10 Important Pros And Cons Of Blow Drying Natural Hair | Is The Cold Setting Damaging Too?

Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!

Today I have discussed the Pros And Cons Of Blow Drying Natural Hair and if drying 4c hair on cold hair dryer setting can make a difference or if it’s similarly harmful.

As someone with a head full of natural curls, I’ve had my fair share of hair care adventures. One topic that often arises in my natural hair journey is whether to blow dry or not.

Blow drying natural hair has its advantages and disadvantages, and deciding whether it’s the right choice for your locks can be a bit daunting.

So today in my guide I’ll share my experiences and insights on the pros and cons of blow drying natural hair, along with some tips to help you make an informed decision about your hair care routine. Let’s dive in!

Do you want to know how to use a blow dryer to dry your natural hair? Watch the animation to learn more. #BLMForNaturalHair pic.twitter.com/wPyTdf3iTi
— BLM Naturals (@BLMNaturals) August 30, 2021

Pros and Cons of Blow Drying Natural Hair

Pros of Blow Drying Natural Hair:

1. Faster Drying: Blow drying is undoubtedly the fastest way to dry your hair, making it a convenient option when you’re short on time.

2. Styling Versatility: Blow drying gives you the freedom to style your natural hair in various ways, from sleek and straight to voluminous and bouncy.

3. Stretching Curls: Blow drying on a low heat setting can help stretch out your curls, giving your hair a longer and more relaxed appearance.

4. Reduced Risk of Mildew: Damp hair left to air dry for an extended period can sometimes lead to mildew or an unpleasant smell. Blow drying eliminates this risk.

5. Enhanced Volume: Blow drying your natural hair can add volume and body, especially at the roots, creating a fuller and more dynamic look.

6. Controlled Shrinkage: Blow drying allows you to control the level of shrinkage in your natural curls, letting you achieve your desired length.

7. Sealing Moisture: By using the cool setting, you can seal in moisture, leaving your natural hair hydrated and less prone to frizz.

8. Easier Detangling: Blow drying can make detangling more manageable, as it helps to straighten the hair, making knots and tangles easier to comb through.

9. Long-Lasting Styles: Styles achieved through blow drying often last longer than those created with air drying, helping you enjoy your look for an extended period.

10. Professional Finish: If you desire a polished, salon-quality finish, blow drying is an excellent option to achieve that sleek and refined appearance.

Cons of Blow Drying Natural Hair

1. Heat Damage Risk: Blow dryers emit heat, which can potentially cause heat damage to your natural hair if not used correctly or if used too frequently.

2. Dryness and Frizz: Blow drying can strip your hair of moisture, leading to dryness and frizz, especially if you use high heat settings.

3. Breakage: Excessive or rough blow drying can lead to hair breakage, especially if your hair is already fragile.

4. Loss of Curl Definition: Blow drying can temporarily alter your curl pattern, making your natural curls less defined, which might not be desired for some individuals.

5. Time-Consuming: Although blow drying is faster than air drying, it can still be time-consuming, especially if you have thick or long hair.

6. Noise and Heat Discomfort: Blow dryers can be noisy and emit hot air, which can be uncomfortable, especially during hot weather.

7. Cost: High-quality blow dryers can be expensive, and using them frequently can increase your electricity bills.

8. Product Dependency: Blow drying often requires the use of heat protectants, which can add to your hair care product expenses.

9. Skill Required: Achieving desired results with blow drying can take practice and skill, especially if you’re new to the technique.

10. Over-Reliance on Heat: Frequent blow drying can lead to an over-reliance on heat styling, which may not be the healthiest option for your natural hair in the long run.

Is It Better to Blow Dry or Air Dry Natural Hair?

The choice between blow drying and air drying your natural hair depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and hair goals. Here are some factors to consider when making the decision:

1. Time: Blow drying is faster than air drying, making it a better choice when you’re short on time.

2. Style: Blow drying allows for versatile styling, while air drying typically results in a more natural, curl-defined look.

3. Health: Air drying is generally considered gentler on your natural hair, as it doesn’t expose your locks to direct heat.

4. Texture: Blow drying can temporarily alter your curl pattern, making your natural curls less defined. If you prefer a more defined curl pattern, air drying might be the better option.

5. Weather: In hot and humid weather, air drying might lead to frizz, whereas blow drying can help seal in moisture and combat frizz.

6. Frequency: Consider how frequently you want to blow dry your hair. Excessive heat styling can lead to damage, so balance is key.

Ultimately, the decision between blow drying and air drying should align with your hair care goals. Many naturalistas choose to incorporate both methods into their routines, using blow drying when they need a quick, polished look and air drying for more natural and defined curls.

Will Natural Hair Benefit from Blow Drying Hair on a Cool Setting?

Yes, natural hair can benefit from blow drying in a cool setting. Cool air is less damaging to your hair than hot air and can help seal in moisture, reduce frizz, and set styles. Here are some advantages of using a cool setting for blow drying natural hair:

1. Reduced Heat Damage: Cool air eliminates the risk of heat damage to your hair, making it a safer option for heat styling.

2. Moisture Sealing: Cool air helps seal in moisture, leaving your natural hair hydrated and less prone to frizz.

3. Setting Styles: After styling your hair, using cool air can help set your style in place, ensuring that it lasts longer.

4. Shine and Smoothness: Cool air can add shine and smoothness to your hair, making it look sleek and polished.

To maximize the benefits, start with a warm or lukewarm setting to remove excess moisture and then finish with a cool setting to seal in the style and moisture. This two-step approach can help you achieve the best results with minimal heat damage.

Can I Blow Dry My Hair Every Day Using a Cold Blow Dryer?

Blow drying your hair every day, even with a cold blow dryer, is not recommended for most hair types. Frequent blow drying can lead to several issues, including dryness, frizz, and potential heat damage, even when using cool air. Here are some considerations:

1. Dryness: Blow drying can strip your hair of moisture, leading to dryness and potential breakage, even with cool air.

2. Over-Reliance on Heat: Using any type of blow dryer daily can create an over-reliance on heat styling, which may not be healthy for your natural hair in the long run.

3. Loss of Curl Definition: Frequent blow drying, even with cool air, can temporarily alter your curl pattern, making your natural curls less defined.

4. Styling Balance: Balance is essential in your hair care routine. Consider incorporating air drying or low-heat styling methods to reduce the impact of daily blow drying.

If you find it necessary to blow dry your hair regularly, focus on using the lowest heat setting that achieves your desired results and always use a heat protectant. Additionally, give your hair regular breaks from heat styling to maintain its health and integrity.

Will Blow Drying Natural Hair Every Day Change Its Texture?

Blow drying natural hair every day can potentially alter its texture, especially if high heat settings are used consistently. Over time, excessive heat styling can lead to:

1. Loss of Curl Definition: Daily blow drying can loosen the natural curl pattern, resulting in less defined curls or waves.

2. Dryness and Breakage: Frequent heat styling can strip your hair of moisture, leading to dryness, brittleness, and an increased risk of breakage.

3. Heat Damage: Even with the use of cool air, daily blow drying can still cause heat damage, particularly if higher heat settings are used at any point.

4. Texture Changes: Your hair’s texture may become less uniform and more prone to frizz and flyaways.

To preserve your natural hair texture and health, it’s advisable to limit the frequency of blow drying and incorporate heat-free styling methods into your routine. If you do need to blow dry, use the lowest heat setting necessary and always apply a heat protectant.

Will 4C Hair Texture Get Damaged by Blow Drying?

Blow drying can potentially damage 4C hair texture, just as it can with other hair types. 4C hair is known for its tight coils and is often considered more fragile. Here are some considerations when blow drying 4C hair:

1. Heat Sensitivity: 4C hair can be more sensitive to heat, making it crucial to use low to moderate heat settings during blow drying.

2. Moisture Preservation: 4C hair tends to be naturally drier, so it’s essential to use heat protectants and products that help seal in moisture when blow drying.

3. Gentle Handling: Treat your 4C hair with care when blow drying, using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to detangle, and avoid excessive tension.

4. Infrequent Blow Drying: Given the potential for damage, it’s advisable to limit blow drying 4C hair to occasional use rather than daily styling.

5. Cool Air: Whenever possible, use the cool air setting to minimize heat damage while still achieving your desired style.

Ultimately, 4C hair can benefit from blow drying when done with caution, proper preparation, and gentle handling. However, it’s crucial to avoid excessive heat and overuse, as these can lead to damage and texture changes.

Should You Blow Dry 4C Natural Hair Before Braiding It?

Blow drying 4C natural hair before braiding can be a helpful step in the braiding process, but it’s not always necessary. Here are some considerations:

1. Easier Styling: Blow drying can make your 4C hair easier to manipulate and braid, as it stretches the hair and reduces shrinkage.

2. Smoother Finish: Blow drying can create a smoother and neater appearance for your braids.

3. Longer-Lasting Style: Braids done on blow-dried hair may last longer and hold their shape better.

4. Reduced Tension: Blow drying can reduce the tension on your hair during the braiding process, making it a more comfortable experience.

However, it’s important to prioritize the health of your 4C hair. If your hair is already prone to dryness or damage, excessive blow drying can exacerbate these issues. Consider the following tips:

– Use the lowest heat setting possible when blow drying.

– Apply a heat protectant before blow drying.

– Limit the frequency of blow drying, aiming for occasional use rather than daily styling.

– Ensure your hair is adequately moisturized before and after blow drying.

In summary, blow drying 4C natural hair before braiding can be beneficial for ease of styling and a neater finish, but it should be done with care and moderation to avoid potential damage. Always prioritize the health and integrity of your hair when making styling decisions.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.