Washing your hair is a relaxing ritual, but the long drying time can feel like an eternity, especially if you rely on a hair dryer or diffuser, which is the case for most of us. For those with curly hair, this drying period is even more daunting, often leading many to wash their hair less frequently.
The first step in finding out why your hair dries so slowly is with the structure of the hair. The first step is to compare hair thickness. The longer someone waits for the hair to dry, is because the amount of water in each strand is more, simply because the diameter of that strand is more based on that person’s hair thickness. Fine hair has less volume per strand, is lighter, and will take less time for moisture to evaporate.
Hair porosity plays a significant role in drying time. High porosity hair allows water to pass in and out easily, leading to quicker drying, while low porosity hair retains moisture longer because, as hairstylist Leigh Hardges notes, these coarser strands hold onto more water. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist, agrees that a hair’s porosity indeed affects how fast water evaporates.
Drying time is also influenced by hair type. Because hair does not lie flat on curly and coily hair types, more twists and turns are formed trapping moisture and slowing down the drying process. Tiffany Minyon, a hairstylist, notes that while air moved through curls or coils is circled, it struggles to move through the waves or straight hair.
Don’t overlook hair density either; what many believe to be thick hair might just be dense, packed with numerous strands. This density prevents air circulation, as Hardges explains, making the drying process considerably longer.
Interestingly, healthy hair might also take a bit longer to dry. According to Hardges and Zeichner, a slower drying time can actually indicate a well-moisturized hair shaft. Conversely, damaged hair dries faster because its cuticles are more open, allowing moisture to escape rapidly.
The amount of product and water left on your hair after a shower can also add to drying time. The more water and products your hair has, the longer it will take to air dry. While this may be frustrating to those who want instant results, Minyon reminds us that this could be a sign of healthy hair, since it means the hair is hydrated just fine.
Knowing these factors helps you understand the drying of your hair and how to speed that up. Wash day doesn’t have to be so daunting if you know how to work with your hair’s unique properties and can use effective drying strategies.
You don’t have to endure a 30-minute drying session that feels like torture. By using the right techniques and tools, you can significantly cut down on drying time while keeping your hair healthy. This article offers practical tips to make your hair drying routine more efficient and less of a chore.
The first thing to understand is your hair’s specific needs. Using the right products is one of the simplest things to do to speed up drying. For reasons, quick dry sprays are an excellent option and have become popular. The purpose of these sprays is to assist with the speed at which the hair dries, as the hair can carry less water in it. “Oh, they are really a great tool,” says seasoned hairstylist Leigh Hardges, who recommends them for being able to cut down on drying time significantly.
Choosing the right towel is a simple yet highly effective method that’s often overlooked. Traditional terrycloth towels can be harsh on hair, leading to frizz and breakage. Opting for a microfiber towel or even a soft cotton shirt is a better choice, as these are gentler and more absorbent, wicking away moisture faster. This small change not only speeds up drying but also helps preserve your hair’s natural curl pattern and texture.
If you have curly or coily hair, you should be saturating and shaping your curls. The funny thing is, it might sound counterintuitive but really, letting your curls get properly saturated with water before you apply styling product will actually make drying more efficient. Curly hair specialist Tiffany Minyon recommends that you pray hands or scrunch on the products to distribute them evenly. But this not only picks up curl definition, it allows for a faster drying time because the products are more easily absorbed.
Another technique that will be quite useful to those who have longer hair is air drying. If you allow your hair to air dry to a certain point before applying heat to it, you won’t damage the natural curl pattern or structure. If you’re going to use a diffuser, skipping this step can really help. Minyon adds that this step is vital to keep your curl intact while also speeding up the drying process.
In matters of using heat, it’s about the right tools and settings. A great hair dryer can cut down the time it takes to dry your hair by a dramatic amount. At this point, you should look for a dryer with sophisticated technology, and several settings, to prevent damage from heat to your hair. Drying with the use of a nozzle attachment may concentrate the airflow and this will speed up the process as well increase its effectiveness?
Sectioning your hair is another helpful technique that ensures air reaches every strand. This method not only speeds up drying but also results in a more even finish. Try clipping or tying your hair into manageable sections and working through each one methodically for the best results.
Applying these tips in your wash day routine will make you wash your hairs no more than a dreaded chore but a fun, quick and less time consuming routine. Don’t worry; if you’re using quick dry sprays, making investments in the right tools, or just changing your towel, each of the small changes you make has an impact that leads to a faster and much more efficient drying experience.
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Why Your Hair Takes So Long to Dry (And How To Speed Up the Process)
