Blow drying natural hair is not that easy. It is particularly difficult when you have curl types 3 and 4. Water gets confined to the hair because of the curls and may consume more time to dry up.

Protecting your curly and kinky hair while blow-drying to prevent heat damage is important. Hair can turn hard and brittle if proper care is not taken while using heating equipment. Moreover, blow-drying hair in winters takes much more effort and time. But, fret not. This article provides a step-by-step guide for you to blow-dry natural hair. Read on.

How To Blow Dry Natural Hair Without Damage

Things You Need 

• Herbal oil (olive, almond, or argan oils)
• Organic shea butter
• A good heat protectant
• Blow dryer (preferably with a brush attachment)
• A comb
• Clips or hairbands to hold hair sections 

Easy Natural Hair Blow Drying Tutorial

Step 1: Start with shampooed and towel-dried hair.

Step 2: Oil the hair roots and strands.

Step 3: Apply shea butter to moisturize the hair strands and smoothen the cuticles.

Step 4: Part your hair into two sections and coat each strand with the hair moisturizer.

Step 5: Secure one hair section with a clip or hairband.

Step 6: Spray a heat protectant on the other section, covering each strand.

Step 7: Blow dry a small section of your hair on a medium to high heat setting. Use a brush blow dryer with a brush attachment to make it easy. You can also use a traditional blow dryer and comb.

Step 8: Pass the blow dryer through each section quickly to prevent heat damage.

Step 9: Apply more shea butter to each hair section and the scalp.

Step 10: After a quick pause, run the blow dryer through your hair one last time.

Step 11: Lightly comb your hair.

Final Result: Voila! Your hair is dry without heat damage!

Before And After Blow Drying Natual Hair

This is the safest way to blow dry your curly hair. It has multiple benefits. 

Benefits Of Blow Drying Natural Hair 

• Prevents Tangles: Curly hair is fragile, and detangling the knots often causes hair breakage and split ends. Blow drying can prevent tangles and keep your hair knot-free.
• Easy To Maintain: Blow drying your hair keeps it smooth and minimizes frizz. This keeps your hair healthy, soft, and shiny.
• Adds Volume And Length: Curls can shrink as much as almost 75% of their true length. Blow drying volumizes them, adds length, and makes them appear straighter. It is an easy way to add oomph to your hairstyle.
  • Prevents Damp Hair Problems: A damp scalp is a breeding ground for microbes, which may cause scalp odor and weaken the hair follicles. Damp hair is also breakage-prone. Blow drying your hair can help prevent all these issues.

 You can reap these benefits only if you blow dry your hair safely. Here are some more tips to blow dry your hair without heat damage. Scroll down. 

More Tips To Blow Dry Natural Hair Safely 

• Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo.
• Use a microfiber towel to dry your scalp and hair.
• Use your fingers to untangle big knots and a fine-toothed comb to detangle smaller knots.
• Always section your hair and secure each of them with clips or bands.
• Apply a natural hair oil and a hair moisturizer (preferably shea butter) for extra hydration.
• Use a good heat protectant to prevent heat damage.
• When blow drying, work on smaller sections to ensure you cover each hair strand.
• Apply a light oil for shine and smoothness after blow drying.
• If you wash your hair twice a week, use a hair mask once a week.
• Use a leave-in conditioner to smoothen frizz and nourish damaged and dry hair.
• When at home, secure your hair in a bun and wrap a scarf around. You can use the scarf to protect your hair from UV damage.
• Always massage your hair with coconut oil the night before you wash and blow dry it.

These points will ensure that your natural hair remains protected even during blow drying. Now, the question is, how long does the blow dry last? Scroll down for the answer.

How Long Does The Blow Dry Last?

A blow dry can last for 1-2 days. Blow drying only dries your hair, while blowout helps restyle your curls and straighten them. As long as you comb your hair and prevent friction by securing it with a scarf while sleeping, your hair will stay as fresh as newly washed hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to blow dry natural hair?

Yes. As long as you take necessary precautions before blow-drying, follow the correct steps, and provide proper care to your hair, it is safe to blow dry natural hair.

Is it better to blow dry natural hair wet or dry?

It is recommended to avoid blow-drying when the hair is too wet. Blow-drying damp hair is fine, or you may air dry it for 30 mins to an hour before blow-drying.

How often should you blow-dry natural hair?

If your natural hair is in a good, healthy condition, you can blow dry it once a week. However, if your hair is damaged, it is better to limit blow-drying to once a fortnight.

Can I put coconut oil on my hair before blow-drying?

Yes. Applying a small amount of coconut oil on your hair before blow-drying can protect it from heat damage.

Can you blow-dry natural hair without a heat protectant?

No. Using heat protectants will shield your hair from heat damage. Therefore, do not miss this step in the process.