How To Blow Dry Men’s Hair

Are you looking to improve your blow-drying skills?

Well, look no further than this article because we’ve got all the info you need. Hair types and lengths don’t matter when it comes to blow-drying as it can greatly benefit all of them.

Using a hairdryer is one of the most overlooked steps in a men’s hair care routine but it can make all the difference, especially when it comes to styling your hair.

A blow dryer will add volume and shape to your hair rather than just using a towel to pat-dry it.

So, in light of the importance of a blow dryer as well as the lack of guys really taking this key factor on board, we’ve decided to give you a no-nonsense guide on how to blow dry your hair in a way that gives you results but doesn’t cause any lasting damage.

Let’s begin.

Tips For When you Blow Dry Hair

Practice makes perfect when it comes to suing a blowdryer efficiently but here are a few key tips that you should consider before and when you start using your blowdryer.

Keep Your Distance

One of the most important things to remember is to hold the hair dryer at least 6 inches from your hair as this will keep you from burning and over-drying the hair cuticle. It also helps with directing your hair in the way you want it to go as putting it too close will just blast your hair all over the place.

Be Quick About It

Using a hairdryer for too long will damage your hair and this is the biggest downside of using one. however, if you do it right, then this won’t be an issue. Try to limit the heat to a medium setting, or make sure you’re not spending too long on certain sections.

If you want to really focus on an area (when setting in curls for example) then use the lowest setting so the air isn’t hot and there’s less risk of causing damage. A short hairstyle won’t take long to dry, so set the shape and direction you want your hair to go, and then stop.

Plan Beforehand

Before you begin, decide on the style and let the hair dryer do the work. Style your hair in the desired direction using the heat of the dryer and a brush or your hands as this will make styling 10x easier since the blow dryer does all of the work for you.

Don’t just go for it and blow dry from all different directions until something sticks because this is a sure-fire way to have a mop of hair on your head that will collapse into a mess after an hour or two.

Focus On Volume

If you want to wear your hair down (a messy fringe for example) then aim your hair dryer downwards so the hair sits in this position and doesn’t stick up in places.

Conversely, if you like to wear your hair up (a pompadour or quiff) then place the blow dryer under your hair and blow it upwards, then move it into position with a comb or your fingers all while blowing it in the general direction you want.

Lock-In

Once you have the general direction or look you want for your hair, then it’s time to use the cool setting on the hair dryer. A blast of cool air will set the hair in place by closing the cuticle. It’s almost as if you’re freezing the hair into place so it stays where it’s supposed to.

How To Blow Dry Men’s Hair: Preparation

1) Wash your hair – You’ll want freshly washed hair as blow-drying requires applying direct heat, which can damage your hair if not done correctly. I recommend using a moisturizing shampoo (best shampoo for men) and conditioner to help your hair retain its natural oils as this should help to minimize any breakages, dryness, or frizziness.

2) Pat Dry – Blow-drying your hair, while it’s soaking wet, is a no-go. This is because it requires more heat and can damage your hair as it you need to hold the dryer closer and have it on a higher heat setting to properly dry the cuticles. Instead, you need to gently blot your hair with a towel to remove the excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, squeezing, or twisting your hair, as this can damage it but once your hair is lightly damp then you can begin using a blowdryer to

3) Comb Tangles – Combing a part into your hair will make it easier to style. Your hair should naturally fall around the part already. Run a comb through your hair to remove any knots that will likely develop when towel drying. Detangling will help you evenly distribute the air when blow-drying.

4) Heat Protectant – Blow-drying can cause intense damage to your hair if it isn’t properly protected so applying a thermal protectant product, such as a heat-activated spray or mousse, will keep your hair from being fried by the blowdryer.

How To Blow Dry Men’s Hair: A Step By Step Guide

1) Medium Heat – Your hair follicles open up when exposed to warm air from the blowdryer which allows them to become more flexible and easier to control. However, if you apply too much heat, it can damage your hair, making it frizzy and unmanageable. You should rarely if ever, use the highest setting when you air dry your hair so I’d suggest sticking to medium and below as there’s a considerably lower risk to your hair.

2) Not Too Close – If you hold the blowdryer too close, the hot air can burn your hair or scalp. In which case, you should use a brush, comb, or even your fingers to pull your hair closer to the blow dryer when necessary.

3) Positioning – Use a comb or brush to hold the hair in place and help you control it while drying. If you don’t have a brush, then you can always use your fingers (you may even prefer this) and tug the hair gently in the direction you are drying it. For the best results, move your way from the roots to the tips for more control and less frizz.

4) Lift The Front – Now, you’re probably looking for volume so angle the blow dryer up from beneath your hairline so the air is pushing your hair upward. Then use your fingers to gently lift and tug the hair at the front of your crown upward while you dry it. This creates a natural lift and adds volume to the front of your hair. For even more volume, You can also use a round brush to pull the hair up and away from you while drying (This is a technique many barbers use).

5) Blow Dry Underneath – We don’t always have the time to style hair into our ideal style so this is an easy way to give your hair more volume with less hassle and less time spent. To do it, focus the blow dryer on the crown of your head first, using your fingers to gently tug your hair up at the root while drying. This will add volume to fine or limp hair and create a more natural and better yet, textured look to your hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should men use before blow drying hair?

If you want extra hold, you might want to apply a hair styling product when your hair is damp and before blow-drying. There are also pre-stylers that are designed specifically for this purpose so you can get your hair into a better position before drying it and applying your primary hair products.

Does blow drying hair damage it?

If done in the right way, then no blow-drying will not harm your hair. However, applying heat to your hair when it is already dry can cause brittleness, breakage, dullness, and dryness. The secret to safe blow drying is good timing, distance, and the right heat. You should also not start blow-drying with wet hair.

What are the benefits of blow drying hair?

Hair can often become dehydrated in cold weather, but air-drying, as opposed to heat styling, can help your hair retain moisture better. Air-drying depletes your hair of moisture over a longer period whereas blow-drying will deplete your hair of moisture quickly. You lose more moisture with a quick blow-dry.