Using the hottest setting on your hair dryer may dry your hair faster, but switching to cold air can improve the overall health and appearance of your hair. The cool shot button is not just an optional feature; it has many perks.
Cold air minimizes heat damage, seals the cuticle, and locks in moisture, giving your hair a natural shine. This method is especially beneficial for sensitive scalps and thick strands. Unlike the unknown effects of other methods, cold air is less likely to cause damage.
It’s gentler, reduces frizz, and doesn’t strip moisture, making it ideal for damp hair. Whether you have thick or long hair, cold air can be a great way to protect your luscious locks while maintaining their natural shine.
The benefit of using cold air is that it works with precision over a longer duration, accommodating varying thickness and length. Take your time, enjoy leisurely mornings or evenings, and follow the steps in this blog to get the most out of your cold air treatment.
Benefits of Drying Your Hair with Cold Air
Choosing to dry your hair with cold air offers many advantages.
Minimises Heat Damage
Drying your hair with cold air is one of the key advantages over hot air. It protects your hair from heat damage and maintains natural moisture levels. Hot air can weaken the structure of your hair’s proteins, leading to frizz and breakage.
Seals Hair Cuticles
Cold air helps seal your hair cuticle, which is the outermost layer of the hair shaft. This protects your hair from splitting and keeps it looking healthy and fresh.
Reduces Frizz
Exposing your hair to excessive heat can cause damage and frizz. Using the cold air setting on your dryer helps prevent frizz from happening. If you’re prone to frizzy hair, an anti-frizz spray can help tame flyaways in conjunction with drying.
Maintains Hair Colour
Using cold air on recently colour-treated hair helps maintain its vibrancy. Exposure to high heat can cause the pigments to fade or discolour. Combining this with deep conditioning vs conditioning will further protect and enhance your hair’s color.
Soothes the Scalp
If you have a dry or itchy scalp, using cold air can soothe it and prevent further drying. This method is especially helpful after applying toner vs hair dye, keeping your scalp comfortable and healthy.
It may retain moisture in your hair
Moisturizing your hair is crucial to keep it hydrated and healthy. Unlike blow-drying with hot air, which evaporates water causing dullness and dryness, cold air helps the hair shaft absorb moisture from the wet wash and leave-in conditioner, resulting in better hydration and a polished appearance. This method is also effective for drying wavy hair while retaining its moisture and shine.
It may prevent color fading
Avoid using hot air when drying colored or dyed hair. Hot air opens the cuticles, allowing color molecules to escape, leading to color fading. Cold air instead seals the cuticles and preserves the hair color by holding onto the molecules.
Can a Cold Air Hair Dryer Damage Your Hair?
When choosing to dry your hair with cold air, it’s important to use a high-quality cold-air hair dryer and follow proper techniques. Avoid blow-drying too closely or frequently, as it can lead to tangled or damaged hair. Best practices include holding the hair dryer 20 centimeters away and moving it around constantly to avoid overdrying one section. Also, consider using products like purple shampoo; while it doesn’t lighten hair, it helps maintain color.
Comparing Cold Air vs Hot Air Dryers
Pros and cons of using cold air dryers versus hot air dryers:
Cold Air Dryers
PROS:
Gentle on Hair
Cold air dryers are gentle on hair as they reduce heat damage by maintaining moisture levels and do not cause further heat damage.
Reduces Frizz
The lack of heat exposure helps prevent frizz effectively, keeping your hair smooth.
Protects Colour
For color-treated hair, cold air drying helps protects color by ensuring the pigments last longer.
Soothing
Cold air can soothe a dry and irritated scalp, offering relief and comfort.
CONS:
Takes Longer to Dry
Using a cold setting takes longer to dry hair, so patience is required.
Less Styling Versatility
Without heat, it’s harder to style your hair, and you may need additional styling products to achieve the desired results.
Hot Air Dryers
PROS:
Faster Drying
Hot air dries hair faster compared to cold settings, making it ideal for quick results.
Styling Versatility
With hot air dryers, you can easily shape and style your hair more efficiently.
CONS:
Potential Heat Damage
Excessive heat from hot air can cause hair strands to dry out and become damaged. Using heat-protectant products is necessary to keep your hair moisturized and protected during styling.
Increases Frizz
Heat can increase frizz and cause flyaways by drying out your hair.
Color Fading Risks
Hot air may lead to color fading, especially in color-treated hair, as it causes pigments to fade faster than with cold air.
How to Dry Your Hair with Cold Air Properly?
Towel Dry First
Gently blow your hair in an upward motion using a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to remove excess moisture.
Use a Cold Air Hair Dryer
For optimal results, choose a cold air hair dryer with multiple speeds and heat settings.
Maintain Distance
Keep the blow dryer about 20 centimeters from your hair to ensure it dries evenly.
Keep Moving
Continuously keep moving the dryer to distribute cold air evenly without overexposing one section.
Use a Heat Protectant
Even with cold air, apply a heat protectant with natural heat blocking and nourishing oils for extra protection and added moisture. Consider using Pump’s heat protection for the best care.
How to Use a Cold Air Dryer on Hair?
Gently pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or T-shirt to absorb excess water. Switch your dryer to the cold setting and keep it 6 inches away. Move the dryer in different angles for even coverage. Researchers suggest that continuously moving the hair dryer 15 cm away causes less damage than drying hair naturally.
How long does it take to dry hair with cold air?
Drying hair with cold air takes longer than hot air. The exact time varies based on factors like hair thickness, length, and texture. On average, it may take 30 minutes to a few hours to fully air dry, especially for thick or long hair.
How to Choose a Cold Air Dryer for Your Hair?
Check the Wattage:
Cold air dryers with appropriate wattage offer the right speed and strength. For most hair types, 1,000–2,000 watts is enough.
Look for an AC Motor:
An AC motor ensures durability, reliability, and consistent airflow.
Choose a Design that’s Ergonomic and Lightweight:
Pick a lightweight dryer that’s comfortable and easy to hold to prevent strain and hand fatigue.
Consider the Attachments:
A diffuser for natural waves and curls or a concentrator nozzle for smoothening and straightening.
Read the Reviews:
Reviews reveal pros and cons, quality, performance, and durability. Always compare models, brands, prices, and ratings.
Best hair dryer with cold settings of 2024 – A complete review
The Laifen Swift is a special high-speed hair dryer with cold settings. This revolutionary tool offers advanced cold settings and a diffuser for natural waves and curls. It ensures gentle, effective drying, minimizing heat damage, and provides precision styling with its concentrator nozzle—the perfect choice for a wide range of hairstyles.
Can You Mix Air-Drying With Blow-Drying?
Certainly! Experts confirm that air-drying can be combined with blow-drying.
Method 1
- Towel plop with a T-shirt for 15–20 minutes.
- Air-dry your hair for 1–1.5 hours.
- Finish with 5 minutes of blow-drying using long-finger diffusion on the cold setting until your hair is dry.
Method 2
- Let your hair dry 80% in the air.
- Blow-dry on the cold setting for the remaining 20%.
- Apply a drop of serum with fingers to the scalp.
- Massage gently and lightly brush over dry hair to prevent frizz.
- Avoid overapplication to keep hair from getting greasy.
Conclusion
Drying your hair with cold air offers multiple benefits, including protecting your hair from heat damage, preserving moisture, and maintaining vibrant color. This method is particularly suitable for sensitive scalps and thick hair, providing a gentle, effective drying experience. Cold air also reduces frizz and breakage, making it an excellent option for daily hair care. While it takes longer to dry, the overall health and appearance of your hair are significantly improved by incorporating cold air into your routine.
FAQ’s
Is it better to dry your hair with cold air?
Drying your hair with cold air offers key advantages. It protects against heat damage, maintains natural moisture levels, and prevents frizz and breakage by avoiding hot air that can weaken hair structure.
Can cold air damage your hair?
Cold, dry air can cause the cuticle of the hair strand to lift, making moisture less likely to stay locked in the hair shaft. This can lead to breakage and frizz during frigid times of the year.
What is the healthiest way to dry your hair?
Experts believe combining air and blow-drying is healthier than just air drying. It’s good to air dry your hair under a fan until seventy percent dry, then blow-dry.
Does a cold hair dryer cause hair fall?
Hair loss while blow-drying might seem natural, but there’s no real connection. Unless you’re burning your skin or irritating your scalp with the hair dryer, it won’t cause hair fall, even if you notice an abnormal amount.
