Ask The Pro: Is it Better to Blow Dry or Air-Dry Natural Hair?

This question comes to us from @phemonawoman on Instagram.

Our resident natural hair care professional Simeko Watkins-Hartley answers…

When you wash and condition, should you blow dry and style or let it air dry then style?

Answer: It all depends on the style/look you are trying to achieve, as well as the condition of your hair. 

As we all may know by now, natural hair tends to be dry so the less heat we use on our hair the better. However, blow-drying the hair on a low/medium temperature, once in a while, to accomplish a style/look should not cause any major damage to the hair if it is relatively healthy.

When the hair is blown out it appears to be longer and less frizzy. So when styling the hair in a set style (rod, roller, bantu knots, twist/braid out, etc.), blowing it out prior, will aid in achieving a more smoother, elongated set.

Styles such as cornrows, flat twists and natural up-dos are usually best accomplished when the hair is blown out first because (1) it is easier to part/section with less pulling and tugging at the hair and (2) these styles also look a lot smoother and generally last a little longer since most of the frizz has been removed.

Now, if your hair is damaged, extremely dry and/or breaking then you should definitely try to choose styling options (all of the styles mentioned above can be achieved without blow-drying the hair as well) that do not require heat. Your main focus should be conditioning, moisturizing and strengthening your hair to regain, maintain and retain your best hair possible!!!

Naturally Yours,

Simeko Watkins-Hartley

Owner & Creative Director of Meko, New York Natural Hair Care Spa & Boutique

Disclaimer: This information serves as a guide to inform, inspire and encourage women, like myself, to regain and maintain their healthiest hair possible.