Start by applying thermal protection spray to the ends of your hair and working it up towards the roots, then section your hair out and apply the straightener to each piece. Make sure it’s fully heated before applying and never pass over a piece of hair more than twice!
When using a straightening iron follow the same method as with the blow dryer, only you’ll need to ensure that your whole head has been covered with the product before beginning.
Related: Best Hair Straighteners on a Budget
Flat iron
The hair straightener may be the best option for you if your hair tends to get very dry, or you have hair that is more textured than straight. The downside of this product is that it can cause some heat damage on less healthy strands due to how powerful it is, so make sure you’re using maximum protection before beginning.
The blow dryer may be better for your hair if you are prone to frizziness or simply have finer strands that tend to get weighed down too quickly. The heat of the dryer can also help mask any unevenness, allowing it to be easier to style.
How to use them
Make sure you are using the right heat setting for your type of hair. The less healthy or textured it is, the higher the temperature should be, while healthier strands will need to be kept on a lower heat.
The most effective way to use either of them is in small sections. If you are working in larger pieces it’s harder to control and more likely that you will burn yourself or damage your hair.
As far as heat-protecting sprays go, it’s best to use one with the product because this will help provide a barrier between your hair and the heat source.
If you are using a blow dryer:
Hold it around 8 inches away from your head and keep the nozzle rotating. The airflow should be directed away from your face, not directly into it.
Don’t hold it too close to the roots as this can create a ‘fluffier’ look which is harder to style and will fall faster than the regular bounce of unburnt hair.
If you are using a Straightener:
Switch it on at a medium temperature and allow it to heat up before you begin. Use some thermal spray as well as a heat-protecting serum or hair oil.
Don’t use your straightener if it’s wet, because hair is most susceptible to heat damage when wet and can quickly burn under the direct heat of a flat iron. Soak your hair in water until it’s damp, not soaking wet.
Apply some serum, oil or wax to the section of your hair you are about to straighten. The more oil there is, the straighter it will be but this isn’t necessarily a good thing if that’s not what you’re after!
Don’t hold the flat iron on one spot for too long, because this can burn the hair. Start off with a lower heat setting if you are unsure.
Benefits of using them
- They provide volume and shine, as well as making the hair all one length.
- They create a silkier finish than blow-drying alone.
- They minimize frizz and can protect against heat damage if used correctly.
- Drawbacks:
- Overuse of either straighteners or blow dryers can damage your hair, causing split ends and breakage.
- If you straighten your hair every day, it will weaken and damage the shaft of your hair.
- Don’t use these tools too often as this will cause heat damage which can lead to limp, dry-looking hair.
- The combined effect of these two appliances is a lot of heat on the hair which is not good for anyone with fine hair.
- Most importantly, neither are designed for straightening or shaping your hair!
- The correct tools are hot irons that are designed with the sole purpose of making the tresses sleek and shiny.
- There are various types available ranging from flat irons to curling tongs so you can choose how you want to style
When not to use them
- If you have a beautiful head of hair, it can be tempting to use a hairdryer or a curling tong every day. However, if you want your locks to last as long as possible, these appliances are not the best choice.
- Using too much heat on your hair will dry it out and make it more prone to split ends and breakage.
- recently, neither is designed for straightening or shaping your hair!
- The correct tools are hot irons that are designed with the sole purpose of making the tresses sleek and shiny.
- There are various types available ranging from flat irons to curling tongs so you can choose how you want your hair to look.
- We’ll be outlining what each tool is for and which you should choose depending on the style you want.
Tips for using these tools wisely and effectively
- Weight of your hair
If your hair is fine, you should use less heat. If it’s thick, opt for a high-temperature setting to give the curls some extra ‘oomph. This will prevent your mane from looking limp and lifeless. For more advice on how best to dry or curl fine or thin hair visit our homepage.
- Length of your hair
The longer your locks, the bigger the curls. If you have short hair and want to create a very tight curl or ringlets, use a professional tong. You can take them out quickly if you don’t like the look, which is ideal for experimenting with different styles. To learn more about minimizing heat damage on fine hair visit our homepage.
- The right product
Start with a mousse or lightweight serum – these will add some extra help in the styling department. If it’s humid outside, gloss spray is a must-have for frizz-free locks that stay looking shiny and healthy. For more info on how to get salon-quality results at home see our homepage.
The blow Drying
To get the best results from your tongue, all you have to do is follow these simple steps. When using a professional tong, take small sections of hair and place them inside the tong vertically so that they are not lying flat against each other. This will allow heat to reach every strand of hair and give you a much better result.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it is safer to use a lower heat setting because smaller sections mean less damage. If you don’t want to risk putting too much strain on your hair then invest in a thermal protector, which should be applied to each section before tongs are passed through it. This will help to protect against the heat and give a smoother result.
When you have finished tonging, ensure that you brush your hair through with a comb so that you get rid of any ‘frizzies’ or stray strands. Then leave it down for an hour before using the straighteners so that product has time to take effect.
Conclusion:
Dryers come with heat settings that can go up to 200 degrees. Using a hair straightener at the same temperature you use for dry hair will damage your hair even more because it will still be wet, which is an experience I have been through and trust me it’s not worth it!!!