Anatomy of Hair

Hair is made of protein called Keratin in shingle-like structures named cuticles. And like shingles on a rooftop, as long as the structure is not physically damaged or moisture soaks in, it remaining strong and protective.

At the roots, hair follicle anchors into the scalp, and there it grows to build the hair shaft made of Keratin. Hence, the health of your hair, including hair thickness and hair loss, is linked to the health of your scalp.

How Hair Gets Damaged

So, an unhealthy hair can be the result of hair getting damaged, the scalp becoming weak, or both. When your hair becomes stretched, rubbed, gets too dry, or gets wet for too long, it will get damage.

Also, your hair will get damaged if your scalp gets damaged by rubbing, getting too dry, or getting too wet for an extended period (Like wilted fingers during a bath, this softens the scalp and weakening the follicles). Additionally, prolonged wet scalp can lead to fungal infection.

Problem with Air Drying Hair

The act of air drying your hair is not a problem.  The real problem is allowing moisture to remain in your hair and especially in your scalp for couple of hours, which is how long moisture can remain if tied in a ponytail.  Also excessively rubbing your hair with a towel will strip and rip; brushing wet hair will stretch and split; and allowing it to move freely wet will result in abrasion or cause it to knot.

What's Recommended?

Leaving your hair and scalp to air dry will result in some level of damage. Over blow drying and stressing your hair will also result in some level of damage.

So, the healthiest option is to mostly blow dry your scalp and moderately blow dry your hair with medium temperature, and then brush and style your hair so that it will not frizz, tangle, and knot. Additionally, blow drying at an angle away from the scalp will also help re-seal the wet cuticles for a tighter seal and a shinier look.

For a customized recommendation for your hair, whether still wanting to air drying or blow drying, make an appointment to see one of our experts for a personalized approach for you.

Problem with Blow Drying Hair

Like air drying, blow drying your hair is not a problem. The problem is overheating and over drying your hair, and brushing it too hard. Essentially, you’re taking out all the moisture and then pulling it to a point of hair shaft structural weakening or breakage.

Hint: Blow dry down down away from the root to the end to help seal the hair cuticles.

Do’s

• Do use blow dryer to dry your scalp and hair.  Moderate heat is ok.
• At the lease, blow dry your scalp and the roots even if you leave you the length of your hair moist.
• Do use heat and tangle proof protectant products.
• Do blow dry at an angle away from the roots toward the ends.

Don’ts

• Don’t over brush or comb your hair when wet.
• Don’t roll up wet hair on scalp and let it sit.
• Don’t over heat and over dry your scalp and hair.
• Don’t leave hair un-styled or at least untidied to allow it to frizz or tangle.

Misconceptions

• Air drying your hair is better than blow drying your hair.
• Blow drying your hair will cause damage to your hair.
• Using products and styling my hair will cause stress to my hair.
• Additionally,

Facts

• When used timely and moderately, blow drying is better for scalp and hair.
• Air drying (like over washing) over an extended period can cause scalp to compensate, over produce oil leaving hair more oily, and causing you to fight the imbalance with more and more shampoo for oily scalp and hair.

About Emily J Salon

Emily J is one of Atlanta's top full service hair, makeup and skin care salon located in Duluth, GA and Atlanta, GA (Emory University).  Our expertise is in precision haircuts, custom color & balayage, keratin treatment, permanent waves & straightening, skin care, makeup, and bridal services. 

Emily J's team is comprised of top international master hair stylists, makeup artists, and estheticians.  Each and every one of the servicing professionals are trained in the finest techniques and recognized as leaders in their disciplines.  Just observe and you'll see the difference in how Emily J's stylists cut and feel the difference in how Emily J's estheticians treat.

For appointments with one of our experts:

Contact us in Duluth, GA

• duluth@emilyjsalon.com

• 770-418-9882

Contact us in Atlanta, GA

• emory@emilyjsalon.com

• 404-600-2170

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True of False?

• Blow Drying your hair is BAD.
• Air Drying your hair is GOOD.
  

Learn from the experts. Separate fact from fiction.