Top Tips For Blowing Drying Your Hair The Right Way

When it comes to using heat on my relaxed hair I try to use as little as possible. That’s probably why I’m not even sure if my flat iron works anymore. In the instances I do use heat I make sure to use a heat protectant and take certain steps to minimize the damage from the heat.

When I’m halfway through my typical 12-week relaxer stretch I start using a blow dryer on my hair to help blow out my hair to give it a smooth look. This means that once a week for about six weeks I’m using heat on my hair. Cue the cringe.

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I’ve recently had some issues with breakage, dry scalp, and my hair tends to be on the dry side. So blow drying my hair for six weeks straight could make all of that worse. Except, I’ve come up with a blow-dry routine that does minimal if any, damage to my hair.

I share that routine in this video. You’ll see what types of products I use, the level of heat, and my method of applying tension. Basically my blow-dry routine.

Here are some key tips that you can take away from my blow dry routine:

Don’t blow dry on sopping wet hair

It takes longer so you’re applying more heat to your hair which ups the chance of causing damage. When I have time I like to let my hair dry to probably about 60-70% dry.

Related read: My 5 Best Heat Protectants For Relaxed Hair

Use a good blow dryer

A good blow dryer should shorten your blow-drying time. It should also have multiple settings so you can pick your level of heat and fan speed.

The blow dryer I'm using right now is from Hot Tools Professional. It's the Tourmaline Tools 2000 Turbo Ionic Dryer. It has three heat settings. I use the medium and low. It also has a cold shot. The comb attachment is smooth and isn’t sharp so it’s not snagging my hair. And it's tourmaline ionic which drys the hair quicker with less damage and frizz.

Use a heat protectant

You’ll see better results when you do and your hair will thank you. Plus, there are so many good heat protectants out there that do more than protect your hair.

Two of my favorite protectants are Mielle Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray and Silk Elements MegaSilk Olive Heat Protectant Spray. I use the Mielle one on a regular basis.

Work in sections

You’ll get smoother results, your hair will dry quicker, and you’ll have more control over the results. Plus working in sections lessens the chance of over-drying your hair.

Use your hair products

Don’t be afraid to layer on the hair products. When my hair is wet I apply a heat protectant and a liquid leave-in conditioner like the Mielle White Peony Leave-in Conditioner. When my hair is about 90% dry I'll apply a cream leave-in conditioner like the TGIN Green Tea Super Moist. 

Once my hair is dry I either apply some more leave-in conditioner and then a natural oil or just apply the natural oil. The natural oil helps to seal in the moisture and gives my hair some shine.

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