A shampoo day is already a challenge. But add a long drying time to the mix, and it becomes even more difficult to get through the day. While all hair types naturally have different drying times, hair that takes too long to dry is a potential sign that something is wrong. How can you speed up the process and dry your hair quickly?
Content5 Reasons Why Hair Takes a Long Time to Dry How to Dry Hair Quickly: Use a Microfiber Towel Don't Prolong the Drying Process How to Dry Hair Quickly: It's Easier with Heavy Styling Products Wash Your Hair Thoroughly How to Dry Hair Quickly: Use Products That Accelerate Drying Split Hair
WomanEL lists the problems and causes , due to which the hair dries for a long time. You will also get some useful tips from hairdressers.
5 Reasons Why Your Hair Takes a Long Time to Dry
It's obvious that people with longer or thicker hair tend to air dry their hair longer after washing it. However, there are other reasons that can affect how long it takes to dry your hair.
- Hair texture. Your hair texture can play a role. If your hair has a naturally curly or wavy texture, the airflow from your blow dryer may take longer to reach all of your hair strands, says hairstylist Sarah Potempa.
- Hair porosity. Hair porosity, which is related to its structure, determines how well your hair absorbs moisture. It is one of the determining factors in how long it will take your hair to dry. “If your hair has high porosity, it absorbs and releases water more easily. Therefore, it takes less time to dry. Hair with low porosity holds more moisture, so strands dry more slowly,” explains Potempa.
- Product build-up. “Product build-up or not rinsing it out properly can also cause your hair to take longer to dry,” says hairstylist Joey Scandizzo.
- Humid environment. High humidity slows down the evaporation of moisture. And cold temperatures reduce the effectiveness of air drying. So a humid environment in your home or elsewhere will prolong the drying process.
- Improper drying. Wrapping wet hair in a towel without wringing out excess water will also slow down the drying process.
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How to dry your hair quickly: use a microfiber towel
Unlike regular cotton towels, microfiber towels absorb more water and prevent your hair from frizzing. “They are also more gentle on your hair and prevent it from becoming brittle,” says hairdresser Olya Yudina. “After washing your hair, squeeze out all the water, and then gently do the same with a microfiber towel. It is very important not to rub your hair with it to minimize friction.”
Don't delay the drying process
Try not to tie your hair up in a ponytail, bun, or anything else. This traps moisture in the lower layers of your hair and significantly extends the air-drying time. Instead, wear your hair loose so that air can reach all the strands.
How to dry hair quickly: easier with heavy styling products
According to Yudina, don't use too much heavy conditioner or styling products like balms and creams every time you wash your hair. They can be used sparingly. But too much can weigh down your hair and create a build-up of residue, which will increase drying time.
Rinse your hair thoroughly
Scandizzo advises paying close attention to rinsing shampoo and conditioner out of your hair to make sure every last drop is removed. “It’s really important to rinse your hair thoroughly after washing. Especially if you’re using heavy conditioners,” he says. “If the product is left on, it creates a barrier on the hair cuticle, which makes it take longer to dry.”
How to dry your hair quickly: Use products that accelerate drying
If you blow-dry your hair, choose a spray that speeds up drying time. “They can speed up the blow-drying process by 20-30%,” says Yudina. “Apply the product to damp hair and distribute it evenly. Then blow-dry and smooth your hair with a blow-dryer and a comb.”
Part your hair
In addition to using products that speed up the drying time with a blow-dryer, it’s also a good idea to divide your hair into sections. This allows you to completely dry one section at a time. “Make sure one section is completely dry before moving on to the next. This speeds up the drying process and traps less moisture between the strands,” explains Potempa. “This is especially helpful for those with thick or textured hair.”
Don't ignore these hair symptoms. If you notice them, you need to wash your hair more often.