Is It Better to Blow Dry or Air Dry Hair?

You’re fresh out of the shower, after spending a good 10 minutes washing your hair properly – do you reach for your hair dryer or just let the air do the work?

It’s an age-old debate; beauty experts have been talking about whether it’s better to blow dry or air dry hair for years. Well, we’re here to give you an answer!

In this article, we compare the pros and cons of air dry vs blow dry, as well as provide our expert opinion on the best way to dry hair.

What is air drying?

Air drying is exactly what it sounds like – you let your hair dry naturally, without using a hair dryer. Simply towel off any excess water after you’ve finished washing and then leave your hair to dry on its own. 

There’s no extra steps or styling tips required here – it’s simply a case of playing the waiting game while your hair dries on its own. 

How long does hair take to dry?

Your hair can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to dry on its own, depending on the type, length, thickness, and even the weather. 

For example, if you have fine hair, then you could be fully dry in less than an hour. However, if you’ve got thick, curly, or long hair, it could take upwards of three hours to completely dry.

Is air drying hair bad?

While it’s not bad per say, air drying isn’t always the ideal option, either. 

Leaving your hair wet for long periods of time (which can be hours if you’ve got thick hair!) can lead to weakened strands, scalp irritation, and flatness – especially if you head out into the cold. 

You also shouldn’t leave your hair damp overnight, if you’ve washed just before bed. The moisture and warmth of the wet hair against the pillow can attract fungi and bacteria, which can lead to dandruff, dermatitis, and other dry scalp issues. 

So, even though air drying is a great no-heat, low effort option, it’s not always the best way to dry your hair.

What is blow drying?

Blow drying uses heat to dry your hair quickly, giving you a smooth, styled finish in no time at all. In fact, if done right, blow drying can help you control volume, reduce frizz, and shape your style.

Does blow drying damage hair?

While it does offer that salon finish, a hair dryer can also damage your hair if not used correctly. 

For example, if you regularly use a higher heat, try to dry soaking wet hair, or don’t use a heat protectant, it can lead to dryness, split ends, and weakened strands. 

To ensure your hair is healthy and happy after each blow dry, make sure you towel off any excess water from your hair first and apply a heat protectant. When using the hair dyer, opt for a medium heat and keep it moving, not hovering in one spot for too long. 

Is it better to blow dry or air dry hair?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. 

Air drying is the low maintenance option and is gentler to your hair – also if you’ve got textured hair, it will retain that texture much better than with a blow dry. On the other hand, blow drying is quicker and can protect your hair from breakage but can lead to other problems, if not done correctly. 

Our very own hair expert, Eva Proudman, has also weighed in with her thoughts on air dry vs blow dry:

What’s the best way to dry hair?

We don’t think of it as air dry vs blow dry. Instead, it’s about combining the two methods into a balanced haircare routine:

1. Start by gently towelling your hair dry – don’t rub your hair, just blot.

2. Air dry for 15-30 minutes to let your hair naturally release some of the moisture.

3. Add a heat protectant to your hair, spritzing evenly across all your strands.

4. Finish the job with the blow dryer on a low or medium heat, giving that salon finish.

In our humble opinion, this is the best way to dry hair! You get less heat exposure, faster drying times, and a smooth finish, without compromising your hair’s health. 

No matter which side of the air dry vs blow dry debate you fall on, the key is doing what works best for you and your hair. Well, with our hair thickening collagen shampoo & condition duo, you can strengthen, thicken, nourish, and volumize your hair with amazing results.

You can also take our collagen supplements – either in liquid or powder form – to support your hair from the inside out. Head over to the Collagen Lab for more information on the amazing benefits of collagen.