Blow-Dry Hair Routine

The routine at a glance

1. 1Detangle before heat
2. 2Blot, never rub
3. 3Dry in sections, low heat
4. 4Finish cool, then stop

The 4 steps

1. Detangle before heat. Hair is delicate when it is wet, so use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to detangle wet hair. Work dry sections first, then damp ones, one small section at a time.
2. Blot, never rub. Press water out with a soft towel in sections. Roughly rubbing your hair dry can cause damage. Then blot the lengths dry and start the dryer.
3. Dry in sections, low heat. Excessive heat can cause damage, so limit blow drying and use of tools like flat or curling irons. Use the lowest dryer setting that still moves air, then finish with cool air for a minute.
4. Finish cool, then stop. Switch to the cool setting for the last minute and let the style set. Then put the dryer away — the routine ends when the heat does.

Two mistakes that undo the routine

• Rubbing with a towel first — roughly rubbing your hair dry can cause damage, so press and pat the lengths instead.
• High heat all over, every day — excessive heat can cause damage, so limit blow drying and use the dryer less often, more gently.