When we want to dry hair fast, we normally reach for a hairdryer, often with some remorse for all the blow drying hair damage we are going to cause. What if I told you that I know how to make hair dry faster and with less damage at the same time?

Read on to see some ‘healthy hair drying’ myths busted and to adopt the best drying routine.

Does Blow Drying Damage Hair?

The short answer is yes, it does. Hairdryers expose your hair to heat, which makes it rough and brittle and causes split ends. Here is how it happens.

Your hair remains strong and shiny when its outer layer, the cuticle, is safely protecting the inner cortex containing water. Too much heat damages the cuticles and makes the trapped water form bubbles and break the hair.

Is cold blow drying bad for hair then?

You might have guessed right, it’s not. The sad part is that it won’t let you dry your hair fast either. Thus, while cold air drying does miracles defining shine and setting naughty strands in place, blowing cold air through your soaking wet mane is both vain and unpleasant.

Air Drying vs. Blow Drying

Before you ditch your hairdryer and start sacrificing time to air dry your hair instead, please be informed that it is not always better to let your hair dry naturally.

Adam Reed, ghd global ambassador, warns that hair absorbs much water while washing, and waiting for all the water to evaporate in the air takes much time. The problem here is not only that nobody has time for that; the longer time the hair stays wet, the more the cortex swells and cracks, causing permanent hair damage.

Recent research carried out in Korea confirms that a long-lasting wet stage is as harmful as exposure to high drying temperatures. More than that, researchers suggest that the right blow drying technique brings much better results than natural hair drying.

5 Steps to Drying Your Hair Quickly Without Damaging It

Thankfully, a healthy hair drying routine exists, and the process is not long or painful. Just follow these 5 steps and learn to avoid the mistakes women are prone to make.

1. Use Hair Conditioner
I can almost hear you saying that applying a conditioner is part of washing your hair, not drying it. But hear this: Hair conditioners not only nourish your hair and prevent breakage making it easy to detangle your hair after washing, but they also actually help your hair dry faster.

The secret is that conditioners create a gentle coating that repels water and prevents excessive soaking of your tresses. If you have curly hair, using leave-in conditioners will also let you stop hair frizzing after washing.

2. Be Gentle and Use the Right Towel
Drying hair with a towel is not a good way to dry your hair fast without a blow dryer. Instead, it is another myth that needs to be busted. The fact is, wet hair is very susceptible to damage, so rubbing the moisture out can seriously harm the cuticles.

To make your hair dry faster, use a super-absorbent hair-drying towel to blot excessive moisture or, if you have long thick hair, wrap it up, turban-style. Soft microfiber towels work best here, but you can also dry hair with a cotton T-shirt, piling your hair on your head for 10 to 20 minutes.

3. Fluff the Roots of Your Hair
Roots remain wet longer than the ends and leaving them half-dry can be dangerous, especially in cold weather. This is why so many women prefer to be safe than sorry and blow dry on high heat, running the risk of fried hair.

To dry your roots fast without causing damage, make sure they get as much airflow as possible. Shake your head from side to side, turn it upside down, or run your fingers through hair strands, thus opening up the roots. Needless to say, do this outside the humid bathroom where you have just showered.

4. Comb Your Hair
Note that brushing hair when it’s wet is one of the damaging hair habits stylists recommend to avoid. Still, using a wide-tooth comb to separate some hair strands will promote airflow and make your hair dry faster.

Another option is to use a microfiber brush with soft bristles that soak water. The brush does not damage the cuticles but allows getting down to hair styling faster.

5. Use Protective Blow-Drying Techniques
Now, when your hair is rough-dried, blow dry it to get the necessary volume and styling. To blow-dry hair without damage, follow these simple rules:
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• Stick to cooler temperatures;
• Use an ionic hair dryer that dries hair faster even on cooler settings;
• Hold the blow dryer 6 inches away from your hair;
• Move the blow dryer around letting separate strands cool down a bit before a new round of heat;
• Apply heat protectant products.
  

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You may finish styling with cold hair blowing; this will help close the cuticles and make hair smooth and shiny.

A Bonus Speed-Drying Hack
A tricky way to save time drying your hair is not washing it at all. In fact, there are many good reasons to stop washing hair daily, and escaping the chance to stress your hair with the drying routine is just one of them.

Wash less frequently or use dry shampoos every other day, and your hair will be more than grateful.

Bottom Line
​Drying your hair fast does not need to harm your tresses. Blot the moisture and rough-dry your mane, then blow dry it with warm air, holding the hairdryer at a distance and moving it around. Finish with some cold air blowing to fix your hairstyle, and here you are, ready to go out sporting your gorgeous, healthy and shiny hair.

1 Classic Bob

While a bob is a great option year-round, it’s especially choice come winter. There’s no need to worry about your ends getting caught on the collar of your coat or wrapped up in a scarf, not to mention that a bob is quick and easy to style anytime, anywhere, says Gina Rivera, hairstylist and owner of Phenix Salons and By Gina. While there’s no shortage of ways to wear a bob (versatility for the win), this cut is best for those with fine to medium hair. With thicker hair, your risk ending up with an unflattering, triangular or helmet-like shape, notes Austin-based stylist Michelle Pasterski. The other important part? “Don’t wimp out on the length,” says Pasterski. “A ‘lob’ doesn’t have all of these same benefits." A classic bob should hit about mid-neck.

2 French Girl Bob

Already rocking a bob and want to change it up? Consider going even shorter with this trendy new take on the classic cut, suggests Gia Wendt, a stylist at SPACE by Alex Brown in Chicago. Surprisingly low maintenance, it too can be styled a number of ways, and works well with bangs, as seen here, or without. Plus, it looks super chic skimming a turtleneck or peeking out from under a wool beret, says Wendt.

3 Textured Curls

Embrace your natural curls for not only an on-trend winter hairstyle, but also one that will be less damaging. Dry indoor heat coupled with the cold, dry weather outside can take a toll on your hair, zapping it of moisture and shine. The less you can shampoo and heat style, the better, which is why this look is so good; it doesn’t require daily shampooing and blow-drying, points out Rivera. Just refresh your curls in between washes with a hydrating, curl-reviving product. The other upshot? “This is also a great look if you’ll be wearing a hat, scarf, or earmuffs, since you don’t have to worry about them messing up your style,” she says.

4 Curtain Bangs

If you’ve been pondering fringe for a while, now’s the time to make the cut. “Bangs are a great winter addition. With the lack of humidity, it’s easier to keep them smooth and flat, and you don’t have to worry about them getting greasy from a sweaty forehead,” says Dani Hauflaire, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Curtain bangs—a choppy bang that softly splits in the center—allow for a good amount of styling versatility, and are nice way to help frame your eyes when you’re wearing a mask, adds Wendt. The other nice option? If you don’t love them, they’ll naturally grow out into soft, face-framing layers that you’ll be able to pull back, adds Hauflaire.

5 Clavicut

One of the best winter hairstyles for those who prefer to sport longer length is the clavicut. “Dry winter air can leave old dry ends extra staticky and nasty, so consider taking off at least a few inches so your hair ends right below the collarbone,” Pasterski says. “Plus, you’ll have less hair to blow dry, which is always nice given that you probably don’t want to run out of the house with wet hair in the middle of winter." This length is also ultra-versatile; it’s pretty worn down, either straight or with texture, but also long enough to pull up. Top tip: If you’re sporting a winter hat, run a little bit of a styling cream or oil through the visible lengths to add polish and smooth out errant hairs, says Pasterski.

6 Pixie

Pixies are a good pick for those with fine hair, as they can create the illusion of texture and thickness, Rivera says. The caveat: There are all kinds of nuanced difference among pixie cuts, so “make sure to bring photos of ones you like and don’t like,” she advises. Stock up on some cute accessories, think fun clips or bobby pins too, as they’re a great way to tamp down unruly winter hair and add a festive touch.

7 Lots of Length

​If you’ve been growing out your hair and want to keep doing so, but are craving a little refresh or subtle change, ask for lots of face-framing layers and movement, suggests Wendt. Hauflaire agrees, pointing out that a cut like this works well for the season because it’s all about the length, rather than creating volume at the root that will just get crushed under a winter hat. That being said, “the key to any long style is hydration, especially during the winter,” she notes. (It’s the secret to warding off errant frizzies and static), so make sure to load up on moisturizing stylers.

​8 Shag

The shag remains a popular winter hairstyle season after season. “Adding shorter layers helps eliminate some of the dry ends that come with winter, while still maintaining length,” explains Hauflaire, who adds that this is another good haircut that works well with or without bangs. As an added benefit, it’s also a great low-maintenance option, a nice plus if you’re trying to minimize salon visits these days. You’ll be able to get through the whole winter without having to come in for a trim, says Wendt.

What Are Hair Toppers?

With toppers, they’re kind of a mix of both extensions and wigs; honestly, you get the best of both worlds here. They clip in at the top of your hair, but since they have a much smaller cap, they sit flatter. With toppers, you also get to rock your natural hair and blend it in with the topper. Similar to other forms of fake hair, you can purchase curly hair toppers, toppers with bangs, or even custom pieces with balayage to match your own style. The possibilities are really endless.
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Reasons to Try Hair Toppers

Now, why should you choose a topper over other forms of faux hair? Believe it or not, toppers make life easier in so many ways. There are a number of celebrities and TV personalities who choose to wear toppers to add fullness and allows them to have a more styled and sleek look on screen, without the added work or heat damage. It’s just like wearing extensions or wigs for the added fullness, without all of the efforts. For those suffering from hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, postpartum thinning, alopecia areata, just to name a few), toppers can be a total lifesaver. They are much less damaging than extensions and can cover the crown, which is a common area for women with thinning.

More often than not, women are choosing toppers over wigs because you still have the choice of incorporating your own hair, giving you a more natural look. Toppers are generally less full than wigs, so for someone transitioning to fake hair due to hair loss, it’s a much gentler switch. Switching to fake hair can feel like a drastic change, so being able to wear your own hair helps to ease your way into the fake hair world. As someone who has hair loss, I definitely appreciate that. Basically, toppers provide the added fullness and thickness you get from all forms of fake hair, with much less effort.

While I do think that toppers are a great alternative in the faux hair world, like anything, they have their cons, and the last thing I want is to leave you thinking this is a perfect fix. Nothing ever is perfect in life, right? I often receive questions about what brand is the best women’s hair topper, and my answer is always, I haven’t found it yet. Toppers are great, but they can still cause some damage, as the clips that secure it to the hair can create traction and pulling over time. Due to my own personal hair loss issues, I can wear a topper for about 4-5 hours before it starts to get uncomfortable. Those of us with hair loss generally have a more sensitive scalp, so the experience will be different for everyone.
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Toppers also need to be maintained, just like any form of fake hair. They need to be gently washed and dried to prevent damage to the piece. As you can probably imagine, the more expensive the topper, the more care it requires. Lastly, toppers really only work if you have hair. So, if you suffer from severe hair loss with little to no hair at the top of your scalp, toppers may not work for you as they need a decent amount of hair to clip onto.

​Up, up and away
Stay cool, calm and collected while working from home with these tried and tested styles

In a working from home styling rut? Yeah, we feel you; nailing effortlessly cool hair can be easier said than done. So, we tasked two of the Layered team to try some trending updos – will they pass the Zoom test?

I don’t have the worst experience with my hair in warmer conditions, but my flat, straight hair becomes a limp mop. I struggle to get any height into my roots at the best of times, so when spring and summer swings around – along with the humidity and sweat it inevitably brings – I resign myself to a couple of months of looking like a greasy teenager again. 

But if this is the lot I’m dealt with then I’m going to do my best to style it out, especially now I’m on a daily 11am Zoom with the rest of the team. Having finally (sort of, maybe) cracked how to nail down a slicked-back editorial look I took inspiration from the likes of Olivia Palermo and Burberry AW19 with a sleek low bun. 

I like to wash my hair in an evening, so when I know it’s going to be seriously hot or humid I swap out my usual conditioner with a nourishing mask. I like the Goldwell Kerasilk Color Intensive Luster Mask, which leaves my hair incredibly soft, and I’ll add a touch of styling cream or leave-in conditioner (I like the TIGI Copyright Care Styling Cream) as well, to really push that silky, sleek look to the max when I blow dry it. 

The next morning my hair looks shiny but incredibly flat and a touch greasy – perfect. I use a spritz of Sebastian Drynamic Dry Shampoo which is almost like a dry shampoo/texturiser crossover, directly at the roots around my hairline and crown of my head. Next, I split my hair carefully into a centre parting. There’s something about a dead centre, clean parting that makes this look very intentional and fashionable, rather than looking like I’ve scraped my hair back any old way.  
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I brush out my lengths and ends, then twist in the opposite direction for a neat coil. The placement of the bun is important too – off the nape of the neck so it’s not falling out, but not so high that it’s invisible from the front. A couple of Bobby pins and a spritz of hairspray (or wet look gel would look amazing too), and I somehow look done up for those daily Zoom meets, rather than like I’m drowning. 

My hair is surprisingly thick and notoriously hard to maintain unless armed with a pair of straightening irons. Given the rise in temperatures and working from home, the thought of adding heat to my morning routine brings me out in a cold sweat, but equally going au naturale is a BIG no. So what is a girl to do? 
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As a pretty active Insta user, naturally I turn to my feed at every opportunity for a little inspo. For S/S 20, hair accessories are proving to be more popular than ever and while I’m a big fan of a barrette, to keep this mane in place and off my face I need something with a little more staying power. In years gone by, I’ve always resorted to a scrunchie to gather up my tresses into some variation of a ‘messy’ bun, but have never quite managed to make it look as effortlessly cool as I’d hoped. So, when the heatwave hit the UK for the first time during Easter, I decided to raid my accessories draw for some fabric and scarves to give me a helping hand.

After hair expert Zoë Irwin introduced her Tie It Up collection, hair scarves have become the coolest way to add interest to a regular pony, upgrade a basic bun or take the oh-so-chic half up styles to the next level. While my shorter lengths mean the ‘snatched’ ponytail is out of my reach, a messy bun seemed realistic enough to achieve! Though I’m no styling sensation, a few bobbles and bobby pins can work wonders, so after using the JOICO Hair Shake to add a little texture at the root, I got to work.

Much like Deborah’s low bun, there is certainly a knack to nailing this look and I’d recommend using your favourite brush to gather up all your strands into one ponytail. At this point, I tilted my head forward to bring everything together before beginning to twist the ponytail up into a bun. Don’t worry too much about nailing a ballerina-esque look, as any flyaways can be pinned down.

I also used the L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Fix Design to kick any rogue baby hairs to the curb before introducing my fabric of choice. This is the fun part: you have total creative freedom to pick from hair scarves, floral prints and everything in between! Simply wrap around the bun before tying in place to leave a section of the fabric hanging down the neck.
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Perfect for any length of hair, I can certainly see why hair scarves have become a must have accessory. Besides bringing a pop of colour to WFH chic, it hides a multitude of sins on Zoom while being bang on trend – I’m sold!