Is blow-drying bad for your hair? Nicolas explains

I am Nicolas, the salon manager and image consultant here, and clients ask me this all the time: does a blow-dry damage my hair? My honest answer is no. A blow-dry done properly does not damage healthy hair.

What causes damage is how it is done: heat that is too high, a dryer held too close, drying the same section again and again, or going in with no protection on the hair.

Here is what I, Nicolas, always advise. Start with towel-dried hair, not dripping wet. Use a heat protectant. Keep the dryer moving and a hand’s width away from the hair. Use a medium heat setting, and finish with a cool blast to settle the cuticle.

At the salon we also use the George Vallossian Repair Hair Mask, a leave-in mask you put on towel-dried hair before styling. It is made to nourish and repair, and the product page lists heat and UV protection among its aims.

Hair that is already dry, bleached or very fine needs a gentler touch. When you come in, we look at your hair first and tell you honestly what it can take.

Have a question about your hair? Come in, have a coffee, and ask us. Or WhatsApp us any time - we answer 24/7.

Nicolas