Is It Actually Better To Air Dry Your Hair?

I know I am not the only one who was constantly told growing up to air dry as much as possible and to avoid hot tools when you can. However, with higher-quality tools backed by science (like the Dyson), the question of whether air drying is actually better has now surfaced. As someone who is incredibly passionate about hair care, scalp care, and science-backed evidence, I’m here to give my opinion on the subject.

I am going to start by giving you my honest answer on this debated question, then I will explain my why! Ultimately, while air drying might seem like the gentler, more natural option, it's not always the best choice when it comes to maintaining a healthy hair and scalp.

What Does The Science Say?

 A recent study published on the impact of hair drying methods provides some incredibly telling insights. The study assessed how different drying methods (air drying vs. blow drying at various temperatures) affect hair’s surface, moisture content, and color. Surprisingly, the study found that while blow drying can cause surface damage to the hair cuticle, air drying can actually damage the inner cell membrane complex (CMC) of the hair. This CMC damage likely occurs because hair remains wet for prolonged periods, which can weaken the structure of the hair at a deeper level. Additionally, the study confirmed that using a hair dryer at a controlled distance of 15 cm with moderate heat causes significantly less damage than air drying and much less damage than high-heat drying methods. Make sure to watch my tiktok were I also cover this subject!

How Tools Can Be Better For Your Hair/Scalp Than Air Drying 

While I truly believe the science speaks for itself, I do think it’s worth listing out all of the reasons I personally chose to stop air drying over 3 years ago, and will only use tools like my Dyson. By the way this is 100% NOT SPONSORED. As a science geek I love the tech behind the Dyson lineup and have seen first hand what it’s done to my own hair health. 

• Heat Control Technology: As I mentioned in the section above, the temperature you are blow drying your hair is everything! Unlike traditional blow dryers, the Dyson offers highly controlled heat settings, which means it doesn’t expose your hair to the damaging high temperatures that cheaper tools might. The technology in the Dyson monitors the heat output and adjusts to keep your hair safe from heat damage. Air drying, on the other hand, leaves hair wet for an extended period, which, according to this study, can make the cuticle swell and lead to frizz, breakage, and even damage to the CMC.

• Protecting Your Scalp: Air drying can sometimes leave your scalp damp for too long, leading to potential issues like fungus or dandruff. Using a high-quality tool helps dry the scalp quickly and safely, reducing the risk of these problems. Remember, excessive exposure to moisture over long periods can be just as damaging as high heat, particularly for the inner structure of the hair. If you’re not a fan of the Airwrap, the Dyson Nural is my favorite standalone dryer from the brand because it automatically reduces heat as the tool moves closer to your scalp to preserve your scalp health. 

• Even Drying: Beyond the health of your hair and scalp I want to also acknowledge that by using high quality products, you will also receive an even distributed airflow. This means your hair dries faster and more consistently (this is especially helpful if you have curly or wavy hair). 

• Ionizing Technology: Tools like the Dyson also feature ionizing technology, which helps break down water molecules faster, reducing drying time and smoothing the hair cuticle. I truly believe this leaves my hair so much shinier!

• Customizable Settings: These types of tools offer various speed and heat settings, so users can tailor the drying experience to their hair type. For example, someone with finer hair might prefer a cooler, gentler setting, while someone with thicker hair could use a higher heat setting to get a quicker, smooth finish.

When Air Drying Might Be Better than Cheaper Blow Dryers 

I promise I am not just taking back everything I just said, but I do think it’s important to acknowledge that there are absolutely times when air drying might be better, particularly if your alternative is a high-heat blow dryer. These types of dryers often lack heat control, which just leads to excessive heat exposure, overall causing damage over time.

I also want to acknowledge that I know some of the tools I am mentioning in this blog, like the Dyson, are at a high price point. If what makes sense for you and your budget right now is an everyday blow dryer, that is absolutely okay! If this is the case, I would just suggest being a little more mindful of how often you use it. You want to make sure you’re using low heat, staying about 15 cm from the hair and using continuous motion at all times!

Pro Tip: Whether you’re using the Dyson or another blow dryer, I ALWAYS recommend applying a heat protectant to shield your hair from potential damage. One of my favorites is Color Wow (it’s literally one of my holy grail hair products), which creates a protective barrier around the hair while also helping to enhance shine and reduce frizz.

With all of this being said, I think it’s worth going back to our original question, “is air drying actually better for your hair?” Ultimately, I stand by this answer: it depends. If you’re using a high-end tool like the Dyson, blow drying is often the better option because of its ability to control heat, provide even drying, and protect both your hair and scalp. And if you’re not, you can still incorporate the simple rules mentioned about to make your drying experience more healthy for your hair!

If you have the Dyson but aren’t sure how to maximize its use, take a peek at my absolute favorite way to style my hair using the Dyson Airwrap. Also, if you have any other questions for me like this one, send my way! I will try to cover it in a blog post or in a solo q&a podcast episode.

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and may contain products gifted in PR. This means that I may earn a small commission when you purchase via these links at no additional cost to you (thank you! It helps me keep things up and running)… As always I ONLY recommend products, goods and services that I stand behind and personally love and use.