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When hair extensions are applied, it’s important that you discuss proper drying techniques for hair extensions with your professional stylist. The last thing you’d want is for your investment to fall out because you didn’t heed their advice.
We are often asked the same question: Which is better for hair extensions, blow dry or air dry? Or, Can you blow dry hair extensions. Well, getting straight into the answer...the best way to dry hair extensions is to let them dry naturally (air dry).
However, this isn’t always ideal because of the added time needed to air dry when you have put extra layers of hair on your hair, or when you are within a time constraint at a hair salon. In this article, we will define both methods that will hopefully help you make a decision based upon what works for YOU!
BLOW DRY
Blow drying is the act of applying an outside source of heat to hair extensions. Blow drying can be damaging to hair extensions if performed incorrectly. It should be done with caution; often times it requires some sort of expertise to be completed properly.
AIR DRY
Alright... Now that you are up to speed, I want to give some key points on the features of these two methods and which one I feel is better for your hair extensions.
Benefits of Blow Drying
- It works for all kinds of hair extensions.
- Unlike air drying, it will not damage the glue attached to the hair extension bond since the heat will whisk the water away from the glue.
- It eliminates water from resting on the glue or hair cuticles for long periods of time – glue and water don’t mix.
- It works at any time of the day or night as long as you own a serviceable blow dryer.
- It will cause damage to hair overtime due to continuous heat. Heat and hair do not mix.
Remember, you can only blow dry your hair if you have human hair extensions. Synthetic extensions will melt when exposed to direct heat from a blow dryer or even a gas heater or open stove.
Benefits of Air Drying
- It saves time and cuts down drastically on styling. All you need to do is wash and condition your hair extensions and let the wind handle the rest.
- It gives your hair extensions a break from heat styling.
- When done properly, it protects your hair extensions from unnecessary heat damage. Prolonged heat can be damaging over time.
- It’s better to air dry during the day when temperatures are normally higher.
