Does Hair Dryer Cause Hair Fall? (Explained)
There is a common myth that using a blow dryer is harmful since the extreme heat might cause your hair to fall out. Is this actually the case?
Let’s go right to the point.
Using a hairdryer usually does not result in hair loss. However, you must use the hairdryer carefully and safely.
Reasons Why Hair Dryer Won’t Cause Hair Loss
The Temperature Is Relatively Safe
If you use your hairdryer correctly, your hair should be 12–15 inches away from the nozzle. The surface of your strands will not be burned, allowing you to keep your hair in good condition.
If you hold the blow dryer too near to your hair, it will become very dry and brittle. The proteins in your hair will lose their nutrition, resulting in split ends and frizz.
If the condition worsens, the intense heat will harm your scalp, causing your hair follicles to stop developing and your hair to fall out.
That is why some people claim that using a hairdryer causes their hair to fall out.
They produce negative ions and infrared heat
Nowadays, the majority of blow dryers have an ionic generator, which aids in making your hair smooth and soft. This will protect your hair from damage caused by excessive heat, as well as lessen the chance of hair loss caused by dryness.
Also, an infrared hair dryer is excellent for protecting damaged hair. Because of the advantages of infrared heat, you don’t need a lot of heat to complete the task.
Infrared heat is soothing and won’t hurt your scalp; it’s ideal for scalp irritation and dermatitis. Infrared blow dryers will be at the top of our list for minimizing hair loss.
How to Prevent Your Hair From Getting Damaged?
1. Use Hair Dryer Protectant
Heat protectant products are intended to provide a protective finish to hair. They moisten your hair, preventing it from being readily harmed by wind.
Also, the nutrients in the heat protectant can infiltrate your tresses, resulting in a more lustrous and smooth blowout.
If frizz hair is a constant irritation for you, applying a blow dryer protectant is an excellent method to protect your hair before it begins to come out due to dryness and dullness.
2. Use Medium Temperature
One thing to keep in mind is that too hot airflow might burn your hair and aggravate your scalp.
Even if you don’t have any symptoms right now, extreme heat will ruin your hair in the future.
As a result, always adjust the heat setting to a level appropriate for your hair type. Especially for persons with thin, fine hair, which is more vulnerable and easily damaged.
Keep in mind that if you have kinky 4c natural hair, you need to keep a decent distance to lessen the temperature as well.
4. Directions of Blow Drying
Aside from keeping a safe distance, you should blow dry your hair in a downward direction to reduce blow-drying damage.
Brush your hair softly and move it to the end, directing airflow to the hair roots. This is the healthiest and most secure method of drying your hair.
It may cause your hair to be less voluminous than blow drying upwards. But are you concerned about hair loss? Then this is the right drying method to use.
How to Avoid Dry Scalp When Blow Drying Your Hair?
To say the least, the irritation and flaking caused by a dry scalp may be aggravating.
Moisture is removed by the hair dryer’s artificial heat. Even using an excellent conditioner can only benefit the hair. Of course, on a higher setting, the hair drying procedure, which is conducted multiple times each week, would remove even more of the scalp’s natural moisture.
If you wash your hair with chemical-based shampoo every day, bleach or color it, use curling tongs or a hot iron, and so on, it will have an effect on the health of your scalp. If you have a medical issue, such as scalp psoriasis, your body will undoubtedly alert you to the fact that something is wrong.
In this section, we will discuss why hair dryers cause the scalp to become excessively dry. We’ll also give you some pointers on how to maintain your scalp and hair healthily. Using a hairdryer correctly does not have to result in a dry and flaky scalp. Let’s take a closer look at this.
Why Do We Get Dry Scalp When We Blow Dry Our Hair?
Many of us are rushing out the door in the morning to take a shower and go to work. This is alright, but not if you use a high-heat hair dryer.
Remember: When blow drying your hair, use the lowest setting and hold it around 6 inches away from your head. This is the only method to keep the dryer’s heat from burning your scalp.
Yes, depending on how long or thick your hair is, it will take longer, but if your scalp is already dry, it will not worsen the situation.
When you utilize heated air near to your scalp, you are not only removing moisture from the skin, but you are also clogging the pores. Hair products will settle on your skin and clog your pores if you use them.
This causes the scalp to become drier since sebum is unable to do its function.
Just because you use a hair conditioner in combination with your shampoo does not guarantee that it will make a difference. Hair conditioners are particularly designed for the hair. The hair’s roots and shafts, in particular. You should use something that will moisturize and protect your scalp as well as your hair.
Can Dry Scalp from Using a Hair Dryer Cause Hair Loss?
A dry scalp, for whatever reason, might result in hair loss. If the scalp is not properly nourished, the hair roots will be deprived of critical vitamins and nutrients.
The supply of oxygenated blood will be limited. This also occurs when people cease smoking or immediately after quitting cigarettes.
The drier your scalp becomes, the more damaged your hair becomes. And, in certain situations, it might result in hair breakage and loss. But you don’t have to wait for dry scalp to get this terrible if you take action right away.
How Can You Keep the Scalp in Good Condition?
If you want to use a hair dryer, there are several precautions you can take to safeguard your scalp. The first step, though, is to take action to eliminate the dryness. Here are a few things you can do to assist:
If you have a dry scalp, you should not use shampoo every day. Wash your hair on alternate days, and you’ll quickly reduce the frequency with which you need to blow dry your hair by half.
Reduce the heat setting and move the hair dryer away from your head. Allow the chilly air to dry your hair.
Clean the Pores to Heal Dry Scalp
The use of apple cider vinegar can aid in the healing of a dry scalp. It includes acetic acid and has a pH level that is nearly identical to that of the scalp. Simply combine it with a little water and massage it into your scalp gently. Allow it to soak in for approximately 10 minutes before washing it out with shampoo.
Learn how to apply a hair mask for a dry scalp. It’s simple to use and can be beneficial for removing dryness.
While blow drying your hair might cause a dry scalp, there are techniques to treat it. However, continue to dry your hair on the lowest setting until the dryness is gone.
You should have no more issues as long as you maintain your scalp healthy and nourished.
Is it possible for a hair dryer to cause dandruff?
While not harmful to your health, dandruff can be a nuisance. Aside from the itching and flakes on your head and clothes, it can also be difficult to cure. This is due to the fact that dandruff is produced and worsened by a variety of reasons.
It might be an allergic response, the type of water you’re using, or even the hair products in your bathroom.
As a result, you may be focused on the wrong fundamental problem.
Hair dryness is a typical cause of dandruff that many people overlook. If you often blow dry your hair and neither shampoo nor conditioner is working to get rid of dandruff, your hair dryer might be to blame.
How does hair drying cause dandruff?
You’re probably aware that a hair drier works by blowing heat into your hair. When that heat hits your scalp, it dries it out. The degree of drying will be determined by the duration and quantity of time exposed to heat.
A dry scalp is more prone to dandruff, especially in persons who are already predisposed to the problem, such as those with sensitive scalps or dry skin.
So, if you expose your scalp to too much heat for an extended period of time, the heat will take away your hair’s natural hydration and oils.
It erodes your scalp’s anti-dandruff barrier. You’ll see scaly flakes peeling off your hair over time, especially when you scratch your head.
It is important to note that the condition you are experiencing may not always be dandruff, but rather flaky skin cells flaking off your head. Both diseases, however, can be caused and worsened by hair drying.
Other dangers of hair drying
If you dry your hair on high heat for an extended period of time, you may suffer itching on your dry scalp. Because there is no protective barrier, the itching will be worse if you have a sensitive or allergic scalp.
Scalp redness is another symptom that your hair drier is causing harm. This is a symptom that is frequently related to dandruff. It is generally caused by inflammation, which occurs as a result of your natural protective barrier being compromised.
Heat dehydrates your hair by reducing the quantity of water on your scalp. Your hair loses its silky, supple look. It becomes drab, dry, and scraggly. As it loses strength, it becomes more prone to splitting and breaking.
If your hair was already thinning, it might get worse.
How to Dry Your Hair Safely
I’m not suggesting that you stop drying your hair entirely. It’s still a terrific method to shape your hair and smooth out frizz. You simply need to be extra cautious when doing so.
Here are some pointers to get you started.
1. Purchase the proper hair dryer.
A hair dryer is one of those items on which you should spend a little extra money. It is worthwhile to invest in a more costly hair dryer that not only performs better but also protects your hair and scalp.
Quality hair dryers provide a plethora of features that contribute to better-looking and healthier hair. Heat and speed settings, infrared heat, and ionic technology are among them.
Ionic dryers, for example, contain technology that allows them to dry out moisture faster, minimizing the amount of time your hair is exposed to heat.
2. Use the lowest heat setting possible.
The higher the temperature of the hair drier, the more damage it will do to your hair and scalp. The amount of harm is reduced when the heat is reduced.
Most hair dryers include a number of heat settings that allow you to regulate the temperature. Use the lowest heat setting at all times.
3. Make use of the proper hair drying technique.
Bringing the hair drier too near to your head is a typical error. This exposes you to more heat, particularly on your scalp. Position the hair dryer as far away from your hair as possible while still styling it. You should avoid directing the hair drier straight at your hair roots and scalp, as this is where the most damage happens.
Also, avoid directing too much heat to certain places. Instead, evenly dry your hair. More harm will be done if there is too much heat in one area.
It’s also a good idea to let your hair air dry before using a hair dryer. You’ll spend less time drying off the moisture, which means you’ll be exposed to less heat.
4. Make use of heat protection.
Never use a heat protectant on your hair unless it is completely dry. It might be a spray or a cream. While it will not totally eliminate damage, it will prevent most of it.
Remember to boost your hair care routine with conditioners and shampoos that will keep your hair and scalp nourished and healthy.
