Are you looking for a way to get the most out of your hair-twisting routine? If so, you may wonder if you should blow dry your hair before curling it. Blow drying your hair can help to achieve a perfect twist out and promote healthy hair growth, but it can also lead to damage if done incorrectly. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of blow-drying your hair before twisting it so you can make the best decision for your hair care routine.
Answer
Whether or not to blow dry your hair before twisting depends on your preference and hair type. Blow-drying your hair before turning can help create a smoother, more defined twist-out style. However, blow drying can also cause heat damage and increase the risk of breakage, especially if your hair is already dry or damaged. Therefore, if you decide to blow dry your hair, using a low heat setting and a heat protectant to minimize damage is essential. Related Read When is the best time to blow dry?
On the other hand, air drying your hair before twisting can help to retain moisture and reduce the risk of heat damage. However, air drying may take longer, resulting in a less defined twist-out style. If you air dry your hair, it’s essential to ensure it is dehydrated before unraveling the twists to avoid frizz.
Ultimately, deciding to blow dry or air dry your hair before twisting depends on your hair type, texture, and styling goals. Experiment with both methods to determine which works best for you and your hair.
What is hair twisting?
Hair twisting is a popular natural hairstyle involving twisting hair sections into coils or curls. The style is achieved by dividing the hair into small sections and then turning each section from the root to the tip. Hair twisting can be done on various hair textures and lengths.
Pros and Cons of blow drying hair before twisting
Pros: Blow drying your hair before twisting can be beneficial in many ways. It will help to remove excess moisture from the strands, allowing for better definition and hold of the twists. Also, blow drying can reduce the time it takes to create the twist-out and make the results more uniform and even.
Cons: On the other hand, over-drying the hair with a blow dryer can cause damage and breakage due to the intense heat. It’s important to remember that blow drying should only be done when necessary and to use a diffuser attachment if available to reduce the intensity of the heat. Blow drying can also cause frizz, which you want to avoid if you’re looking for sleek, defined twists.
How to properly blow dry hair before twisting
1. Start by detangling your hair with a wide-toothed comb. This will ensure that all the strands are evenly distributed, which is critical for successful blow drying.
2. Section your hair into several smaller sections, making it easier to work with. Clip each section away from the rest and secure it with a hair clip.
3. When you’re ready to begin blow drying, choose the appropriate heat setting. If your hair is fine or weak, opt for a lower temperature. For thicker or coarser hair, you can use a slightly higher temperature.
4. Using a paddle brush, start at the root and direct the warm air down towards the end of the strand, making sure to move the meeting in the same direction as the airflow.
5. Repeat the same motion until the whole section of hair is dry. Ensure to keep the air nozzle pointed downwards throughout the process to prevent heat damage.
6. When you’ve finished blow drying each section, you can use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to help enhance and define your natural curls and waves.
7. To complete the look, use a styling product such as a curl cream or mousse to lock in moisture and add extra definition. In this article, we talk about the Tips to Make Thin Twists Look Thicker and Fuller. Check it out for all of the details.
Alternatives to blow drying hair before twisting
If you don’t want to blow dry your hair before twisting, several alternatives can help you get great results.
One option is to use a hooded dryer or hair steamer. These tools use warm air to gently dry the hair without drying it out too much. This is a great way to achieve softer and more manageable hair before styling.
Another alternative is to wrap your hair in a cotton scarf after showering. This helps absorb some excess moisture while allowing your hair to stay hydrated and healthy. It also helps prevent breakage and split ends. We wrote a fantastic article on 3 Things they won’t tell you about Dominican Hair blowout. Check it out for all the details on that...
You can also try deep conditioning your hair before twisting it. Deep conditioning helps to add moisture back into your strands, making them more manageable and more accessible to style. To do this, apply a deep conditioner to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing out and then proceeding with styling.
Finally, you can use a pre-styling product before twisting your hair. Pre-styling products like mousses, creams, and gels help give your hair structure and control before you start styling. This can make it easier to twist your hair into the desired style.
These are just a few alternatives to blow drying your hair before twisting. Regardless of your chosen method, use products specifically designed for your type of hair and practice good hair care habits to achieve the best results. You may enjoy How to keep your two-strand twist from shrinking
Tips for achieving the best twist-out results
1. Start with clean, freshly shampooed, and conditioned hair. This ensures that you’re starting with a clean slate and can achieve the best results.
2. Use a good leave-in conditioner to add moisture to your hair before you begin twisting. This will help keep your hair from becoming dry and brittle during twisting.
3. Detangle your hair before you start twisting. This will help the twisting process go much smoother and faster and give better results.
4. Choose a natural oil, like coconut oil, to apply to your scalp and the ends of your hair before you twist. This will give your hair the extra moisture and nourishment needed to stay healthy and hydrated during twisting.
5. evenly distribute the product throughout your hair while you twist. This will help create an even twist-out, rather than one where some strands are heavier or have more effect than others.
6. To create loose, defined curls, use a large curling iron or wand to wrap each section of twisted hair around it once or twice. This will help the loops hold their shape better and make them look more defined.
7. Once you have finished styling your hair, use a soft hold hairspray to keep the curls in place without making them crunchy or stiff.
8. Lastly, don’t forget to use a good moisturizing cream or oil after styling your hair to keep it hydrated and healthy. This here is a fantastic article on Simple Hairstyle For Short Hair