Did you know that your hair is most delicate when wet? Each of your hairs is shaped like a tiny tube - an outer layer (the cuticle) protects an inner cortex and core. When your hair is shiny and smooth, it's because your cuticles are healthy and undamaged.
When your hair gets wet, the cortex protected by the cuticle can stretch. The cuticle tries to contain the stretching cortex, but the cuticle can get deformed in the process.
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Because the hair is so prone to stretching when it's wet, it's best to leave your hair alone for the first 70-80% of the drying process. Just let it air dry! It might take time, but nature will do it's thing, we promise!
When you're right out of the shower, gently blot or wrap your hair with a clean, dry towel to remove excess water. Avoid putting it up in a ponytail or bun - leave your hair loose around your shoulders as it dries. The less you mess with your hair as it dries, the better.
Now, you won't believe what we're about to say....
Get out that hairdryer!
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Now don't get us wrong. Hair cuticles and heat aren't friends. We know that it's super tempting to blast your hair with heat right away, but this can lead to the water within your cortex boiling your hair follicle from the inside out (yuck). You'll want to hit your hair with the coolest setting your hairdryer has. If your hairdryer only has heat, skip this step and just let it air dry entirely.
Hold your hairdryer at least 6 inches away from your hair and keep it moving at all times while drying - you'll be done in a jiffy! Once it's dry, you're good to go!
Worried about fixing up hair that's already been damaged by bad drying habits? Take our hair quiz here and tell us all about it!
Love,
The Formulate Team
